Friday, July 11, 2014
According to the American Diabetes Association, 25.8 million Americans have diabetes and by 2020 half of all Americans will suffer from this disease.
Diabetes causes high blood sugar (glucose) levels due to lack of insulin production or function. It is mainly classified as either Type 1, in which the body fails to produce insulin, or Type 2, in which the body is not able to properly use the insulin it produces.
It is essential to control diabetes because it can lead to a host of health complications including kidney failure, nerve damage, blindness, heart attacks, strokes, poor blood circulation, hearing loss and many more.
A healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet, exercise, proper sleep, less stress and so on plays a major role in controlling blood glucose levels. A diabetes diet plan should include foods that are high in nutrients, low in fat, moderate in calories and few sugary foods.
As fruits are generally sweet, people often think that a diabetic person should avoid eating them. But there are several fruits that are particularly effective at managing blood sugar. Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, fruits are a healthy addition to any diet.
Some fruits are better than others for diabetics. Moreover, diabetics also need to consider factors like glycemic index and glycemic load as they offer information on how different foods affect blood sugar and insulin levels.
Low glycemic index foods are believed to have a beneficial effect on blood glucose control as they do not significantly impact blood sugar levels. Usually, foods with a glycemic index score of 55 and below are classified as low glycemic index foods. Those with a glycemic index score of 70 and above are considered high glycemic index foods.
top 10 fruits for diabetes
Here are the top 10 fruits for diabetics.
1. Apples
The crunchy, juicy and sweet apples may offer protection against diabetes. Apples are high in soluble fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. They also contain pectin that helps detoxify the body and remove harmful waste products as well as lowers the insulin requirements of diabetics by up to 35%.
Plus, apples help prevent heart attacks, reduce the risk of cancer and ward off eye diseases among diabetic people.
Glycemic index: ranges from 30 to 50
Suggested serving size: One small to medium-sized apple daily is recommended.
2. Cherries
Cherries have one of the lowest ratings of any fruit on the glycemic index at 22. Cherries contain antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate.
Plus, cherries contain anthocyanins that are known to help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin production by up to 50 percent. They also help fight heart disease, cancer and other diseases that are common among diabetic people.
Suggested serving size: Cherries can be eaten fresh, canned, frozen or dried. One-half cup of cherries a day is a good option.
3. Black Plums
Black plums, also known as Jambul or Jamun, can help a lot in controlling blood sugar. Researchers from the Father Muller Medical College in India looked at the effects of black plums in the treatment of diabetes. The presence of anthocyanins, ellagic acid and hydrolysable tannins in black plums makes this fruit extremely beneficial for diabetic people.
The fruit helps control the conversion of carbohydrates into blood sugar. The excessive thirst and frequent urination problems common among diabetic people can also be controlled by this fruit. Along with the fruit, the leaves, berry and seeds of the black plum tree can be used to control blood sugar level.
Suggested serving size: One-half cup of black plums daily is recommended, when the fruit is available in the market. You can also make a powder of dried seeds and eat one teaspoon of the powder with water twice a day.
4. Guava
Guava has a high concentration of lycopene, a high amount of dietary fiber and a good amount of vitamin C and potassium. All these nutrients are helpful in maintaining the blood sugar level.
Those who are at a risk of developing diabetes can help prevent it by drinking guava leaf tea. Dry the guava leaves and crush them. Boil one tablespoon of crushed guava leaves in hot water. Let it steep for five minutes, and then strain it. Drink this tea once daily.
Suggested serving size: Eat one whole or sliced guava without the peel daily. Alternatively, you can drink a small glass of guava juice.
5. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is one of the American Diabetes Association’s recommended superfoods for diabetes. It is high in soluble fiber and vitamin C, and has a low glycemic index at 25.
Plus, grapefruit contains the flavonoid known as naringenin that increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin and also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which is an important factor in preventing and controlling diabetes.
Suggested serving size: Half of a large grapefruit (about three-quarters of a cup) daily will help manage your blood sugar level. Eating the fruit, rather than drinking the juice, provides the most benefits related to diabetes.
6. Avocado
Because of its high fiber and healthy monounsaturated fat content, avocado helps steady blood sugar. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, monounsaturated fats also improve heart health. Diabetic people are at an increased risk for heart disease and stroke. Plus, avocado contains a good amount of potassium, a mineral that helps prevent diabetic neuropathy.
Suggested serving size: One medium-sized avocado daily is good for diabetics. You can include avocados in salads and sandwiches, or make a salad dressing by pureeing it with a little lemon juice, garlic and olive oil.
7. Strawberries
strawberry plant
Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and fiber that can help control your blood sugar level. In fact, the antioxidants in strawberries help lower the risk of heart disease by reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol, maintaining or improving HDL (good) cholesterol, and lowering blood pressure.
Plus, strawberries are low in carbohydrates and have a low glycemic index at 40. When you eat strawberries, they help you to feel full for longer, keep your blood sugar level steady and increase your energy level.
Suggested serving size: Three-quarters of a cup of strawberries daily is considered good for diabetic people.
You can add fresh strawberries to cereals or salads, eat them as a healthy snack and use them to make low-sugar desserts.
8. Oranges
orange tree
Oranges are one of the healthiest fruits that can be included in a regular diet for diabetes. Oranges are not very high in natural sugar and contain high amounts of fiber, vitamin C and other minerals like thiamin that help manage blood sugar levels.
Plus, oranges are also categorized as a low glycemic index food that helps to slowly release glucose into the blood. Also, oranges can help control or reduce weight, one of the risk factors for diabetes.
Glycemic index: ranges from 31 to 51
Suggested serving size: One small orange in your diet daily can help keep your diabetes and blood sugar level under control. Drinking orange juice does not provide the same benefit, as its lacks the fiber content.
9. Pears
pear
Pears are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, C and E as well as fiber, which help regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, boost the immune system and improve digestive health. Plus, pears are low in carbohydrates and calories, and have a rating of 38 on the glycemic index.
Pears are particularly beneficial for people who have Type 2 diabetes because they help improve insulin sensitivity.
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Suggested serving size: When craving something sweet, diabetics can eat a small or medium-sized pear. You can enjoy a pear for dessert or as a sweet snack.
10. Kiwi
kiwi
A positive correlation has been found between kiwi consumption and lowering blood sugar levels. Kiwi contains vitamin C, E and A, flavonoids, potassium and high amounts of beta-carotene that offer protection from free radicals and improve overall health.
Plus, kiwi is high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, which aids in controlling blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol.
Glycemic index: ranges from 47 to 58.
Suggested serving size: Eating one kiwi daily will help control blood glucose levels and provide a healthy alternative to snacks high in fat or sugar.
Eat these fruits in moderation to manage your blood sugar level as well as satisfy your sweet tooth!
Resources:
ajcn.nutrition.org/content/87/1/269S.long
online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2011.0752
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/12/041220122203.htm
www.nutritionj.com/content/12/1/155/abstract
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100825174110.htm
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Oranges are a delicious fruit with a tangy flavor and an uplifting smell. They are packed with vitamins A, B and C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, choline and other nutrients.
Plus, the fruit has more than 170 phytochemicals and over 60 flavonoids with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Thus, it combats diseases, provides nutrition and fights aging effects.
Most health benefits of this citrus fruit have been attributed to its high vitamin C content. Interestingly, Italian researchers found that drinking a glass of orange juice provides better protective benefits than merely taking vitamin C supplements.
However, to use orange juice effectively for your health, drink it in moderation. Excessive consumption of the juice can cause tooth decay or wear away tooth enamel due to its sugar and acidic content.
top 10 orange fruit health benefits
Here are the top 10 health benefits of oranges.
1. Boosts Immunity
Being a citrus fruit, oranges are loaded with vitamin C that is essential for strengthening the immune system. Vitamin C promotes the production of white blood cells that fight against viruses, bacteria and other foreign invaders.
Moreover, oranges contain plenty of polyphenols that protect against viral infections. Plus, they provide vitamin A, folate and copper, all nutrients that play a crucial role in boosting immunity.
Eat a few oranges or drink a glass or two of orange juice daily to give a boost to your immune system.
2. Rejuvenates Skin
The high vitamin C content in oranges makes them an excellent fruit for clear and flawless skin. This antioxidant vitamin combats skin damage caused by exposure to sun and environmental pollution. In addition, it plays a key role in the formation of collagen, thereby improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
To derive the skin benefits of this citrus fruit, you can eat oranges, drink orange juice and also apply orange juice to your skin.
You can even use the peels of the fruit to make a face mask. The citric acid in the peels lightens and brightens the skin and also opens up clogged pores. Check out our recipe for a homemade dried orange peel face mask.
3. Lowers Cholesterol
Oranges contain pectin, a soluble fiber that traps cholesterol and eliminates it from the body before it is absorbed in the bloodstream. Plus, they contain the flavonone hesperidin that has been found to lower cholesterol as well as blood pressure levels.
In fact, research indicates that the flavanones present in orange juice lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and also increase the ratio of good-to-bad cholesterol.
So, include an orange as well as a glass of fresh orange juice in your regular diet to combat cholesterol problems. Drinking two glasses of fresh orange juice daily will also help lower high blood pressure.
4. Heart Healthy
Being rich in antioxidants, folate and potassium, oranges are great for heart health. The antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, present in oranges protect the arteries from free radicals and prevent the oxidation of cholesterol.
Also, oranges have phytochemicals that prevent platelets from sticking together and strengthen blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the body’s cells.
Folate, or vitamin B9, processes the amino acid homocysteine in the body. High levels of homocysteine may cause a heart attack, irrespective of a person’s cholesterol levels.
Potassium is another crucial nutrient for heart health as it plays a key role in heart functions and muscle contractions. Plus, research has found that the flavonone hesperidin present in the fruit and its juice contributes to vascular protective effects.
So, eat a fresh orange or drink a glass of orange juice daily to maintain heart health.
5. Protects Against Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, drinking one glass of freshly squeezed orange juice daily can assist in reducing the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Being a good source of the antioxidant vitamin C, orange juice helps reduce swelling and inflammation of the joints. Moreover, its phytonutrients zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin protect against oxidative damage that can result in inflammation.
6. Prevents Kidney Stones
The high vitamin C present in oranges is excellent for kidney health too. It helps reduce the risk of developing calcium oxalate kidney stones by increasing the level of citrate in the urine, which neutralizes acids and inhibits kidney stone formation by reducing the crystallization of uric acid and calcium oxalate.
In fact, researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center suggest that drinking a glass of orange juice daily can be more effective in preventing kidney stones than other citrus fruit juices.
7. Aids Weight Loss
orange weight loss
Oranges are an incredible superfood for weight loss. The high fiber and vitamin C content of the fruit promotes weight loss. The fiber keeps you feeling full and helps you eat less throughout the day and vitamin C converts glucose into energy and helps burn fat. Plus, oranges are a great low-calorie and fat-free source of nutrients required for a healthy body.
For best results, start your day with an orange and also drink a glass of fresh orange juice daily. Stay away from packaged fruit juices though, as many are loaded with sweeteners and preservatives.
8. Prevents Cancer
cancer
Oranges also help prevent cancer because of their antioxidant compounds, such as hesperidin and naringenin that fight free radicals.
Zeaxanthin and carotenoids, in particular, protect against different types of cancers, especially prostate cancer. The compounds called limonoids present in the fruit fight cancers of the mouth, breast, lung, skin, stomach and colon.
Parents will also want to know that a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that the intake of oranges, orange juice and bananas in the first two years of life may cut the risk of developing childhood leukemia. Furthermore, orange juice contributes to chemoprevention against mammary, hepatic and colon cancers.
9. Keeps Eyes Healthy
orange for eyes
Yellow and orange-colored fruits and vegetables are excellent for eyes as they are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A which is vital for your eyes.
In addition to beta-carotene, oranges contain other carotenoids that are converted in the body to vitamin A. The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, for example, have been shown to protect against chronic eye diseases.
Plus, the vitamin C and other antioxidants in oranges reduce the risk of developing cataracts and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
10. Fights Aging
delays aging
Oranges are considered a good anti-aging fruit because it contains antioxidant compounds that fight free radicals, which contribute to aging and a number of degenerative diseases.
Research suggests that vitamin C, which oranges have in abundance, is an essential antioxidant vitamin in this regard. In fact, one cup of orange juice can fulfill one-fifth of the body’s daily requirement of vitamin C.
Oranges also prevent premature aging of skin as vitamin C and beta-carotene facilitate skin repair.
Resources:
www.nature.com/news/2007/070416/full/news070416-15.html
www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01635581.2013.817594#.U3Rn7nYymho
ajcn.nutrition.org/content/72/5/1095.long
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/08/060831084343.htm
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22843416
ajcn.nutrition.org/content/82/2/451.abstract
Monday, July 7, 2014
Cloves are small, nail-shaped dried flower buds that come from the evergreen clove tree. They have a sweet, somewhat penetrating flavor and are often used in cooking as well as baking. Apart from its culinary uses, cloves can also play a key role in keeping your body healthy and free from many diseases.
The health benefits of cloves as well as clove oil can be attributed to their antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, aphrodisiac, antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Cloves have at least 36 different ingredients, the most important being an essential oil called eugenol. Plus, cloves are rich in potassium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, dietary fiber, iodine, vitamins K and C, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and magnesium.
In Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, the dried flower buds, leaves, stems as well as the oil are used to make medicine. Whole cloves, powdered cloves and the oil can be easily found in the market year round.
The natural health benefits of cloves are simply amazing and you may be surprised to learn of their medicinal power.
health benefits of cloves
Here are the top 10 health benefits of cloves.
1. Soothes Toothaches
When it comes to toothaches, one effective natural treatment is cloves or clove oil. Their anti-inflammatory and analgesic components will help reduce the swelling around an infected tooth and relieve pain. Plus, their antiseptic property will help fight the infection in the affected area and prevent it from spreading.
Simply dab a little clove oil on a cotton ball and rub it on the sore tooth and the surrounding gums. Alternatively, you can grind two cloves, mix in a little olive oil and apply this mixture on the affected area.
If you have clove leaves, place one crushed leaf on the painful tooth and leave it there for a few minutes.
2. Stops Bad Breath
Being a natural antiseptic, cloves are very helpful in getting rid of bad breath. Cloves can kill bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath. Plus, they help clean bacteria and decaying matter from the tongue, palate and upper part of the throat. Their strong aromatic qualities also help combat foul bad breath.
Simply chew a few pieces of cloves and within a few minutes your bad breath will be gone.
You can also gargle with cool clove tea two or three times a day.
3. Treats Nausea and Vomiting
Cloves can also relieve nausea due to their aromatic and soothing properties. They can even be used to treat pregnancy-related nausea and morning sickness.
To get relief from nausea, put a few drops of clove oil on a handkerchief and inhale the smell. You can also chew one or two cloves.
To stop vomiting, mix the powder of cloves with honey and swallow it. You can also mix a few drops of clove oil in a glass of warm water and drink it slowly.
4. Improves Digestion
Due to their carminative properties (prevent gas formation and relieve flatulence), cloves play a key role in the digestion process. They help boost digestion by promoting the production of enzymes present in the digestive tract.
Cloves also help relax the smooth lining of the gastrointestinal tract, in turn alleviating vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal gas, gastric irritability and stomach aches.
In addition, the essential oils in cloves are highly effective in reducing inflammation and killing bacteria in the stomach to help keep stomach infections at bay.
Simply add a little of this herb to your foods to improve digestion. Also, you can eat a clove after a meal as a mouth freshener.
5. Relieves Joint Pain
Due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, clove oil can reduce inflammation and alleviate joint pain, muscle aches and arthritis pain. Being rich in calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and iron, clove oil also improves the strength of your joints and bones.
Use a little clove oil mixed with a carrier oil like olive oil to massage painful joints, sore muscles and parts of the body affected by arthritis and rheumatism. Do this several times a day.
Another option is to roast a few cloves, wrap them in a soft cloth and place the pouch on the affected body part while it is still warm until your pain is lessened.
6. Improves Respiratory Conditions
Both cloves and clove oil have been found to be very effective for the respiratory system due to their expectorant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
They can be used to treat the common cold, stuffy nose, sore throat, viral infections, asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis and various sinus conditions. Plus, this spice may also act as a potential chemoprotective agent for lung cancer.
Simply drink two to three cups of clove tea daily when you are suffering from a respiratory condition.
You can also add clove oil to hot water and inhale the aromatic steam.
To prevent many respiratory problems, chew on one or two cloves on a regular basis.
7. Treats Headaches
headache
Whether you have a headache due to tension, a migraine or cold, clove oil can help get rid of it quickly. Clove oil has pain-relieving as well anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, the cooling and soothing effect of the oil will help relieve pain.
Simply put a few drops of clove oil on a piece of cloth or tissue and place it on your forehead and leave it on for about 15 minutes to help open the blood vessels and alleviate your headache.
Another option is to mix one teaspoon of sea salt and two or three drops of clove oil in two teaspoons of almond oil, coconut oil or any carrier oil and massage it on your forehead.
8. Eases Earaches
earache
The mild anesthetic and antibacterial properties present in cloves can give instant relief from an earache and treat ear infections.
Combine equal amounts of clove oil and sesame oil and slightly warm the mixture. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and place it just inside the ear canal. The pain will quickly subside and it will help fight any infection that may be present.
Another option is to mix one tablespoon of crushed cloves in one-fourth cup of hot olive oil. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then strain. Put a few drops of this oil in the affected ear, leave it in the ear for at least 10 minutes, and then drain it out.
9. Cures Acne
acne
Cloves can also be used to treat acne and related skin problems like blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, scarring and scaly skin. They are also very effective in preventing blemishes or marks that usually appear after acne has subsided.
Plus, the antimicrobial properties in cloves help kill bacteria and thus reduce the possibility of acne spreading to unaffected areas
To treat acne, mix clove oil with jojoba or coconut oil in a ratio of 1:10 and apply it on the affected area using a cotton swab twice daily until you get the desired result.
10. Fights Stress
stress
Due to its strong yet soothing aroma, cloves can help you relax and reduce stress. Stress often causes the body’s muscles to become tense. Eugenol, a component present in cloves, is a well-known muscle relaxant.
Add a few drops of clove oil to your bath water to help you relax while having a long relaxing soak. It will soothe your senses and relieve stress in the body.
You can also drink a cup of clove tea to relieve stress.
With all of the health benefits that you can get from this herb, it’s a great idea to keep this spice handy. Bear in mind that too much use of cloves or clove oil at a time can have a negative impact on your health. So, in case of any doubt related to dosage, consult a doctor.
Resources:
carcin.oxfordjournals.org/content/27/8/1645.full
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2825010/
Saturday, July 5, 2014
1. Cucumber
2. Raw Potato
3. Tomato
4. Rose Water
5. Almond Oil
6. Lemon Juice
7. Cold Water
8. Apple
9. Mint Leaves
10. Turmeric
1. Water
2. Ice Pack
3. Hot Water
4. Lemon
5. Betel Leaves
6. Ginger
7. Apple
8. Peppermint
9. Eucalyptus Oil
10. Cinnamon
1. Ginger
- Make a ginger tea by putting few slices of fresh ginger in a pot with two cups of water. Boil it for 10 minutes, strain and add one teaspoon of honey. Drink this ginger tea about half an hour before traveling to prevent motion sickness.
- You can mix one teaspoon each of ginger juice and lemon juice and drink it before traveling. You can take it again when you feel uncomfortable.
- Alternatively, swallow one-half teaspoon of finely chopped fresh ginger, with or without honey, half an hour before you start your journey.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
- Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon of honey to one cup of lukewarm water. Stir it well and sip it slowly half an hour before traveling. This solution will help settle the stomach and control nausea.
- If you already have motion sickness, you can freshen up your breath and prevent further vomiting by rinsing your mouth with one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in one-half cup of water.
3. Peppermint
- Drinking a strong cup of peppermint tea before traveling is very effective against motion sickness. Just add one tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves to a cup of boiling water. Steep it for half an hour, strain it, add one teaspoon of honey and your tea is ready.
- Keep a peppermint candy in your mouth and suck on it slowly. This simple tip will work very well even if queasy feelings have begun.
- You can also put a few drops of peppermint essential oil on a handkerchief and smell it whenever you need to fight off nausea and vomiting.
4. Lemon
- Mix the juice from one lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. Add one tablespoon of honey and mix it well. Sip it slowly before and during your journey.
- You can also suck on a slice of lemon or a lemon wedge at regular intervals while traveling.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon into warm rice water. Add some salt and drink it before starting a journey.
5. Green Apple
- Extract the juice from two green apples.
- Add the juice from half a lemon and a pinch of black salt, also known as black Indian salt to it.
- Mix the ingredients well and drink it before you start your journey.
6. Crackers
7. Mugwort
- To prevent motion sickness, make mugwort tea by steeping an ounce of fresh mugwort leaves for 10 minutes in two cups of boiling water. This herbal tea can be consumed once a day for a few days prior to the journey.
- To stop motion sickness, put one to two drops of mugwort oil on your tongue before you get on a plane or a ship.
8. Olives
- Simply eat a few olives before leaving on your trip.
- If you begin to feel sick while traveling, eat an olive every few minutes until your symptoms disappear.
9. Black Horehound
Black horehound settles the nerves with its volatile oils, and hence it is considered very effective for preventing motion sickness.- Mix one tablespoon each of black horehound and chamomile and two tablespoons of grated ginger into two cups of water.
- Boil it until the water reduces by half.
- Strain it and let the mixture cool.
- Drink this tea while it is still warm, about half an hour before traveling. You can also drink it while traveling if you start feeling nauseous.
Note: Black horehound remedies are not suitable for people suffering from Parkinson’s or schizophrenia.10. Licorice
Anyone who enjoys the flavor of licorice will be able to easily prevent and control motion sickness. The anti-inflammatory properties of licorice soothe the stomach’s mucus membranes as well as reduce fatigue and the urge to vomit while traveling.- Boil half a glass of water in a saucepan and add one teaspoon of dried licorice root to it. Remove from the heat and allow it to steep for five minutes. Strain and then drink this herbal tea half an hour before traveling.
- You can also chew licorice candy while traveling to prevent the feeling of uneasiness and vomiting.
Next time you need to travel, be prepared to overcome that queasy feeling that often spoils your journey. Use the remedy of your choosing at least half an hour before starting your journey.Resources:
ajpgi.physiology.org/content/284/3/G481
The most common causes of teeth grinding include stress, suppressed anger or frustration,misaligned teeth, growth of the teeth and jaws, complications from diseases like Parkinson’s or Huntington’s, some type of parasitic infestation, and a side effect of certain medications. It is also very common among people with fibromyalgia.
1. Warm Compress
- Soak a washcloth in hot water and wring out the excess water.
- Hold the moist washcloth around the jaw area.
- Do this twice daily to relax your jaw muscles and prevent teeth grinding.
2. Massage
3. Valerian
- Mix a few drops of valerian essential oil in one teaspoon of olive oil and massage in onto your jaw and neck area that is close to the jaw.
- Also, drink valerian tea regularly.
4. Lavender
- Mix three or four drops of lavender essential oil in one teaspoon of almond oil or olive oil.
- Use this oil to massage your jaw and neck area that is close to the jaw.
- Do this once during the day and again before going to bed.
5. Herbal Tea
- Mix two teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in a cup of hot water.
- Steep for five minutes.
- Strain and add some lemon juice and honey.
- Drink this tea one or two hours before bedtime.
6. Turmeric Milk
- Heat one cup of milk.
- When the milk starts boiling, add one teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- Stir slowly until the milk becomes a rich, mustard color.
- Remove from heat, and add one tablespoon of honey.
- Drink it daily about 30 minutes before going to bed.
7. Calcium and Magnesium
Teeth grinding can also be reduced or stopped by taking calcium and magnesium supplements every day. Both calcium and magnesium are necessary for muscle function and nervous system health.Plus, these minerals support teeth strength. When there is a deficiency of calcium of magnesium in the body, you can have problems with clenching, spasms, cramps, tension and other muscle problems.- Take powdered calcium and magnesium in a 2:1 ratio every day. Start with 600 milligrams of calcium and 300 milligrams of magnesium. You can gradually increase the dosage to 1000 milligrams of calcium and 400 to 600 milligrams of magnesium.
- Dissolve the powdered supplements in an acidic liquid like orange or grapefruit juice.
- Drink it daily for two months.
8. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is highly essential for your body to function properly. This vitamin is also essential for making the key neurotransmitter dopamine, which regulates mood.It also plays a key role in controlling smooth muscle movements. Vitamin C deficiency has shown to affect the production of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which in turn affects the nervous system and even causes stress.- Take vitamin C supplements after consulting your doctor.
- Also, try to include more foods rich in vitamin C in your diet.
9. Deep Breathing
Deep breathing exercises are another way to prevent teeth grinding. Such breathing exercises will help you relax before going to bed. Deep breathing also eases tired muscles. The more relaxed you are, the less likely you are going to suffer from teeth grinding in your sleep.One hour before going to bed, practice some deep breathing exercises.10. Exercise
Exercising regularly at least three times a week will help reduce stress and calm your body. Regular exercise can improve immune system and circulatory system functioning, which strengthen your ability to cope with stressful situations. Also, exercise helps you sleep better.After eating dinner, take a walk in the garden or engage in some other mild exercise to help relieve some of the tension and stress that may cause teeth grinding. Also, avoid taking stimulating substances like tea, coffee, or alcohol after dinner as they may worsen the problem.By using these simple tips and suggestions, you can easily prevent teeth grinding. However, if the problem is severe, consult a doctor. You may need to use a mouth guard or protective dental appliance (splint) while sleeping to prevent damage to your teeth.