Mayo Clinic diet
Learning Center
Does zinc work for colds?
The jury is still out on that question because many zinc studies, both those that find it beneficial and those that don't, are flawed. In studies with positive results, zinc lozenges or syrup appeared to shorten a cold by one day and seemed most effective when taken within 24 hours of the start of symptoms. Taking zinc lozenges with food may reduce side effects, such as a bad taste and nausea. Steer clear of zinc nasal spray, however, which may permanently damage your sense of smell.
Don't believe shaving myths
Contrary to popular belief, shaving hair doesn't make it grow back thicker. And shaving doesn't affect how dark your hair is or how fast it grows. Shaving facial or body hair gives the hair a blunt tip that can feel coarse as the hair grows out. During this phase, the hair might appear darker or thicker, but it's not.
Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls
Have you ever tripped down the stairs? Slipped on a rug? It may seem silly, but falls are nothing to take lightly. Here are tips to fall-proof your home: 1. Keep electrical cords out of walking paths. 2. Securely fasten carpet, rugs and carpet runners to the floor. 3. Keep walkways and stairways free of clutter. 4. Use nonslip mats in the bathtub or shower.
Mood and food: Break the link
Do you eat when you're not hungry? You might be eating as a response to stress or boredom. Pay attention to when you eat and how you're feeling. Is your hunger physical or emotional? If you ate just a few hours ago and don't have a rumbling stomach, you're probably not hungry. Give the craving time to pass. Distract yourself and substitute a healthier behavior. Take a walk, listen to music or call a friend.
Snack attack? Try these 100-calorie snacks
Healthy snacks can satisfy your hunger and keep you from eating extra helpings at your next meal, which can lower total daily calories. Snacks can also supply afternoon energy and extra nutrients. If you're trying to lose weight, try these snacks that are 100 calories or less: 1 cup sliced bananas and fresh raspberries; 2 cups carrots; 2 cups air-popped popcorn; 5 rye or pumpernickel crackers; 2 tablespoons peanuts; 2 domino-sized slices of low-fat colby or cheddar cheese.
Stress and headaches: Stop the cycle
Stress can make your head hurt, and a headache can really stress you out. Either way, you can rein in the pain with these tips to keep stress under control: 1. Simplify. Ask yourself what really needs to be done and what can be dropped. 2. Delegate. Look over your to-do list and delegate what you can. 3. Laugh. Staying positive with humor is a great way to relieve stress. 4. Relax. When you feel your muscles begin to tense, breathe deeply. Focus on inhaling and exhaling deeply and slowly for at least 10 minutes. 5. Exercise. Regular exercise provides a healthy break from the stress of daily life.
Weight loss: Unhook yourself from food
Do thoughts and feelings about food stand in your way of learning healthy-eating habits? Try these five steps: 1. Know your habits. For a few weeks, jot down what, when and why you eat. See if any patterns emerge. 2. Take away temptation. Don't keep comfort foods in your home if they're hard for you to resist. 3. Enjoy an occasional treat to help curb cravings. 4. Don't give up on yourself. An occasional setback is to be expected. Get right back on the bandwagon.
Weight-loss tip: Don't skip snacks
Do you feel guilty about snacking? Don't. Snacks aren't necessarily bad. In fact, well-planned weight-loss diets allow for snacks to help manage hunger and reduce bingeing. Eating a healthy snack of fresh fruit or raw veggies may stop you from taking second or third helpings at your next meal, dramatically cutting the total number of calories you consume.
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