Truth behind Back pain during Menstruation

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Truth behind Back pain during Menstruation

5:01 AM

Are you concerned with the low back pain you are experiencing every time you have your menstrual period? - Healthbiztips

Many women are familiar with the severe painful cramps (also known as dysmenorrhea) brought about by their menstrual period, but if you're also experiencing lower back pain, then you are not alone.

Lower back pain before and during a period is actually a common symptom many women encounter during this monthly hormonal cycle.

Truth behind Back pain during Menstruation - Healthbiztips
photo credit: Joanna Kosinska @joannakosinska @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

It's a referred pain

The lower back pain during menstruation is actually a referred pain. Pain radiate to areas beyond it's source because of their proximity to the uterus. This is also the same reason why women experience hip pain and leg pain during their period.


What causes menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea?

when the inner lining of the the uterus is shed off during menstruation, hormone prostaglandins are released which causes the uterine muscle to contract and blood vessels to constrict leading to painful menstrual cramps.

Prostaglandin's effect is not just restricted at the uterus, but also in adjacent areas such as the hips, legs, and back.


Severe lower back pain before period is a common problem experienced by women.


Women can also experience lower back pain and cramps before their period as part of the hormonal changes brought about by premenstrual syndrome.


Lower back pain during period can be a worrisome symptom for some women as it may be caused by an underlying disease like endometriosis. If the lower back pain you experience during your menstrual period worsens over time, then you should seek consultation with a gynecologist or OB-GYN specialist.

Are cosmetics safe during pregnancy?

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Are cosmetics safe during pregnancy?

12:15 AM

Is there a hidden risk in using personal care products during the prenatal period - Healthbiztips

Few women realize the risk of using cosmetics or personal care products during pregnancy. Cosmetics and skincare products notoriously contains multiple chemicals which can get absorbed into the body.

Are cosmetics safe during pregnancy? - Healthbiztips
photo credit: Anastasia Dulgier @dulgier @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Study shows that women who use paraben and phthalate containing cosmetics and personal care products like makeup, lotion, shampoo, and soap have indeed higher level of these chemicals in their body. This implies that the ingredients in the beauty products that we use seeps into the skin and gets into our circulation.

Paraben (a chemical preservative) and phthalate (a chemical softener and solvent) are known to impair the male hormone testosterone. Paraben has been found in breast tumors of women which raises concern about it's possible link with cancer.

Are these claims with merit?

There's a lot of controversy surrounding the use of cosmetics during pregnancy, however, there is no concrete evidence that indicts the use chemical-laiden cosmetic products during the child-bearing period as the direct cause of negative outcome in the physical and mental development of the fetus.

The cosmetics industry is a huge business, however, it's effect on pregnancy is a poorly researched topic.

The fact that there is no significant link that cosmetic chemical ingredients such as paraben and phthalate directly cause a health problem such as cancer is is the reason why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not ban the use these stuffs in cosmetics.


Chemical-laiden cosmetics have risks

Accoring to the US FDA "It’s important to know that the law does not require cosmetic products or ingredients to have FDA approval before they go on the market."

Scrutiny when using cosmetics especially during the prenatal period is crucial to both the mother and the developing fetus.

A mother wants what's best for her child. This makes pregnant mother all the more critical with the things they put on their body. However, a tube of lipstick or a bottle of lotion can contain such an astonishingly high number of chemicals that most of us don't have the slightest idea of their effect on our health, let alone, remember all their names.

Are cosmetics deemed fit for pregnant mothers? Pregnancy is a vulnerable period in a woman's life with plenty of hormonal changes that can lead to discomfort such as morning sickness, and drastic body changes like the appearance of stretch mark and skin pigmentation which can make her self conscious with her body image.

To some women, they find answer and reassurance in using all natural chemical free beauty and cosmetic products.

Cosmetic use during pregnancy can disrupt the growth of male children

A study shows that pregnant mothers who are exposed to cosmetic and personal care preservatives parabens and triclosan consequently gave birth to children who have higher birth weight. Babies who are born with higher weights increase their likelihood of being obese later in life.

Paraben is a widely used perservative in cosmetics to increase it's shelf life by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and mold. Triclosan is a preservative used in soap and toothpastse.


Retinol and Salicylic acid

Many women becomes conscious when it comes to the foods they eat during pregnancy, but a lot of them may not realize that what they put on their skin also matters. Skincare products containing retinol and salicylic acid are not recommended for pregnant mothers.

Retinol and salicylic acid can have detrimental effect on the developing fetus when given in taken in large quantity.

While a face cream applied on the face usually contains low amount of these chemicals, body lotion, which covers a large surface area, can consequently deliver a higher amount of these stuffs into the bood stream.



Cosmetics and skincare products are indispensable commodity of many pregnant mother, however, when it comes the baby's development, I'd say it's better safe than sorry.

Switching to all natural personal care products is a wise choice as this not only removes worries, but is also beneficial to both the user and her environment.


You may also want to check out:
Ill effects of stress during pregnancy
Here's Why Pregnant Mother should Avoid Coffee
Is X-ray safe during Pregnancy?
Alcohol intake during Pregnancy alters a Baby's facial feature


Resources:

Marie, C., Cabut, S., Vendittelli, F., & Sauvant-Rochat, M. P. (2016). Changes in Cosmetics Use during Pregnancy and Risk Perception by Women. International journal of environmental research and public health, 13(4), 383. doi:10.3390/ijerph13040383

Braun, J. M., Just, A. C., Williams, P. L., Smith, K. W., Calafat, A. M., & Hauser, R. (2013). Personal care product use and urinary phthalate metabolite and paraben concentrations during pregnancy among women from a fertility clinic. Journal of exposure science & environmental epidemiology, 24(5), 459–466. doi:10.1038/jes.2013.69

INSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale). (2014, September 3). Exposure of pregnant women to certain phenols may disrupt growth of boys during fetal development and first years of life. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 1, 2019 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/09/140903121858.htm

Good Bacteria Benefits and Facts

Good Bacteria Benefits and Facts

10:38 PM

Probiotic Benefits and Facts - Healthbiztips

Did you know that bacteria living inside your body and on your skin plays a crucial role to your survival, so keeping this internal microbial ecosystem in balance is paramount. Here are the amazing advantages these microbes do to your body.

Good Bacteria Benefits and Facts - Healthbiztips
photo credit: Pascal Meier @zhpix @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

1. The microbes inhabiting the gut affects the expression of certain genes in our body.

2. Gut microbiota allows us to metabolize and absorb nutrients and synthesize certain vitamins.

3. Good bacteria plays a crucial role in preventing cancer.


4. Food additives found in processed foods disrupt the good bacteria in the intestine.

5. Probiotics or good bacteria in your gut lessens inflammation. Inflammation is linked to the development of several diseases and health problems.


6. Asthma and eczema affects of millions of children around the globe. Did you know that children whose mother are exposed to farm animals while they were pregnant produce children who are at less likely to get those diseases.


7. During the first few days to weeks of a newborn baby, colonization of microbiota from the mother is vital to aid the development of the baby's immune system and gastrointestinal system.


8. Initial colonization of the bacteria, which the baby gets from the mother has a great impact to the babies gut bacteria that can persist through lifetime.


9. Gut microbiota have a profound effect to a person's health to an extent that it can determine a person's risk of developing health problems later in life like allergy, inflammatory diseases, and obesity.


10. The gut microbiota weights more than 1kg and is approximately composed of 300-3000 diverse species of bacteria.


11. Individuals afflictected with inflammatory bowel disease have been shown to have reduced bacterial diversity in their gut.


12. Our diet has a significant role in maintaining a healthy gut microbiota. A diet high in fat, protein, and less in fiber can reduce the bacterial diversity in the gut.


13. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for babies up to 6 months of age. It gives the baby complete nutrition while supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the baby's gut. Breastfed babies develop a more diverse gut microbiot compared to formula-fed babies.


14. Aside from nutrition for the baby, breastmilk also contains several indigestible compounds which acts as nourishment for good bacteria, thus promoting their colonization.


15. Initiating mother and baby physical contact and breastfeeding as soon as possible is crucial so facilitate colonization of bacteria.


16. Delayed colonization of gut microbiota in babies is linked to a higher risk of developing allergic responses.


17. Without good bacteria, you are at risk of gastronintestinal disease. Transplanting bacteria from one human being to another via fecal transplantation is a treatment for recurrent C. difficile colitis caused by antibiotic therapy. This may sound gross, but this is science at work.

18. Good bacteria "probiotics" is beneficial to your health as they suppress the development of pathological and disease-causing bacteria.

Related articles:

Probiotics fight Cancer
8 Ways "good" bacteria works to your advantage
Meet "The Plastic-eating Bacteria"



Resources:

Liang, S., Wu, X., & Jin, F. (2018). Gut-Brain Psychology: Rethinking Psychology From the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Frontiers in integrative neuroscience, 12, 33. doi:10.3389/fnint.2018.00033

Houhteling, P. & Walker, A. (2016). Why is initial bacterial colonization of the intestine important to the infant’s and child’s health? J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2015 Mar; 60(3): 294–307.
doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000000597.

How to spot a fake Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel?

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How to spot a fake Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel?

5:10 PM

8 Signs to Determine a Fake Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel - Healthbiztips

If you want what's best for your skin, you will want to stay clear from fake Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel, but there are times when it's hard to spot and differentiate the real ones from the counterfeit.

How to spot a fake Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel? - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Korean beauty skincare products like "Nature Republic" have a great share of popularity because they're effective and have good reviews. As hot as there products are in the market, so is their fake counterparts.


The danger of fake skincare products

If you don't want to sabotage your face with a fake Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel, then you have to be extra careful. Testimonies of using fake skincare product that caused devastating results are on the rise.

Fake Nature Republic Aloe Vera gel don't live to the real products skin benefits. Using it can cause problems like infection, irritation, and allergic reaction.

Fake skincare products are usually processed in an unsanitary way, causing them to contain such high bacterial count which can aggravate pre-existing skin problems and cause infection.

Real Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel contains 92% aloe vera, but it's fake version can contain very little or no aloe vera at all.

If you're looking for quality and affordability, counterfeit products should not be on your list.

How to spot a fake Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel: Real versus Fake

It is very hard to single out a fake Nature Republic aloe vera gel. You see, under a naked eye, the real and the counterfeit looks the same. However, there are ways to spot if an aloe vera gel is fake.

Let's get this list started!


1. Don't be fooled

Shockingly, a fake Nature Republic Aloe Vera soothing gel can have such a striking similarity with the real one. In fact, to an untrained eye, it is virtually impossible to spot the fake product.

 With this decisive product scrutiny, you know that the counterfeit industry is thriving.

Don't get fooled with these fake products. Here's what you should look for on the outer packaging.

• Feel the texture of the packaging sticker on the top.
• Notice the color of the text imprinted on it.
• Spot the "Nature Republic" brand on the outer packaging.

2. A give away right on the top

Nature Republic has put some thought in making their aloe vera packaging. You can tell by this simple detail that's lacking in fake ones.

See the top packaging of the aloe vera gel wherein there's an image of four slices of aloe vera stack up together and their's a liquid poured on it. Trace the image of the liquid with your fingertips. If what you're holding is a real Nature  Republic Aloe Vera Gel, then you'll feel that the liquid and even it's waterdrop is embossed. This liquid image on the authentic version is glossy and shinny,

If you're holding a fake aloe vera gel, then it's top sticker packaging will not have this embossed image of a liquid.


3. Color Difference

Printed texts on the top and bottom of the Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing gel is green in color. Notice the difference. The real aloe vera gel has a green text on it's packaging versus the fake one with yellowish tint on it.

Go for the green!


4. The devil lies in the details

If you're holding a real Nature Republic Aloe Vera gel, look closer at the small image on the bottom part of the tub. It's an image of an aloe vera plant encased in a circle with a green background. It's on the upper left corner on the bottom of the tub. You should notice that there are tiny dots printed on it.

If you are holding a fake aloe vera gel, then you won't see those tiny dots on the aloe vera image.


5. The Nature Republic seal

When you open the Nature Republic Aloe Vera gel, their should be a transparent lid inside that is embossed with the brand "NATURE REPUBLIC" if it's the original one.

If it's fake, there's usually no brand name on it's inner lid.

The brand Nature Republic is also embossed on the sides of the outer top lid and at the buttom of the tub.


6. The product itself

While we can be fooled with the fake Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing gel on the outside, it has a much more difference from the original in terms of it's content.

Real aloe vera gel by Nature Republic has a light fragrant smell, while it's fake version has a strong scent.

The real aloe vera gel is almost liquidy and transparent. It glides and flows smoothly compare to the fake one. You can spot it's fake version based on the consistency of the aloe vera gel.

A fake aloe vera gel does't glide and flow. It's like a soft transparent gel, so when you apply it, it doesn't absorb as quick as the real one.

Scathe the surface of the gel and leave the real aloe vera gel on it's tub for a few minutes. You'll notice that the real aloe vera gel's surface evens out, while that of the fake counterpart remains riffle.


7. The price trap

There are things you simply can't buy when you don't have the money or if  you're not willing to pay the full price, like quality.

Now, when it comes to buying skincare products like Nature Republic Aloe Vera gel, it may be a really bad idea to sacrifice quality for affordability.

If you see an aloe vera gel that claims to be a skincare product of Nature Republic but costs insanely cheaper compared to it's suggested retail price, then this is a red flag that the product is fake.

In fact, fake products usually find their way to willing consumers because they come at a very cheap price.


8. Where did you buy it?

Where in the world did you purchase that tub of Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing gel? Is it from an accredited shop? A pop-up shop that appeared on the side walk? Did you bought that seemingly real aloe vera gel from a shady online seller?

Where you buy your stuff matters. If you're buying from an accredited reseller outlet or a trusted online shop with lots of positive feedback from satisfied costumers, then you can be confident you're purchasing a real Nature Republic Aloe Vera Soothing Gel.

It is a wise move to fist check on the feedback of an online seller before you purchase from them. If you see that they have an unusually high number of bad reviews or their are costumers who claim their products are fraud, then there's a high possibility that what they're actually selling are fake.

Brands like Nature Republic isn't a brand that you'll find in a pop-up booth with no valid permit or papers.

Imagine you're in Divisoria, Manila in the Philippines and you're being offered a tub of Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel at a cost less than half compared to the mall price. You got to know that deal is fake, right? You have an instant give away right there.

There are places where real products are being sold. It goes the same for fake ones.



So, that's out list of 8 ways you can determine if you've got a fake Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel.


Related blog posts:

Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel Review

Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist Review

Aloe Vera -- Plant of Immortality & Elixir of Youth

Health Benefits of Chia Seed

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Health Benefits of Chia Seed

1:35 PM

Health Benefits of Chia Seed - Healthbiztips

Chia seed belongs to the mint family. It's color can vary from white, brown, to grey. Packed in these small seeds are amazing health benefits and nutritional value.

Health Benefits of Chia Seed - Healthbiztips
photo credit: Yakynina Anastasia @notsahara @unsplash

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

According to the USDA, 1 oz or 2 tbsp chia seed is packed with:

• 138 kcal calories
• 4.69 g protein
• 8.71 g fats
• 11.94 g carbohydrate
• 9.8 g fiber
• 179 mg calcium
• 2.19 mg iron
• 95 mg magnesium
• 244 mg phosphorus
• 115 mg potassium
• 5 mg sodium
• 1.30 mg zinc
• 6.7 g polyunsaturated fatty acids

Chia seed has a long history dating back to the ancient Mexican civilization of Maya and Aztec. This superfood has traditionally been used by warriors during ancient times to maintain their stamina since it contains a lot of health benefits.

In fact, chia is derived from the Mayan word for strength.

Let's look into what makes this superfood worth your attention.
Health benefits of chia seed:


1. Weight loss

Chia seed is a popular vegan weight loss superfood, however, did you know that this seed is considered high in calories. 2 tbsp chia seed fuels you with 138 kcal.

It's weight loss property lies in it's fiber content. The same 2 tbsp chia seed gives you a whooping 9.8 gram fiber which is about a third or your daily fiber requirement. That's an enormous amount of fiber packed in just 1 oz serving.


2. Fiber

Chia seed has a stunning fiber content, which is important for your gut health by reducing the risk of gastrointestinal problems like colon cancer and constipation.


3. Makes you feel full

Chia seed absorbs water which enables it expand in size by forming a thick gel-like coating. This can take up a considerable amount of space in your stomach which can make you feel full for a longer period of time.

This is the same reason why consuming too much dry whole chia seed without adequate fluid intake is not good.

4. Protein

Chia seed is packed with 4.69 g protein per 2 tbsp. A high protein diet aids weight loss by reducing appetite and preventing food cravings.

5. Blood thinner

Chia seed is a natural blood thinner. It can prevent dangerous blood clots from forming in the body which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, it is not ideal to be taken by people who are concurrently taking blood thinning medication, have bleeding disorder, or will surgery because it can cause excessive bleeding.

6. Omega-3 fatty acid

Chia seed is high in omega-3 fatty acid which has a lot of health benefits to your cardiovascular system.

7. Calcium

Chia seed is a rich plant-based source of calcium. Calcium, the most abundant mineral in the human body, is responsible for keeping your teeth and bones healthy.

In every ounce of chia seed, you get 179 mg calcium which is 18% of your daily calcium needs.


8. Phosphorus

2 tbsp of chia seed provides you with 27% of your daily phosphorus needs. Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in a human body that's responsible for keeping bones and teeth strong and healthy.

9. Magnesium

Chia seed is a rich source of magnesium, with 2 tablespoon providing about 24% of your daily magnesium needs.

Adequate intake of magnesium from the diet is vital to lower risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

10. Antioxidant

Chia seed is a rich source of antioxidant that helps the body repair itself and prevent early sign of premature aging. Antioxidants also help the body to maintain healthy skin and hair.

11. Gluten free

Chia seed is gluten free, which means that people afflicted with  conditions which makes them intolerant to gluten like celiac disese can enjoy it's goodness.

Perfectly Matte Lipstick - Avon True Color - Review

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Perfectly Matte Lipstick - Avon True Color - Review

8:18 AM

Perfectly Matte Lipstick - Avon True Color - Review - Healthbiztips

Perfectly Matte Lipstick - Avon True Color - Review

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Let's review Avon True Color Perfectly Matte Lipstick.

This lipstick by Avon is easy to apply on the lips because of it's smooth and creamy texture. It's feels lightweight and doesn't crack nor wrinkle.

Wear it to give your lips an intense color with a matte finish.


Smudges
It lasts longer so you don't have to reapply as often. However, it's not a lipstick that you can wear while eating because it smudges easily.


Do not apply on a dry cracked lips
If you have a cracked dry skin, I suggest you use lip balm first before applying Avon True Color Perfectly Matte Lipstick because if not, those wrinkling will be emphasized once you apply this lipstick.

In itself, Avon True Color Perfectly Matte Lipstick doesn't dry the lips however, it's also not moisturizing.

It glides perfectly smooth on the lips. It feels soft and creamy on the lips.


Packaging

Avon True Color Perfectly Matte Lipstick comes in a black tube and weights 3.6 gram.


Wide range of color selection

Avon True Color Perfectly Matte Lipstick has a stunning wide range of color selection to match your every occasion.

Find your true color:

Coral Fever

Ruby Kiss

Red Supreme

Truest Red

Peach Flatters

Adoring Love

Hot Plum

Mauve Matters

Wild Cherry

Pure Pink

Electric Pink

Splendidly Fuchsia

Tempting Mauve

Rose Awakening

Pink Truffle

Pink Passion

Velvet Raspberry

Magnificent Mauve

Au Naturale

Perfection

Rouged Perfection

Blush

Lush Cocoa

Cafe Au Late

Crimson Tide

Divine Twig

Wild Cherry

Superb Wine

What's your favorite shade. Don't forget to drop a comment below.

Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist Review

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Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist Review

6:05 PM

Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist Review - Healthbiztips

It's a versatile skin care product that moisturizes, not just your face, but also your body.

Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist Review - Healthbiztips

@healthbiztips by Arlene Gentallan

Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist is a hydrating skincare formula that's made from 92% organic aloe vera.

Aloe vera has a lot of amazing health benefits to the skin.

Another good thing about this product is it contains antioxidants Vitamin C and E. Furthermore, it doesn't contain mineral oil and paraben.

Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist is very easy to apply on the skin. You simply spray it directly onto the area you want. It's doesn't feel sticky nor oily on the skin.

Using a gel mist is perfect for people on the go because you can easily apply it by spraying it directly on your face, arms, or legs whenever your skin feels dry. It gets absorb into the skin quickly and doesn't leave a mess.

In order to ensure maximum coverage during application, spray it over your desired area 10-15cm away.

This skincare line has a lot of positive reviews from satisfied costumers. It's an aloe vera gel mist that's worth trying.


Is it all natural?

Ingredients of Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (92%), Alcohol, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Polyglutamic Acid, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Mentha Viridi (Spearmint) Extract, Melissa Officinalis Extract, Carbomer, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polyester-5, Polyquaternium-51, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Water, Parfum, Disodium Edta 


Take note that this skincare product contains alcohol which can ironically cause skin dryness in certain people. It also contain chemical like EDTA so this isn't an all natural product.


Packaging

Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist comes in a 150ml plastic spray bottle.

What do you think about Nature Republic 92% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel Mist? Don't forget to leave your feedback and reviews.

Related blog posts:

Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel Review

Aloe Vera -- Plant of Immortality & Elixir of Youth