If you’re anything like us, you may have developed a bit of an obsession with The Doctors TV show, where they set about revealing the most fascinating medical facts designed to help you get healthy, slim down and educate you about the wonder that is the human body!
One episode that caught our attention in particular was 10 Problems, 20 Solutions which talked about the 10 most common physical and health issues (everything from constipation to frizzy hair) and then provided 20 fairly-easy solutions.
Here’s a rundown of some of our favorite remedies to some of the most popular (and annoying) health problems.
The Pesky Cold Sores
With four out of five people in America prone to unsightly and highly contagious cold sores, knowing how to prevent them, and then treat them is important. As you may know, the precursor to an outbreak is pain or tingling before the blister makes that unwelcomed visit. The annoying thing is, everyday occurrences can trigger their onset – stress, illness and extreme weather (doesn’t seem fair if you’re going through a tough time already, does it?).
Besides over the counter remedies, there is something else that may be worth trying next time you get a flare up: licorice. Not to be confused with type you buy in the candy section of the supermarket, the actual root itself contains glycyrrhizic acid, which blocks viral growth. You can take it orally or turn the licorice into a paste and apply it to the cold sore three times a day. The only caution being is that when you take it orally, ensure that you don’t consume more that 100ml daily (Dr’s orders!).
Holiday Weight Gain
We’ve probably all experienced it: you’ve come back from a joyous holiday and not only are you battling the post-holiday blues, you’re also battling with some excess bulge! It’s estimated that people gain between 1-5 pounds during holidays, and the scary fact is, it can be incredibly difficult to shift the weight.
The Doctors’ Health Investigator, Liz Vaccariello, says the trick to losing the weight is to try the 400 calorie diet; where you only eat 400 calories meals. Her studies found that on average, people lose about 2 pounds a week and continued losing weight even after they had shed the desired weight.
“The most important thing, no matter where you’re eating, is to always focus on portion control,” Confirms Dr. Travis.
Dry Skin
Being the body’s largest organ and our protection against the environment, while doubling as a defense from infection and healing wounds, our skin really does have a tough job at hand.
Beauty expert and host of Total Look, Rebekah George, joined The Doctors to reveal solutions for healthier skin.
“Eighty-two percent of women are extremely bothered by dry skin, and 50 percent say that the right products are still an unmet need,” she says.
What are the solutions?
Yet again exercise comes to the rescue, as staying active increases blood circulation which in turn releases toxins, increases sweat to unclog pores and sends nutrients running to skin cells. Eating well also retains moisture, particularly foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids and fruits rich in those powerful antioxidants. In terms of what you can do to the outside of your body, exfoliating removes dead skin cells and makes room for regenerating cells, and the last and most important tip is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
Do you have any secret homemade remedies to treat common illnesses or health problems? Feel free to share your healing wisdom below!
