Simply put, dehydration occurs when you are taking in less water in than you are putting out. Dehydration can range anywhere from mild cases to life threatening cases that require emergency medical care. This is especially true for small children or the elderly due to poor temperature regulation systems.

Dehydration can be a very serious condition. The home remedies listed here are for mild to moderate cases. If however, you or someone you know is suffering from a severe case of dehydration, emergency treatment should be sought.

Please see the When To Seek Emergency Medical Care Listed at the bottom of this article if you suspect that severe dehydration might be the case.

Possible Causes of Dehydration,

* Diarrhea
* Vomiting
* Sweating
* High Fever
* Diabetes
* Burns
* Inability to Drink Fluids due to illness
* Strenuous exercise
* Overexposure to Heat
* Excessive consumption of Alcohol
* Use of methamphetamine, amphetamine, caffeine or other stimulants

Possible Symptoms of Mild to Moderate Dehydration,
* Dry mouth
* Thirst
* Headache
* Fatigue
* Irritability
* Lightheadedness (especially upon or when standing)
* Weakness
* Loss of Appetite
* Dry Skin
* Slightly unfocused
* Decreased urine output
* Unusually dark urine

Possible Symptoms of More Severe Dehydration,

* Eyes unable to make tears
* Sweating ceases
* Heart palpitations
* Almost no Urine output
* Muscle cramps
* Nausea and vomiting
* Extreme sleepiness
* Extreme confusion
* Seizures
* Sunken fontanel (the soft spot) on infants heads
* Fainting
* Sunken eyes
* Dim Vision
* Delusional
* Unconsciousness or Coma

Drink Water

This might seem obvious but it is extremely important to drink enough water to re-hydrate. Do not overdue it however because it might actually cause you to vomit if you have a more severe case of dehydration. Drink water slowly, but consistently throughout the day. It might take a few hours until the next day before you start to feel like your old self again. It is usually recommended that you start by drinking a few glasses of water and then switching to a sports drink such as Gatorade or Pedialyte to help replace missing electrolytes as well.

Drink Sports Drinks with Electrolytes

As mentioned above, sports drinks such as Gatorade or Pedialyte replace missing electrolytes. When dehydrated it is best to start with a couple of glasses of water, and then move on to a sports drink to help body regain its balance.

Eat Popsicles

Especially effective for children, eating popsicles will also help to re-hydrate. Pedialyte makes popsicles that will help replace electrolytes as well. If you do not have the popsicle sticks available, you can make your own by freezing a Pedialyte drink in a popsicle mold.

Eat a Banana

Bananas are high both in water content and potassium which makes them a great remedy for dehydration.

Eat Jello

Eating J-ello is another way to help re-hydrate your body. Especially effective for little ones who are resistant to drinking lots of fluids.

Water, Sugar and Salt Combo

This remedy for dehydration is recommended by the Mayo Clinic. This combination should really only be used if an electrolyte drink is not available. Be sure to use exact ingredients however because incorrect amounts can be less effective or in some cases even harmful. Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt, 6 level teaspoons of sugar and 1 liter (about 1 quart) of safe drinking water. Drink gradually.

Eat or Drink Clear Broths

Especially useful if you do not have much of an appetite or dehydration is caused by diarrhea, fever or illness. Clear Broths can help a person regain missing fluids.

Relax

If dehydration is caused by over-exertion, exercise or extremely hot temperatures it is imperative that you relax and take a break while re-hydrating using some of the methods listed above.

Get into the Shade or a Cooled Area

Again this is important if dehydration is caused by exposure to extreme temperatures. It is important to get into a cooler area as soon as possible such as shade or a room that is air conditioned. Follow up with water and/or sport drink consumption.

Remove Extra Clothing

In cases of high fever or overexposure to high temperatures, remove any unneeded or extra clothing.

When To Seek Emergency Medical Care for Dehydration,

As mentioned at the top of this article, dehydration can become a life threatening condition. This is especially true for small children or the elderly.

If you or someone you know is suffering from the following symptoms it is imperative that you seek emergency care by calling 911 or going to a hospital emergency room where professionals can administer life saving electrolyte solutions to re-regulate their systems.

Actually headaches can come in different forms such as tension headaches, sinus headaches, cluster headaches, frequent headaches or even the horrific migraine headache.

They can also be caused by different triggers. Read on to find out more about the possible causes of headaches and the home remedies you can use to get headache relief.

Possible Causes of Headaches,

* Tension or Stress
* Fatigue
* Warm Weather
* Extreme Cold Weather
* Strong Scents or Odors
* Tight Hair Accessories that pull on scalp
* Caffeine
* Strenuous exercise or sexual activity
* Poor Posture
* Consumption of Certain cheeses such as Mozzerella, brie, blue cheese, parmesans cheese or Swiss cheese
* Consumption of Red Wine
* Consumption of Processed Meats such as Cold Cuts
* Hormones or Menstrual Cycle
* Hunger
* Smoking

Ben Gay

Rubbing a small dab of Ben Gay temples, forehead or back of neck could help ease the pain of headaches.

Drink Strong Tea

Drinking very strong tea can help relieve migraine headaches. Add two tea bags to one cup of boiling water and let it steep for about 20 minutes then drink.

Drink Coffee

Drinking coffee can help reduce the swelling of blood vessels that cause headaches. Try drinking two cups of coffee and watch your headache subside.

Drink Gatorade

Quite often headaches are caused by dehydration. In these cases, drinking two cups of Gatorade can relieve headaches almost immediately.

Apply Ice

Applying an ice pack to your head can also help to alleviate headache pain. Place ice in a Ziploc bag, wrap the bag in a tower and apply to head.

Try a Headband

Quite often tying a headband around your head can help relive headache pain. No one is quite sure why it works but many swear by it.

Peppermint Oil or Peppermint Tea

Rub some peppermint oil on the area of your head that hurts. Again, no one knows exactly how or why it works but it brings headache relief to many. Drinking peppermint tea can help relieve headache pain as well.

Take a Warm Bath or Shower

Sometimes simply taking a warm bath or shower can help relieve headache pain. Works especially well if you are able to take a nap or lie down for awhile immediately after.

Acupressure

Rub the fleshy are between your thumb and forefinger rhythmically and firmly as you close your eyes and breathe deeply for 5 to 10 minutes. Ease up on the pressure each time you breath out – press firmly each time you breathe in. Also imagine that the pressure in your head is being gently released each time you breathe out.

While most headaches can be treated at home there might be times when you need to see a doctor or seek emergency medical care. Seek treatment immediately if you are suffering from any of the following symptoms along with a headache:

While an infection in your bladder can be annoying or painful, it can have serious consequences if it reaches or spreads to your kidneys.

Antibiotics are a typical, and in many cases, necessary treatment to help cure a urinary tract infection. Please see the When To See a Doctor section below to determine if your infection is serious enough to warrant a doctor visit. It is important not to play around with a serious urinary tract infection or UTI.

Possible Causes of a Urinary Tract Infection or UTI,

* Germs get into your system through your urethra (this is the tube that carries urine from your bladder)

* Not drinking enough fluids

* Sexual Intercourse

* Diabetes

* Pregnancy

* Enlarged prostate gland

* Kidney Stones

* Bacteria from rectum traveled up the urethra (occurs more commonly with women)

* Certain Birth control methods such as diaphragms or spermicides

Possible Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection or UTI ,

* Burning sensation when urinating

* Persistent or strong urge to urinate

* Passing small amounts of urine frequently

* Possible Pelvic Pain in women

* Possible Rectal pain in men

* Urine with a cloudy appearance

* Urine with a bright pink or cola colored appearance

* Any blood in the urine

* Unusually strong-smelling urine

* Drink Plenty of Water

The more water you drink, the more you will urinate which will help flush out harmful bacteria from the bladder.

* Try Baking Soda

Baking soda can help make the bladder environment more alkaline which will reduce the ability of the bacteria to multiply. As soon as you feel the onset of a urinary track infection mix ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with 8 ounces of water and drink. Continue to do this once a day.

* Dilute the Burn

This might sound odd, but it works. If you find that urinating is too painful or uncomfortable you can reduce the pain by pouring body temperature water over yourself while you urinate or you can urinate in a tub of warm water.

* Warm the Area

If you find that you have painful pressure or cramps in your abdominal area that might accompany a urinary tract infection or UTI, place a warm compress such as a heating pad, hot water bottle or even a towel or wash cloth soaked in hot water.

* Avoid Any Food or Drink with High Acid Content

Be sure to avoid orange juice, pineapples, strawberries or grapefruit due to their high acidic content because these would make urinating even more painful.

* Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Drinking caffeine or alcohol can also increase pain during urination. Plus they both stimulate the walls of the bladder which can actually cause you to urinate more adding even more discomfort.

* Drink Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is a great old home remedy for urinary tract infections. (You should avoid Cranberry juice however, if you have an overactive bladder because it could make it more sensitive). If you can’t find cranberry juice or do not particularly like the taste, there are cranberry extract pills that you can get that will work as well.

* Eat Yogurt

Yogurt is another thing you should eat it because it is believed to help prevent unwanted bacteria from multiplying in the urinary tract.

You should try plain yogurt or one with fresh blueberries because blueberries are related to cranberries and have the same benefit as mentioned above.

* Urinate After Sex

To help prevent urinary tracts in the future you should try urinating after sex. This will help flush out any bacteria from being pushed up into the urethra.

* Cut Down or Stop Using Certain Feminine Products

Some chemicals in douches or deodorant spray can contribute to UTI’s. If you find you are getting them more frequently you might want to stop using these products.

* Uva Ursi Capsules

You can find Uva Ursi Capsules in most health stores or online. These are thought to help treat urinary tract infections. Simply follow the recommended dosage on the label.

* Reflexology

Reflexology is an ancient Chinese foot massage technique that can help reduce pain and inflammation in other parts of your body. There are videos online where you can find out which spots will help your bladder and kidney.

When To See a Doctor For a Urinary Tract Infection or UTI ,

Call your doctor right away if you think you have an infection and:

* You have a fever, nausea and vomiting

* You have a pain in one side of your back under your ribs.

* You notice blood or pus in your urine

* You experience more than 2 days of symptoms such as painful urination, foul smelling urine or the urge to urinate often but very little is urine passed when you go

* You have diabetes

* You have kidney problems

* You have a weak immune system.

* You are older than 65.

While there are really no actual “cures” for stretch marks, there are things you can do to make them fade or become less noticeable.

Possible Causes of Stretch Marks,

* Weight Gain
* Weight Loss
* Pregnancy
* Puberty – Rapid Growth Spurts
* Body Building or weight training
* Certain medications such as corticosteroid lotions, creams, or pills.
* Chronic use of systemic or oral steroids
* Cushing’s Syndrome
* Some adrenal gland diseases
* Stress
* Improper Nutrition
* Heredity

* Cocoa Butter

Cocoa Butter is one of the more effective home remedies to fade or reduce the appearance of stretch marks. You can apply a cocoa butter lotion such as Palmers (the one that contains Vitamin E is supposed to be particularly effective) however many women swear that using a cocoa butter stick is far more effective than even the creams. It is also fairly inexpensive. Simply rub stick over stretch marks twice a day and you should see them fade quickly.

* Shea Butter

Shea Butter is another great remedy for stretch marks. Shea Butter has been around for centuries and it is even documented to have been found in clay jars in the caravans of Cleopatra. Shea Butter is wonderful for the skin and luckily due to the internet, is easy to get your hands on. Simply massage onto stretch marks twice a day.

* Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E Oil is another popular remedy for stretch marks. You can purchase a cream that contains Vitamin E Oil but again, it seems to be more effective in it purest form. Vitamin E Oil capsules are the most highly recommended way to go. Simply break open the capsule and rub the oil directly on stretch marks twice a day.

* Baby Oil

Baby Oil is a cheap and easy way to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Baby oil works best when applied to effected areas after a hot bath or shower because pores are still open and will absorb the oil better.

* Olive Oil

Like the other oils mentioned above, olive oil is another oil you can massage into your skin twice a day to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

* Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is another remedy a lot of women swear by. You can purchase aloe vera gel, but again many store bought lotions contain other ingredients. It is said that the gel from a broken aloe vera leaf is more effective. Simply snap a small piece in half and apply gel directly to scars.

* Self Tanners

While self tanners do not actually do anything to fade the stretch marks themselves, the tanners do a great job of making them less noticeable

* Drink Water

Drinking more water helps to keep your skin hydrated and well-hydrated skin is usually more elastic. It is less likely to develop stretch marks and water helps your skin to remain supple and soft.

* Avoid Coffee, Soda or Alcoholic Beverages

Coffee, soda and alcohol can dehydrate the body and therefore the skin as well. If you find you can’t skip your morning cup of coffee, back it up with a bottle of water to counteract the effects.

* Vicks Vapor Rub (Unproven)

(It should be noted that most infants will normally cry for 2 to 3 hours per day, but this is usually spread out over a 24-hour period.)

Colic typically begins when a baby is about 2 to 3 weeks old and reaches its peak at 2 months. Usually at 3 months it will begin to subside and by 4 moths it is gone completely. This however, does not offer much comfort to tired parents while they are going through it.

What actually causes colic is still unknown, though not for lack of trying. Each baby is different and there is no definitive answer for every case.

Take heart however, because there are certain home remedies for colic that can work really well. Parents or caregivers will just need the patience to go through the trail and error process to find out which particular remedy can bring some relief to their particular child.

It is important to remember however that any baby who demonstrates colicky symptoms should be taken to their pediatrician for an official diagnosis to rule out any more serious causes of baby’s discomfort.

Possible Causes of Colic,

Again while there is no definitive answers as to what causes colic in every baby here are a few possible causes:

* The particular diet of a breastfeeding mother
* Overfeeding baby in an attempt to lesson crying
* Juices
* Certain Formulas
* Foods with high sugar content
* Infant is swallowing air while feeding or crying which increases gas or bloating
* Presence of anxiety, fear, excitement or excessive anger in the home

Possible Symptoms of Colic,

* Fussing or crying usually occurs suddenly and often after a feeding
* Cry is loud and continuous and lasts anywhere from 1 to 4 hours
* Baby’s belly is prominent or distended
* Baby’s face gets red or flushed
* Baby’s hands are clenched
* Baby’s feet are cold
* Signs of gas discomfort
* Baby’s knees pulled to chest
* Flailing arms and legs
* Arched Back
* Hereditary – happens more often if either or both parents were colicky as infants

* Try The Colic Carry

The Colic Carry is a certain way you can hold your little one that seems to bring some babies relief.
Extend your forearm with your palm up, then place the baby on your arm chest down. Keep his or her head in your hand and their legs on each side of your elbow. Support the baby with your other hand and walk around the house with them in this position.

* Burp Often

Some babies do simply have more abdominal gas than normal and need to be burped more often to expel it. Try different feeding positions and try burping baby more often – even as frequently as after every one ounce to see if this helps.

* Change the Nipples if Bottle Feeding

Some bottle nipples can cause baby to swallow more air causing them the discomfort. Try different bottle nipples to see if this is part of the problem.

* Change Formula

Ingredients in certain formulas might be what is causing the discomfort for your little one. Some formulas contain cow’s milk and other ingredients that babies cannot digest properly.

* Keep a Log

It can really be helpful to keep a log of exactly what your baby is eating and when as well as how long baby starts crying, stops crying and the time of day each occurs. Also, if mom is breastfeeding, include in your log everything she is eating during the day as well. It could very well that it is something in the breast milk that is causing discomfort.

* Change Mom’s Diet

As mentioned above if a mother is breastfeeding there might be something in her diet that the baby is not tolerating well. This could be especially true if mom drinks cow’s milk. Try cutting the milk out for a few days to see if this is the issue. Other foods you can try cutting out are: chocolate, citrus fruits, strawberries, bananas, spicy foods and caffeinated drinks. Many of these are common causes of digestion problems.

* Warm Their Tummy

Some babies get comfort from warmth on their bellies. You can try a warm water bottle or heating pad set on the lowest setting placed on top of baby’s tummy. Be sure however to put a towel between baby and bottle or pad so they do not get burned.

* Try the Vacuum

You might have heard this told as an old wive’s tale but many parents swear it really works. Something about the white noise of the vacuum cleaner or even a dishwasher seems to calm colicky babies. Try running the vacuum cleaner or the dishwasher with baby close by or get really creative and record the sound to play anywhere and anytime it is needed.

* Try the Dryer

Another mystery but another home remedy that works really well. Simply put the baby in an infant seat and rest it against a running clothes dryer. The baby will get the buzzing sound and the vibration through the seat. (Never leave a baby unattended by a dryer however.)

* Wrap or Swaddle

Wrapping or swaddling a colicky baby seems to soothe them as well. You can try purchasing a backpack for baby that will keep them safe, warm and moving around with you or try wrapping baby snuggly in a blanket.

* Purchase a Swing

Motion seems to work well for babies with colic, so you can try purchasing a swing that might calm baby down which will give you a little break at least.

* Try a Car Ride

You’ve probably heard about the circle “car rides” around the block that many parents swear by and for good reason. It really works! It seems to be a combination of the white noise with the vibration that helps to soothe baby.

* Try a Massage

Some babies seem to calm down with gentle massages. Make sure your hands are warm and soft and apply very gentle pressure to back, legs and tummy.

When to See a Doctor For Colic,

Cellulite is basically fat deposits just below the surface of the skin that can give a dimpled or “cottage cheese” appearance.

If you have cellulite, you are not alone. About 90% of women have cellulite and it does not discriminate in terms of a person’s weight either. Thin women can have it as well as heavier women. It most often appears on skin around the pelvic region, lower limbs or abdomen, but can also be observed on the upper thighs and in some cases even the upper arms.

While there is typically no “cure” for cellulite, there are quite a few things you can do to reduce its appearance.

Possible Causes of Cellulite,

* Genetics and/or Heredity
* Lack of Hydration
* Smoking
* Poor Diet
* Crash Diets
* Certain Medications (such as sleeping pills, diuretics, birth control pills or diet pills)
* Sedentary Lifestyle
* Female Hormones
* Pregnancy
* Stress

* Exfoliate with Coffee Grounds

By far one of the most favored and effective home remedies to reduce the appearance of cellulite is to exfoliate with coffee grounds. This is due to the caffeine it contains. As a matter of fact, caffeine has been shown to be a major ingredient in many store bought cellulite creams. Caffeine applied topically on the skin helps increase blood flow and break down fat deposits.

This is best to do twice a week right before taking a shower.

Start by placing a newspaper or an old towel on your floor (this could get messy!). Then take ¼ cup of used warm coffee grounds (not too hot!) and mix in one tablespoon of olive oil. Rub this solution on body parts with cellulite. Then wrap same body parts with some plastic wrap for about ten minutes. Gently rub off coffee grounds over paper and towel – then jump in the shower.

* Exercise

There’s that dirty word again, however it seems that exercise truly is one of the best ways to get rid of cellulite. This is especially true for exercises that focus more on the lower part of the body. Walking, cycling, jogging and swimming are all wonderful ways to help reduce or eliminate cellulite.

* Get a Massage

This is probably a much more attractive word to most of you. Massages can also help to break down the fatty deposits that cause cellulite. You can either visit a licensed massage therapist, have a partner do it for you (there are videos available on the web) or there are even massage machines made for just that purpose. While exercise and diet are important in reducing cellulite, this is one of the more attractive add-ons to help you lose it even quicker.

* Yoga

There are many benefits to both mind and body when it comes to Yoga and it is a great cellulite buster as well. Because cellulite is a symptom of reduced lymph circulation, yoga exercises can help flush toxins by allowing lymph to flow more freely through fatty areas.

* Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is another wonderful home remedy for cellulite.

You can use it as an exfoliant on its own by rubbing it into affected areas or you can combine it with mustard oil (which you can easily find online). Simply combine equal portions of both oils together (how much you need is up to you) and massage onto areas where cellulite appears.

* Cocoa Butter

While cocoa butter is known for greatly improving stretch marks, it is also supposed to work very well for reducing the appearance of cellulite as well. Simply rub cocoa butter on dimpled areas once in the morning and once before going to bed at night.

* Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is popular for many home remedies and combined with your favorite massage oil can also work wonder in getting rid of cellulite.

Simply mix three parts apple cider vinegar with one part of your favorite massage oil and massage it into skin twice a day. This is a great way to get the massage remedy working for you as well.

* Proper Diet

Changes in diet can also make a huge difference when it comes to eliminating cellulite. Start by eating plenty of fiber rich and whole grain foods (such as oat cereal or bran).

These will help remove toxins and waste from the intestinal tract. Certain vegetables and fruits can help as well, especially avocados, asparagus, broccoli, bananas or pears.

* Stuff to Avoid

Certain products can constrict your blood vessels which can actually make cellulite look worse. It is a good idea to stay away from sugar, alcohol, caffeine and smoking as much as possible. Water retention can also enhance cellulite so reducing your salt intake is a good idea as well.

* Drink More Water