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Numerous women report that menopause comes along with gastrointestinal distress causing uncomfortable symptoms such as indigestion, flatulence and sudden bloating. Not only are these annoying and embarrassing, they can also be quite painful.

During menopause, gastrointestinal bloating is caused when air fills the abdomen, creating a full feeling. Even though your stomach remains the same size, your pants probably feel tighter and your waistline just seems to keep expanding. Excess intestinal gas is produced by bacteria in the intestines. Sugar located foods often contribute to the growth of this bacterium.

Poor digestion, a lack of lactose - an enzyme that breaks down food and liquids, can cause gastrointestinal distress as well. Gas distress can also be rampant during menopause due to lack of estrogen. Medical studies have suggested that a menopausal woman’s diet can be to blame - particularly too many high sugar foods including fruit, and certain vegetables such as cauliflower, onion and broccoli that create even more bacteria in already inflamed intestines.

Of course your hormones might also be the trigger for bloating. For example, progesterone in the right doses has a calming effect, but in too high doses can cause bloating and breast tenderness. A form of estrogen called Estradiol, on the other hand, is sometimes prescribed as a relief for bloating.

People who eat too much protein at once can cause bloating because the stomach can’t digest it all. Enzymes that help digestion such as Beano aid in the consumption of products such as soy that can have numerous positive effects for menopausal women.

Herbs can be used to restore balance in menopause. You need to be clear on what stage of menopause you are in. Different hormone levels vary significantly from peri-menopause to menopause and post-menopause, and of course your doctor needs to help you with these decisions.

For bloating as well as headaches and breast tenderness, an herbal tea that provides minerals in a dissolved form can help. Minerals help your body handle waste loads as well as provide a good source of calcium. You can use a combination of raspberry, dandelion, lemon balm, nettles, and green oat straw tea. Drink one cup of tea per day. Don quai can increase the effectiveness of estrogen released from fat tissue and help soothe menopausal discomfort as well.

The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.

Cathy Taylor is a marketing consultant with over 25 years experience. She specializes in internet marketing, strategy and plan development, as well as management of communications and public relations programs for small business sectors. She can be reached at Creative Communications: creative-com@cox.net or by visiting www.everythingmenopause.com, www.howtoconquermenopause.com or www.internet-marketing-small-business.com

Incorporating bodybuilding into my lifestyle has been one of the
best decisions I ever made. My early childhood was marred by the
trauma of sexual abuse. Although these memories were repressed
until just a few years ago, I spent most of my life suffering
from all the classical symptoms of abuse: low self-esteem, low
self-confidence, phobias, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and
depression.

The cycle of abuse continued through my adolescence when, at age
16, I entered into an eight year abusive marriage. I endured
daily emotional and verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation. My
self-esteem continued to plummet and at age 24, when I finally
divorced my husband, I was a physical and emotional wreck. I had
never practiced a healthy lifestyle, had no self-respect, and
the stress of my lifelong abuse had taken its toll. At 24 years
old I weighed 97 pounds, was having daily chest pains, heart
palpitations, panic attacks, and insomnia. I also suffered from
TMJ Syndrome due to stress. My doctors advised me to begin an
exercise program before my condition worsened.

I reluctantly began aerobics and then incorporated a mild
strength-training program. I immediately noticed the physical
and mental benefits of exercise. At that point in my life,
toning and building muscle was not my goal. I needed an outlet
for stress and an increased energy level. However, it didn’t
take long for me to develop an interest in nutrition, building
muscle, and possibly competing. My self-esteem and general
outlook on life improved tremendously as I continued my
workouts.

In January 1998, at age 34, I took my love of the sport one step
further. I hired a professional bodybuilder to train me for the
upcoming Belding Natural Classic Bodybuilding show in Belding,
Michigan. Due to the abuse I suffered, I have always had a
terrible self-image. Even though I never had a weight problem, I
have always been very embarrassed of my body. Competing was
something I never thought I could do, because of this hang up.

At a petite 5′ 2″, I am not genetically gifted with good
muscular development. However, I trained hard, was very
dedicated to my diet, and did exactly what I was told me to do.
I felt a lot of anxiety on April 11, 1998 when I stepped on
stage in just a posing suit. Most of my competitors had better
muscle development and had been training much longer than me.
(Normally, that would have sent my confidence right out the
window.) However, my routine was graceful and my poses weren’t
bad either! The audience was very supportive and my
self-confidence soared. I won a medal that day.

In my mind, I accomplished everything I set out to do. I gained
valuable experience and many of my fears and hang-ups were
conquered. I have never felt such confidence, satisfaction, and
pride in myself. I have come a long way over the years and
achieved many goals, but that contest changed my life
tremendously. It is difficult to put into words, but I have not
felt the same since that day.

Over the years my family and friends have noticed the positive
change in my health, attitude, and self-confidence. I have taken
other steps to improve in those areas and to heal from my past.
However, bodybuilding has been the one thing that has made the
biggest difference in my life. It has made so much difference
that I became a certified personal trainer. Through my new
business, Trinity Coaching Services, I now combine fitness
training and personal development coaching to help others reap
the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. I have continued to compete
once or twice a year, simply because it is vital for my
self-esteem.

© 2000 By Monique Rider

A hiatal hernia is an anatomical abnormality in which part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and up into the chest. Although hiatal hernias are present in approximately 15% of the population, they are associated with symptoms in only a minority of those afflicted.

Normally, the esophagus or (food tube) passes down through the chest, crosses the diaphragm, and enters the abdomen through a hole in the diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus. Just below the diaphragm, the esophagus joins the stomach.

In individuals with hiatal hernias, the opening of the esophageal hiatus (hiatal opening) is larger than normal, and a portion of the upper stomach slips up or passes (herniates) through the hiatus and into the chest. Although hiatal hernias are occasionally seen in infants where they have probably been present from birth, most hiatal hernias in adults are believed to have developed over many years.

The Causes of a Hiatal Hernia.

It is thought that hiatal hernias are caused by a larger than normal esophageal hiatus, the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes from the chest into the abdomen. As a result of the large opening, part of the stomach “slips” into the chest.

Other contributing factors include:

• A permanent shortening of the esophagus (perhaps caused by inflammation and scarring from the reflux or regurgitation of stomach acid), which pulls the stomach up.
• An abnormally loose attachment of the esophagus to the diaphragm which allows the esophagus and stomach to slip upwards.

Different Types of Hiatal Hernias.

Hiatal hernias are either:

Sliding

Sliding hiatal hernias are those in which the junction of the esophagus and stomach, referred to as the gastro esophageal junction, and part of the stomach protrudes into the chest.

The junction may reside permanently in the chest, but often it juts into the chest only during a swallow. This occurs because with each swallow the muscle of the esophagus contracts causing the esophagus to shorten and to pull the stomach up.

When the swallow is finished, the herniated part of the stomach falls back into the abdomen.

Para-esophageal

Para-esophageal hernias are hernias in which the gastro-esophageal junction stays where it belongs (attached at the level of the diaphragm), but part of the stomach passes or bulges into the chest beside the esophagus. The para-esophageal hernias themselves remain in the chest at all times and are not affected by swallows.

A para-esophageal hiatal hernia that is large, particularly if it squeezes the adjacent esophagus, may hamper the passage of food into the stomach and cause food to stick in the esophagus after it is swallowed. Ulcers also may form in the herniated stomach due to the disturbance caused by food that is stuck or acid from the stomach.

Fortunately, large para-esophageal hernias are uncommon.

Hope for Hiatal Hernia!

Once you grasp the ‘biology’ behind a hiatal hernia, you can begin to understand the science behind some deceptively simple techniques to manage the condition. To find out more, check my review of my recommended resource on controlling a hiatal hernia.

About The Author:

Nick Willis is a fellow sufferer and researcher of Hiatal Hernia. Read Nick’s review of his recommended resource at ExpertFound.com

Sex is among the top most enjoyable activities practiced by
couples. Why should this be any different during the nine months
of pregnancy?

Many expecting parents have concerns about having sex during
pregnancy. Anyone considering it will undoubtedly have many
questions. Hopefully these answers can help to put you and your
partner at ease.

Is it safe for the baby? In a normal, low-risk pregnancy,
sex during pregnancy will not harm the baby. The fetus is
protected by the amniotic sac (a thin-walled bag that holds the
fetus and surrounding fluid) and by the strong muscles around
the uterus. There is also a thick mucus plug that seals the
cervix and helps guard against infection.

When is it not safe? It is unsafe in high-risk
pregnancies. Some cases where you should not have sex during
pregnancy are:

* If you have a history or threat of miscarriage

* If you have a history or signs indicating the risk of
pre-term labor

* More than one fetus (twins, triplets, etc.)

* Unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping

* Placenta previa (a condition where the placenta is situated
so low that it covers the cervix)

* Leakage of amniotic fluid

* Incompetent cervix (a condition in which the cervix is
weakened and dilates prematurely raising the risk of miscarriage
or premature delivery)

If any of these cases apply to you, or if you are at all
unsure, consult your physician before engaging in sex during
pregnancy.

Can the baby feel it? Some parents may have concerns
about disturbing the unborn baby by having sex during pregnancy.
Rest assured, the cervix is protected by a thick mucus plug; the
penis will not come into contact with the fetus. The baby may
thrash around a bit after orgasm, but this is simply because of
the mother’s pounding heart, and not because the baby is feeling
discomfort or even knows what’s happening.

Can sex during pregnancy or orgasm cause miscarriage or
premature birth? It should not lead to miscarriage or
premature birth in normal low-risk pregnancies. The contractions
felt during orgasm are completely different from the
contractions associated with labor. Some doctors recommend,
though, that all mothers discontinue sex during the final weeks
of pregnancy. There is a chemical in semen that is believed to
stimulate contractions.

Is it normal for my desire for sex during pregnancy to
fluctuate? It is perfectly normal for sex drive to increase
and decrease during pregnancy. Symptoms such as nausea, fatigue,
breast tenderness, and the increased need to urinate can make
sex during pregnancy bothersome, especially during the first
trimester. Some of these symptoms subside during the second
trimester, which may result in a heightened sex drive. Increased
blood flow to the pelvic area can cause engorgement of the
genitals and heighten sensation. This same engorgement, though,
can leave some mothers with an uncomfortable feeling of fullness
after sex. The amount of vaginal discharge or moistness may
increase, which can either make sex during pregnancy more
pleasurable, or cause irritation. In the case of a sudden change
in the amount of discharge, or a foul or unusual odor, consult
your physician.

Many couples find that intercourse is more fulfilling with the
added freedom from worries about contraception and a unique new
feeling of closeness.

Which positions are most favorable? You will discover
that as the mother’s belly swells, finding comfortable positions
for sex during pregnancy will require more interesting
maneuvers. Mom may find that lying on her back will become less
and less comfortable as the pregnancy progresses, and the weight
of the baby can restrict circulation.

* Lie sideways. Having the man on top will become more and more
difficult as the baby grows.

* Use the edge of the bed. The mother can lay on her back with
her feet and rear on the edge of the bed, and the man kneeling
or standing in front.

* Lie side-by-side in the spoon position. This will allow for
only shallow penetration. Deep thrust can become uncomfortable
as the months pass.

* Have the woman on top. This allows her to control the depth of
penetration and will put no added weight on her abdomen.

Oral sex during pregnancy can be an excellent alternative in
situations where intercourse is not recommended. It is safe, as
long as you are in a monogamous relationship, where both
partners have been tested and are HIV-negative.

The most important thing is that you communicate with your
partner. Experiment with different methods, enjoy yourselves and
try to keep a sense of humor.

Sex during pregnancy can still be one of your favorite
activities.

Egg has become an important part of your hair and skin care diet. Everyone wants to have beautiful and lustrous hair. With the use of raw eggs anyone can find themselves with beautiful hair. One need not cross the seven continents to find a raw egg. Every house can easily get a good supply of raw eggs. These can be used for making some of the best hair conditioners. The properties of egg create a needed impact on your dull and dry hair. It helps the hair to recreate itself. It maintains the texture of your hair by the presence of the important elements.

Some Home Based Recipes

For strong and beautiful hair you can mix 2 egg yolks (depending on length of your hair) with 2 tsp. castor oil. Massage this mixture on your hair. Keep it for sometime then rinse it thoroughly.

Whip up two raw eggs. Pour this mixture on your hair by massaging. Let it dry. Shampoo your hair and then give vinegar and water rinse. Follow this procedure every month for soft and smooth hair.

Beat egg yolk thoroughly to make a frothy solution. Add 1 tsp baby oil and beat again to make a proper mixture. Add water to this mixture and apply it all over your scalp. Once dry, rinse well to get a proper conditioned treatment.

Mix egg yolk in 1/4 cup of yogurt with a little lime skin. Mix the ingredients thoroughly and apply it to every single strand of hair. After applying keep it for 10 minutes and then wash it off. The combination of yogurt and egg is very good for your hair.

Mix a whole egg to lemon juice. Whisk it properly. Once applied on your hair keep it for sometime. Rinse it thoroughly. This combination gives a shine to your dull hair.

Beat egg yolk to make a frothy paste. Add 1/2 tsp. olive oil and beat the mixture again. Slowly and steadily add 3/4 cup of luke warm water. After shampooing, massage this conditioner and leave it for few minutes. Rinse it later.

It is a good hair treatment for people who are in water most of the times like swimmers, surfers etc. Mix egg, olive oil and peeled cucumber to make a good mixture. Spread it evenly on your hair and keep it for 10 minutes. Rinse it thoroughly.

Mix together 1 tbsp. honey, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 tsp. almond oil and 1 tbsp. yogurt. Make a frothy paste and apply it on your hair. Rinse it in 1/2 hours time. This will smooth your hair and moisturize it evenly.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautions while following instructions on the recipes from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Sharon Hopkins maintain many websites which provides hair care tips, skin care tips and new methods to add color to them. Egg - A Great Hair conditioner. It brings back the shine of your hair and keeps it smooth and flowing.

Dark circles under the eyes are known to be signs of stress,
lack of sleep, fatigue, malnutrition, allergies etc. They can
have an enormous effect on your appearance. Luckily you can
easily make them disappear naturally or by applying some some
ingredients or products to the affected area. The easiest and
healthiest ways to remove dark circles would be by getting
plenty of sleep, rest, increasing your water intake at least 8
glasses of water a day & last but not least eating well.
Sometimes applying natural products like cooled tea bags &
sliced cucumbers can help reduced the puffiness Beauty products
can also do the trick. Peter Thomas Roth AHA / Kojic Acid Under
Eye Brightener, Oleda Time machine for dark circles, Emergin C
Lighten-Up, Under eye Circle Fighter are all products well know
for diminishing dark circles under eyes.

When you have made the decision to rid yourself of unwanted
hairs there are two choices to consider electrolysis and laser.
As with electrolysis, cases of scarring have been reported, but
these are extremely rare. Compared with electrolysis, laser hair
removal is more precise and much faster. Electrolysis is
intended to be a permanent hair procedure, but much like laser
hair removal, it is not guaranteed to be 100% effective. Prior
to laser technology, the only options for removing unwanted hair
were smelly hair removal creams, sharp razors, stinging wax or
painful electrolysis needles. In fact, laser technology is
already eliminating the need for these traditional methods.

Almost anybody who has undesirable hair is a candidate for laser
hair removal. Both men and women have found laser technology
beneficial for hair removal. A common area where laser hair
removal is used is the face, chin, and upper lip on women.
Another area to receive laser hair removal for women is the
legs.

For laser hair removal to work, the light energy is selectively
absorbed by highly pigmented hair fibers and hair follicles. So,
less laser energy is required to remove upper lip hair than for
pubic hair. Several wavelengths of laser energy have been used
for hair removal, from visible light to near infrared radiation.
In facial hair removal, a low energy laser beam is directed
towards a group of hair follicles.

Current laser hair removal techniques use wavelengths of light
that target melanin, the pigment that determines color of both
hair and skin. The level of pain depends on the patient and the
person’s skin and hair type. The presence of a suntan makes hair
removal less effective and increases the likelihood of scarring
or skin injury. As such, skin color must be taken into
consideration. The risks can include skin discoloration,
swelling, and infection. Generally, patients with dark hairs and
fair skin respond best to laser hair removal.

While laser hair removal is an excellent treatment option,
research efforts continue to enhance the procedure. The diode
laser has a longer wavelength than other lasers used for hair
removal, which may improve treatment results on darker skin
types. The most common side effects are edema and erythema,
which generally resolve within 24 hours after treatment.

Though it is relatively painless, you may experience a bit of
discomfort from the procedure. While it is a minimally invasive
procedure, the procedure is not totally free from risks.
Fortunately, the complications are rare if an experienced and
skilled physician does it. When done properly, the procedure can
be performed quickly and comfortably during an outpatient visit.

Get ready to experience the hassle-free world of hair removal
with laser technology. However, when selecting the facility to
perform you hair removal, ask them about their experience and
any other concerns you may have. In addition, laser hair removal
is not necessarily permanent; most people will experience some
regrowth within a year.

Some women in midlife have a kind of sexual flowering, enjoying sex more than ever before. Other women have the opposite experience: they feel like they’re shutting down sexually. These are the women who report that, though they love their partners dearly, they’re just not that interested in sex with them anymore.

“In their 40’s and 50’s, women come into their own sense of who they are as sexual beings,” says sex therapist and iVillage sex expert Dr. Patti Britton. When women this age lose interest in sex, she says, “it’s a marker of what’s below the surface.” Hormonal changes can make a woman’s libido nosedive (for more about the impact of hormones on desire, go to www.findingourway.com), but so can other factors.

Problems begin with a woman’s sexual self image. “I may feel profoundly disappointed that I don’t meet the idealized image of the hungry, lustful 46-year-old hot mama,” says Dr. Britton. Body image plays a role too, as women in midlife may fight what seems like an uphill battle to keep from sagging and spreading, making them embarrassed to be seen undressed.

Women may also feel disappointed in their marriage or relationship. “The hot time in a relationship is the initial period where it’s discovery time,” says New York psychologist and couple-relationship authority Dr. Joel Block. People open up and let the other person get a sense of who they are. But over the years, people make implicit assumptions about what can and cannot be shared (”the last time I told him something personal, he used it against me in an argument”). “Everything that’s juicy they’ve eliminated,” says Dr. Block. A woman may withdraw from her partner, ending up with a marriage without vitality.

“A relationship is supposed to be about two people that have the courage to be emotionally naked with each other,” says Dr. Block. “To do this, they must build an atmosphere between them that’s emotionally safe.”

Then there’s the overload factor. With work, family obligations, and active social lives, we’re tired at the end of the day. “When you’re middle aged and you have a busy life, don’t count on spontaneity,” says Dr. Block. “Instead, set up a weekly date with each other. It doesn’t have to have an agenda– like we must have intercourse–but it should be an actual date.”

Other tips from Dr. Britton and Dr. Block on reclaiming our sexuality:

• “Get rid of negative self chatter,” urges Dr. Britton. Instead of zeroing in on what you don’t like about your body, try to eat a healthful diet and get more physical activity.

• Try to speak from your heart with your partner, encouraging him to do the same.

• Touch your partnerit doesn’t have to be sexual touch. In her book The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Sensual Massage (Alpha Books, 2003), Dr. Britton describes a “touch continuum,” with five levels from healing touch to sexual touch.

• It’s okay to be a little flirty.

• Allow yourself to have sexual thoughts, and don’t feel guilty if they aren’t about your partner. According to Dr. Block, the most common fantasy for both men and women stars someone else.

Sex is, after all, a part of who we are as human beings, and without it we may feel that something important is lost. If your relationship has cooled off, try these tips and see if you can turn the heat back on.

Carol Weeg writes and edits Finding Our Way: Wit and Wisdom for Adventurous Women, the newsletter for thinking women in midlife. Carol inspires women to explore their lives todayfrom work, to relationships, to dealing with perimenopause and menopause (is it hot in here?).

Visit Carol Weeg on the Web at www.findingourway.com to download a free copy of Just Keep Laughing, the best of humor from Finding Our Way.