Health

These Health Risks Go up Exponentially When you Hit 40

2. Swallowing May Become More Difficult Muscular atrophy, or weakening of your muscles, commonly happens as you get older. You can avoid much of that atrophy… Trista Smith - July 13, 2022

Are you looking at the big 4-0? Even if you aren’t excited about your day, we want to say Happy Birthday. Don’t worry about feeling nervous about turning 40. Maybe you are unsure what to expect and want to learn how to keep your body in the best shape possible as you go through midlife. Keep reading to learn more about the health challenges that can become more prevalent after 40 and what you can do to alleviate them. And please, try to celebrate even a little bit. Why? Because when you stop having birthdays, well, you know…

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70. Your Cells Start to Decline

Have you ever heard of Age Associated Cellular Decline? It starts in your 40s and accelerates as you age into the 60s and beyond. It occurs because the mitochondria – the powerhouse of the cell – begins to decline. As a result, it impacts the cells’ ability to perform at peak, optimal levels. If you are constantly fatigued or have a weaker immune system, this might be the reason as it impairs the function of your tissues and organs. Luckily, research shows you can exercise to help slow this process.

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69. You Will Get Shorter

Okay, you didn’t just turn 70, so what’s the big idea? According to Harvard Medical School, you start to lose about a centimeter in height during your fourth decade in life. By the time you hit 50, consider yourself shorter. You will most likely continue to shrink at the same rate every decade. Why? Because the bone density in your spine lessens and the disks wear out, resulting in a shorter stature. Are you already shrinking? Or perhaps at a faster rate? You may want to talk to your doctor about osteoporosis.

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68. Your Ears Will Grow

Maybe not in your 40s, but definitely in your 50s! You will notice your ears start to grow as you age. In fact, it can be at a steady 0.22 millimeters per year. Why? Because you are losing elasticity in your skin. How do we know all of this strange stuff? A 1993 UK study of more than 200 patients, discovered just that. Don’t worry about your lovely ears, though! If it bothers you that much, you can get a lobe job to tighten the skin.

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67. You Begin to Lose Muscle Mass

Sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss and weakness, is a fact of life. Harvard research reveals that you can experience age-related muscle loss known as sarcopenia. Men start losing muscle mass in their 30s, resulting in about three to five percent decrease of muscle mass each decade. However, you may not notice the change until you hit 40. If you want to stay fit, try progressive resistance training, or PRT. You can gradually increase your workout intensity this way and avoid any injury.

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66. Your Hormones Will Change

As soon as you hit 40 years old, both men and women experience a decline in hormones for the next decade or so. As testosterone and estrogen decrease around the age of 40, you will notice a slew of changes that happen to your body and mood. We cover a bunch in this epic list. However, just to briefly name a few, you can look forward to brain fog, low libido, lack of motivation, and more. The best thing to do is to make changes to your daily routine and diet to help cope with the differences.

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65. You’ll Stop Caring As Much

As you age, you might not care as much, and that’s a good thing! Not to say you won’t have friends and family you think of and spend time with. No. This new 40-year-old trait allows you to focus on you instead of everything and everyone else. That goes double for your career, kids, and so on. Hopefully, you can stop worrying as much and embrace what’s to come. Love and accept yourself, especially on your 40th birthday. That way, you also will become less self-conscious, even if it takes a bit of work.

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64. You’ll Be Able To Handle Your “Annoying” Traits

Some “annoying” traits, like perfectionism, can be held in check as you get older. Clinical psychologist Dr. Joshua Klapow explains that by the time you are in your 40s, you will be able to accept the traits that others may find annoying. From perfectionism to pickiness, you should embrace your quirky habits as you keep them more in check as you age. Why? Because you were probably focused on making things perfect before, but now you realize you only need to apply these flaws – er – traits when it really matters.

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63. Your Nose Can Get Bigger

No, your nose isn’t growing as you age (unless you are still telling silly lies!). As you age, your nose can sag, and change shape or appear different. Similar to other parts of the body, your skin is sagging because the collagen and elastin fibers in the cartilage are breaking down. According to a University of Milan study, men’s noses increase in volume by an average of nearly 20 percent between the ages of 18-30 and 65-80. Women’s noses change by about 18 percent throughout their decades of life.

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62. You Might Experience Weight Gain

As you age, your metabolism slows down, meaning that you cannot burn calories as quickly as you did when you were younger. You could probably blow right through a fast food meal when you were a kid and not feel anything the next day. When you hit 40, especially in the decades beyond, you need to take weight management very seriously. Make sure that you exercise regularly and fill your plate with fruits and vegetables instead of meat and carbs. Being overweight or obese sets you up for a host of chronic health problems.

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61. You Will See Gray Hair

Many people start getting gray hair long before their fortieth birthday. If you are one of the lucky few who has not seen any grays by the time you are thirty nine and a half, they will start coming up soon! Gray hairs are nothing to worry about; they are the natural product of your body, producing less melanin than it did when you were younger. The worst part of gray hair is feeling that you look old (you are). You can wear your gray hairs proudly or cover them up with some simple hair dye.

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60. You May Also Experience Hair Loss

Along with gray hair comes the dreaded thinning of the crown on top of your head. Male-pattern baldness can start setting in during the twenties, but with women, thinning is more common to begin in the forties. About forty percent of women will notice that their hair is getting thinner before reaching their fiftieth birthday. The biggest reason is that while you will continue to lose hair at the normal rate of about 50 to 100 strands per day, it will not regrow as quickly as before.

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59. You Won’t Care About Popularity

Sure, we all want to be accepted and liked to a certain degree as human beings. However, remember when you cared about your popularity? And we are talking past high school. There might have been a point in your life where you had an intense desire to be perfect. Think about it: did you go to a party without makeup? Heck no! When you hit 40, you don’t care as much about going with the crowd or what people think. Besides, you couldn’t keep up with the newest trends every other week anyway. Go to the grocery store in sweats and a ponytail, please.

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58. You Will Need to Begin Regular Testing

Suppose you have a family history of diseases such as breast cancer, diabetes, colon cancer, osteoporosis, or other chronic conditions. In that case, you probably need to begin getting tested for them when you are in your twenties or thirties. By the time you hit forty, there are some tests that you will have to begin getting done regularly. These include colonoscopies, mammograms and Pap smears for females, and prostate checks for males. None of these tests is pleasant, and you would probably just as soon go without them. Nevertheless, remember that getting a Pap smear is less invasive than dealing with cervical cancer.

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57. Illness Will Become More Common

The older you get, the less your immune system will be able to cope with the challenges of the germs that you encounter in daily life. Around mid-life, you will start getting sicker more often, and possibly more severely, than when you were in your twenties and thirties. If you already deal with chronic illness, do what you can to get it under control before your fortieth birthday. Start getting in the habit of getting your flu shot because the disease will take more of a toll on your body. Furthermore, get regular screenings for common conditions to be detected before they become life-inhibiting.

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56. You Might Become More Introverted

As you age, you may feel more introverted. Maybe you were that way all along, and you accept keeping to yourself. On the other hand, maybe you prefer the peace and quiet more after you turn 40. In your teens and 20s, it is all about socialization but as you grow older, you can stay home – even on the weekends – and really enjoy it. That goes double if you were hauling kids round through the majority of your 30s, too. So if you notice your extrovert sense of spirit is drifting, don’t worry. Welcome the peace.

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55. You’ll Adopt a Set of Core Values

Chances are good you had a set of core values when you were 39 years old, too. Nevertheless, as you age, you learn more about what is really important, and certain things can change as you age. Maybe something you really cared about in your 20s isn’t a big deal in your 40s. Or vice-versa. If you change and reprioritize your core values later in life, that’s okay. Don’t be surprised if those around you who are the same age do the same.

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54. For Females, Perimenopause May Begin

Menopause usually begins in a person’s fifties, and perimenopause can start in the mid-forties, usually in the same year that a woman undergoes her last menstrual period. You may begin experiencing some of the symptoms associated with menopause, such as night sweats and hot flashes; these symptoms happen because your body produces less estrogen. If you are 40, you schedule your yearly doctor exam and talk about perimenopause and what you can begin doing to prepare for it. Your doctor may recommend getting more calcium and taking supplements to prevent bone loss.

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53. Heart Problems May Begin

Anyone can experience problems with their heart. Even children have been known to experience heart attacks, though the condition is extremely rare. While risk factors for heart disease can be present long before your fortieth birthday, and while you may have even experienced heart disease, the risk for developing heart disease shoots up after you turn 40. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of a heart attack, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain, and make sure that you immediately call 911 for those symptoms. Take heart health seriously by managing your blood pressure, eating right, and exercising.

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52. You Could Begin Losing Bone Density

As you age, your bones begin to lose mass and density, making you susceptible to a host of problems. Your bones may break more easily, especially if you have a family history of osteoporosis. Females, in particular, may actually begin to shrink due to the decrease in bone mass and density, especially once they hit menopause. If you are concerned about bone loss, check in with your doctor and see if you can get tested for risk factors before bone loss becomes too severe. And make sure that you get plenty of calcium and vitamin D in your diet, if not by eating dairy, then through other sources.

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51. You May Develop Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when you stop breathing, and your body wakes itself up to restart your breathing. You may not be aware that you are constantly waking up because you are not entering full consciousness, but you may feel more and more fatigued despite feeling like you should have gotten enough sleep. If you are experiencing chronic fatigue despite sleeping on a regular schedule, or if you are having difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep, check in with your doctor. They may test you for sleep apnea, a very treatable condition.

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50. Your Main Preferences Will Remain the Same

All of this change may make you feel a bit woozy. Don’t worry; let’s talk about the Myer Briggs personality test. If you take the test now, and then a decade later, your results will be very similar. Why? Because even though your personality may shift from life experiences, your preferences usually don’t. Maybe you were an extreme introvert as a kid, and you still are now, but lean more to the extroverted side because of school and jobs.

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49. You’ll Become More Open

By the time you are 40, chances are good you will be ready to try some new things. Perhaps you were nervous as a young adult, rejecting change and adventure. As you grow, you won’t fear challenges, and may even make an effort to change. With an open mind, you can try new activities, foods, and ideas. It’s not like you will be a new person overnight, but don’t feel bad expanding your mind to enjoy life and accept more.

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48. You Are At An Increased Risk For Developing Diabetes

If you were not diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child, you would never develop it. Type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition in which children cannot process insulin the way they should, and the condition persists throughout life. Once you cross your fortieth birthday, you are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is more often associated with a poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle. Overeating sugar over a long period of time causes insulin resistance, which can ultimately turn into type 2 diabetes. Watch how much sugar you eat and check-in with your doctor to get tested for type 2 diabetes.

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47. You May Develop Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons that connect muscle to bone. You may be familiar with the terms tennis elbow, trigger finger, and jumper knee, all of which refer to tendonitis in joints that may be regularly overused. The condition is most common in athletes and adults over the age of 40 because it usually develops from overuse. Chronic conditions, such as inflammation, diabetes, and arthritis, can increase the risk of developing tendonitis. Chronic pain, which could be tendonitis, is always something you want to have a doctor examine before you end up in the emergency room.

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46. You May Experience Insomnia

Insomnia is not the lack of desire to sleep so much as it is the inability to sleep. As you age, especially after you cross your fortieth birthday, you may find that you have a more challenging time falling asleep and staying asleep. The result can be depression, anxiety, and worsening medical conditions that may already exist. Make sure that sleep is a priority. Turn off electronics an hour before bed. Don’t drink caffeine after noon, even for that mid-afternoon slump. Take care of your emotions because when they are running haywire, you may have many problems falling asleep.

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45. You May Develop Hypertension

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. There are both genetic and environmental causes for high blood pressure, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and insufficient sleep. Age is also a factor, as blood pressure tends to tick up after someone hits their fortieth birthday. You can check your blood pressure regularly by using a cuff that may be available for free use at your local pharmacy. Yearly check-ins with your doctor can also detect if those numbers are creeping up, and your doctor can advise you on lifestyle choices that can keep your blood pressure under control.

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44. Your Relationships May Change

Usually, a person in their forties is transitioning from raising children to focusing more on relationships with family and close friends. This transition period can be difficult for some people, especially when their lives are consumed by their children who have recently flown the coop. The good news is that on the other side of this transition, relationships later in life tend to be so much more fulfilling and rewarding because people are more willing to drop the toxic relationships and focus on things that really matter.

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43. Your Hearing May Start to Get Worse

After you pass your fortieth birthday, you may begin to develop age-related hearing loss because your eardrum is weakening. One out of every three people between the ages of 65 and 74 has experienced hearing loss. Why? Because of both hereditary and environmental factors. While you cannot prevent the genetic factors (though you can schedule regular appointments with your doctor to talk about concerns), you can reduce the environmental factors. Limit your exposure to loud noises, and if you have to be around something loud, wear earplugs.

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42. Your Cholesterol Levels May Go Up

Cholesterol levels indicate your risk for heart disease, including high blood pressure (which can lead to kidney problems, stroke, and heart attack). In fact, one decade of high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease by nearly 40%! The long-term implications of high cholesterol are huge, so make sure you have your doctor check your cholesterol levels regularly after you are 40. A healthy diet can keep your cholesterol levels in check, but those numbers can begin to increase around the age of 35 and especially in your forties.

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41. A Major Event Can Impact Your Life

Why are you experiencing all of these personality changes in your 40s? It’s bad enough you are dealing with body issues. Well, as you age, major life events happen. And while your personality traits seem to stick, certain events can affect you more than others. For example, a large move, marriage, and parenting have already begun to shape your life. These extra responsibilities can change your perspective or personality. Likewise, a sickness or death will have an impact on how you feel in your 40s as well.

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40. Your Ability to Reason Drops

According to the British Medical Journal, as you age, your cognitive reasoning skills begin to decline. Starting in your 40s, it can decline by 3.6 percent according to the article publication. This will actually continue well into your 50s as well. It is essential to nourish your body, including your brain when you turn 40, and from then onward. You can also exercise your brain with word games and other tricks to help beat memory loss and Alzheimer’s. In fact, you don’t’ have to wait to turn 40 to start focusing on brain health.

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39. Women May Gain More Weight Than Men at 40

Women, in particular, are susceptible to mid-life spread or those extra pounds that can come on quickly after you pass your fortieth birthday. One significant reason is the hormonal changes that begin to happen in the years before menopause sets in. However, there are other reasons why the numbers on the scale may be moving in the wrong direction, including lifestyle choices. Your diet matters even more after you hit 40; you just cannot eat as many milkshakes as you could when you were a teenager and expect not to experience the consequences! Regular exercise is also vital in keeping the pounds off.

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38. Your Vocal Cords Will Change

Have you ever noticed that as women get older, their voices get deeper, while their voices may actually get higher when men get older? It’s like reverse puberty! The reason is that after your fortieth birthday, your vocal cords will begin to change. They may become less flexible, begin to atrophy, and even dry out. The result changes the pitch of your voice. Add to that the hormonal changes that women experience during menopause, and if you are a woman, you are guaranteed to notice changes. Your voice may also become weaker and less predictable.

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37. You May See More Sun Spots

Sunspots, also called liver spots or age spots by some people, refer to the discoloration in your skin that may begin to appear, especially after the age of 40. The reason is simply that you have a lifetime of exposure to the sun, but your skin is producing less melanin. Irregular sunspots are a cause for concern, as they could indicate skin cancer. Check in with your doctor to get a biopsy if you notice sunspots growing in size or irregular in shape.

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36. You Are At An Increased Risk of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is possibly the most easily diagnosed form of cancer because it is easy to spot. With colon cancer, you may need a colonoscopy, which is a pretty invasive procedure, to spot it, and with cervical cancer, you may need an invasive Pap smear. With skin cancer, you mostly need to check and see if irregular spots appear on your skin and then head to your doctor for a biopsy. While environmental and hereditary factors contribute to developing skin cancer, age also plays a risk. After 40, you need to be checking yourself for spots.

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35. Your Vision May Start to Go Down

Many people in their forties, if they did not have to wear corrective lenses at a younger age, find that they are picking up readers at the local drugstore. As you age, you begin experiencing eye strain more easily, and the result is that things start to look a bit blurry. If you are concerned about the health of your eyes, make an appointment with an optometrist. Optometrists do more than determine your glasses prescription; they identify problems in your eyes and treat them.

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34. Your Teeth May Become Less Sensitive

As you age to 40, the nerves in your teeth may begin to shrink, causing you to have less sensitivity to things that may have given you problems in the past. Frozen treats may have been a problem in the past, but once you hit 40, you may find that you can enjoy them with ease. However, be aware that decreased tooth sensitivity comes at a cost. You will also be less likely to notice pain that could be associated with cavities and other dental problems. Regular check-ins with your dentist, including cleanings twice per year, can ensure that these problems do not go unnoticed until too late.

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33. Your Muscles Won’t Be Quite the Same

Sarcopenia is the scientific term for muscle loss, and it begins around the age of 30. By the time you are 50, you may begin noticing that you are experiencing muscle loss, with the most common symptoms being weakness, fatigue, and brain fog. Your muscles also won’t recover as quickly as they once did after a workout, so you may have to give your body more TLC. You can help alleviate this problem by working out regularly. But may sure that you do not overdo the exercise because your body is more susceptible to injury once you pass your fortieth birthday.

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32. Your Bladder May Become Disruptive

Overactive bladder, or constantly having the urge to urinate throughout the day, is especially prevalent in people over the age of 40. As you age, the walls of your bladder thicken, the nerves do not work as well, and the muscles that help control your urination may begin losing functionality. The result is more trips to the bathroom, and, yes, you may start peeing in your pants. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist who can teach you pelvic floor exercises that will help you control your bladder better.

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31. You Are At Increased Risk For Ulcers

An estimated four million people experience ulcers every year, and most of these are not severe – unless they break through the stomach wall, which causes a medical emergency that can be life-threatening. There are genetic risk factors for developing ulcers, and the food you also eat matters. Taking many painkillers, drinking too much coffee and alcohol, and smoking are all unhealthy habits. If you have persistent stomach pain, don’t ignore it; get checked for ulcers. If you have ulcers are at risk of ulcers, stop smoking immediately, lower your alcohol and coffee consumption, and limit your use of painkillers.

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30. You Will Start to Lose Brain Function

Your brain continues developing until your early- to mid-twenties, at which point you finally become a mature adult capable of handling life’s problems, right? Maybe not because as quickly as your brain finishes maturing, it actually begins to decay. The effects are not felt until your mid-forties, though, when you may start to lose the ability to reason. The changes in your brain happen so slowly that you may not notice them for a long time. Adopt a diet to promote brain health by eating foods high in good fats and low in simple carbs.

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29. You May Develop Kidney Stones

If you or someone you know has ever had kidney stones, you are probably aware that the pain is greater than that of a woman in labor. The bad news is that after your fortieth birthday, you are at an increased risk of developing kidney stones. They can be an inch or greater than diameter, and the bigger they are, the more painful they are to pass. The greatest risk factor for developing kidney stones is dehydration, so make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid this agonizing health ailment.

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28. You Might Develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition where people may experience chronic pain and tingling in their fingers. Repeated wrist movements, such as typing for long periods of time, can exacerbate other risk factors for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Experts say you can get the condition at any point in life but are at the most significant risk after passing your fortieth birthday. If you are experiencing pain in your hands, check in with your doctor because interventions that are done early tend to be much more effective than those done later.

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27. You May Experience Depression

There are so many life changes that occur around your fortieth birthday that you should not be surprised if you begin experiencing depression, even if you have never had it before in your life. Your financial and family obligations can start to weigh you down, especially as your kids are growing and you are having to begin caring for aging parents. Your relationships are changing. You may be going through a mid-life crisis. Your body is changing in ways that may be irreversible. Of course, your mood will be affected! Depression is very treatable. However, if you leave it untreated, depression can severely affect your health.

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26. You May Develop New Food Allergies

There is a myth that food allergies are always present in childhood. Not true! You can develop an allergy to your favorite food at any time in your life, even in your forties. If you are experiencing symptoms regularly after eating a particular food, make an appointment with an allergist to see if you have developed a new food allergy. Keep in mind that an allergy is not the same thing as an intolerance. You can be lactose intolerant, meaning dairy gives you an upset stomach without being allergic to milk.

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25. Your Oral Health May Turn South

Around the age of 40, your bones may begin to demineralize, and one effect of that is that the roots of your teeth can start to recede. The result is that your gums may begin to decay. To prevent this problem from happening to you, make sure that you schedule regular visits with your dentist instead of waiting to notice the signs of gum disease or other issues with your teeth. And you have heard this probably more times than you can count, but make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice per day with fluoride-based toothpaste and floss your teeth daily.

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24. You Will Become Infertile

When women reach perimenopause in their mid-forties, the number of eggs that they produce decreases dramatically. If you are 45 and trying to conceive, the odds are that you will not be successful, and infertility ultimately sets in about 5 to 10 years before menopause. If you want to become a mother by having a biological child (adopting a child can remain a viable option after the age of 45), you will need to check that item off of your list around your fortieth birthday, if not sooner. On the other hand, men can continue fathering children for pretty much the rest of their lives.

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23. You Can’t Handle Your Liquor Like You Once Could

As you age to 40, your liver will actually begin losing its toughness and will not be able to metabolize alcohol as quickly as when you were in your twenties. You will start feeling drunk after fewer drinks, and hangovers will be much worse. If you have hit your fortieth birthday, the time has come to stop partying like you just turned 21. Limit the alcohol to one or two drinks per day, and stop drinking to get drunk. Your body just cannot handle the alcohol anymore.

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22. You May Develop Asthma

You may have thought that only kids develop asthma, but did you know that you can still get asthma in your forties? Adult-onset asthma can be challenging to diagnose because of the constellation of symptoms surrounding it. Dry cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath can all be warning signs of adult-onset asthma. Your risk factors increase if you have childhood asthma (it may have resolved in your twenties but could relapse), are overweight or obese, and/or live in an area with a high level of pollution. If you think you may have adult-onset asthma, talk with your doctor.

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21. You May Develop Cancer

Cancer can develop at any time in your life, including while you are still in your mother’s womb. Nevertheless, one of the biggest risk factors for cancer is age, and as you age, you will be at increased risk for developing all kinds of cancers. Regular testing, such as colonoscopies, mammograms, Pap smears and prostate checks are your friend here in helping detect cancer early. If you have not prioritized a healthy lifestyle before now, start filling up on fruits and vegetables instead of meat, sugar, and starches. Get plenty of exercise, reduce your stress level, and prioritize the most meaningful relationships in your life.

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20. Your Senses May Begin to Become Diminished

As you age to 40, your taste buds become less sensitive, so your favorite foods may no longer have the kick that you once found so satisfying. And because taste is so connected to smell, both senses will begin to go down. The loss in taste is especially more felt in people with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. You may be tempted to use more salt or eat more sweets, both of which are pretty bad for your health all around. You may need to adjust the foods you are eating to experience their taste without adding salt and sugar.

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19. You May Have Fewer Colds

If you thought that getting older was a drag, consider this benefit: you may actually become more resistant to the common cold! You have already had so much exposure to colds throughout the past four decades that your body has built up immunity to it. So you will be able to go to family gatherings with all of the kids and might not leave with the cold that you had when you were in your twenties or thirties. Eating healthy, with plenty of fruits and vegetables instead of animal products and sweets, can also help.

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18. You May Have More Brain Fog

Brain fog is that uncomfortable feeling of not being able to think clearly, remember details, or stay focused on what you are working on. You have probably experienced bouts of brain fog throughout your life, but once you hit 40, hormonal changes can cause it to worsen and happen more frequently. You will be especially prone to brain fog if you are overly stressed, depressed, sleep-deprived, or experiencing a blood-sugar imbalance. If you are experiencing brain fog frequently, check in with your doctor and see if you can find the source of it.

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17. Your Risk of Stroke Increases

A stroke occurs when part of the blood supply to your brain is cut off. About 30 to 120 out of every 100,000 Americans between the ages of 35 and 44 experience a stroke each year, and the risk factor increases with age. One of the greatest risk factors for stroke is high blood pressure, and the good news is that this condition can be mitigated and sometimes even resolved through lifestyle changes alone. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day, reduce your consumption of animal-based products (you do not have to become a vegan, but significantly lower how many cow-based products you are eating), and get regular exercise.

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16. You May Sweat Less

This point applies to women in particular. Few people enjoy sweating, making them feel sticky and may cause unpleasant odors. However, sweating is a significant body function to help you cool off when you are overheated and release toxins that can build up in your body. As you get older, you may begin to sweat less because of changes to your sweat glands. In fact, a study has shown that postmenopausal women secreted much less following a workout than younger women. While you may appreciate not sweating so much, be aware that not sweating puts you at an increased risk for heatstroke.

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15. Your Hair May Become Brittle

That luscious mane of your twenties could begin to weaken after you hit your forties. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to maintain the health of your hair in your forties. Wash your hair and scalp regularly with shampoo that contains fatty acids to help retain moisture. Eat lots of green, leafy vegetables, healthy fats, and plenty of protein. Green leafy vegetables have the B vitamins that your hair needs to remain healthy, and much of your hair is actually made of protein!

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14. You Will Have More Aches and Pains

One natural byproduct of aging is that the cartilage in your joints begins to wear down, potentially leading to osteoarthritis and all of the aches and pains that go with it. This breakdown in cartilage can be exacerbated by hormone imbalances, chronic inflammation, and obesity. Your diet can play a huge role in alleviating the aches and pains that come with aging. Eat non-acidic foods, limit your meat consumption, and dramatically cut down on salt and sugar. You may also want to check in with your doctor to see about supplements that can help with cartilage repair.

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13. Your Skin Will Begin Losing Elasticity

The elasticity in your skin allows it to snap back quickly after it is pulled in one direction or another. Once you are in your forties, you will begin to see fine lines and wrinkles appear because your skin is not as elastic as it once was. You will need to start adjusting your skin care regimen by focusing on moisturizing your skin more than you did before. Also, make sure that you are eating for healthy skin by prioritizing plant-based products that will give your skin that sought-after glow.

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12. You May Begin Developing UTIs

A urinary tract infection, otherwise known as a UTI, can develop at any age, even in infancy, but these dreaded infections become much more common with age. As the muscles in your bladder weaken, you may find that you are having trouble emptying your bladder completely. This creates a considerable risk factor for a UTI, as bacteria can begin to build up inside your bladder instead of being excreted when you need to pee. Don’t try to hold it and go to the bathroom whenever you feel the urge to urinate. Even if you are in a hurry, try to empty your bladder completely.

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11. Expect to Develop Back Problems

People between the ages of 30 to 50 are at the highest risk of developing a herniated disc in their spines. The result is radiating pain throughout the back, buttocks, and thighs. Lower back pain becomes especially common at the time of your fortieth birthday. The good news is that there is plenty that you can do to help alleviate the problem. Physical therapy can help build muscles that will protect your back. Swimming regularly is a great way to get exercise without straining your back. Check with your doctor for ways to help deal with back pain without becoming dependent on painkillers.

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10. You Might Settle More Often

Having goals is important, and achieving them is equally essential. You should ‘never give up’ on something you really want. However, as you hit 40, and thereafter, don’t be surprised if you are okay with taking a more relaxed approach to getting what you want. Your dreams are still important, but don’t deny that as you get older, you have less energy and big dreams seem more out of reach as you age. Don’t feel guilty to go with the flow and settle for something else, even if you did have a plan in mind since you were 10. Just try to seek an alternate route that still satisfies you in the meantime.

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9. Your “Weird” Personality Traits May Become More Exaggerated

You probably thought that quirky habit was just a random thing when you were younger, but you will notice that you have specific traits that shine through by the time you turn 40. It’s not like you are changing overnight, or purposely doing something extra. You just get more comfortable as you age, and don’t mind pronouncing yourself instead of concealing anything. Say goodbye to insecurities and let go of the fear of judgment you had in your 20s and say hello to the quirky 40s.

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8. You May Notice More Facial Hair

There is a double whammy here, especially for women. The hair on your head will begin thinning, and you will notice more hair on your face. And not only are you seeing more hair, but it is thicker and darker than face hairs that may have appeared in your twenties or thirties. Blame changing hormones for the extra time you will have to spend tweezing or going to the beauty salon (not unlike the facial hair that can appear during pregnancy due to hormones). Experts recommend laser hair removal, and there are plenty of devices you can buy and use at home.

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7. Your Digestive Tract May Weaken

As you age to 40, your muscles naturally begin to weaken. Unfortunately, the muscles in your digestive tract can easily fall victim to muscle weakness, leading to digestive problems that include irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, and peptic ulcers. You can help alleviate the muscle loss and ensuing uncomfortable conditions by eating healthy foods with plenty of fiber (not just taking fiber supplements) and getting plenty of exercise. If you are experiencing bowel discomfort, check-in with your doctor to see if there may be something that you can do. You may need to get a colonoscopy, which is something that you will have to start anyway as you age.

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6. You May Become Lactose Intolerant

Lactose intolerance is another one of those conditions that can develop at any age, but many people associate it with children. Adult-onset lactose intolerance is not uncommon, and its prevalence actually increases the older you get. If eating dairy gives you a stomachache and maybe sends you running for the bathroom, there is a good chance that you have developed lactose intolerance. The condition is easily managed with dietary adjustments, such as using plant-based milk (which on the whole is healthier than cow’s milk) and dairy-free sorbet instead of ice cream.

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5. You Can Choose How To Respond to Situations with Confidence

Not every situation even deserves a response, and you will learn that as you age. However, you can also choose how you want to respond when the time is right. If you were a dramatic teen or reactive young adult, you may notice your habits slowly shifting as you turn 40. By that age, you will learn yourself, how you are programmed, and how to control it. Refine your personality, as complex as it is, and allow it to shine when appropriate.

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4. Your Worldly Engagement Can Change

What’s acceptable, appropriate, and even legal may change as you age. Things that were funny in your 20s may be not-so-silly in your 40s. Your life experiences will change the way you engage with the world. As you encounter that change, your ideas will likely develop and entertain new concepts you never considered before. Sharon Podobnik Peterson describes this stance perfectly. She is the founder of the self-help book subscription box GoLoveYourself.

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3. Handle Stress Better in Your 40s

Remember how we said you won’t care as much as you age, and that’s a good thing? This carefree attitude will help you handle stress better. As things happen, you won’t be as bothered, and can probably just let it go. Something that would cause an emotional response in your 20s may be nothing more but a causal conservation in your 40s. Plus, when serious things do happen, like the loss of a job or a death in the family, you will be ready to cope in a mature way.

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2. Swallowing May Become More Difficult

Muscular atrophy, or weakening of your muscles, commonly happens as you get older. You can avoid much of that atrophy by going to the gym regularly or getting a daily walk, but some of it occurs in places where you cannot do much about it. Take your throat, for example. You cannot exercise your throat at the gym, and as those muscles weaken, you may begin to experience difficulty swallowing. Your reflexes may have difficulty determining if you are swallowing a solid or a liquid, and you may start experiencing some discomfort when eating and drinking.

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1. Your Libido May Decrease

Again, this age-related change is more common in women and is heavily associated with hormonal changes around perimenopause. Another reason you may experience a decrease in libido is the mounting stress that tends to build up around the age of forty. You are no longer young and dumb and have to consider things that you may not have realized before. Alternatively, maybe you just have so many responsibilities now that you did not once have that you just lose interest. Stress management can help here and many other age-related health conditions that tend to set in around the age of 40.

Health

Science Can’t Beat these Tried and True Miracle Home Remedies

People discovered medicine many moons ago, and there are many treatments for the various health ailments we face as humans every day. However, where do you… Trista Smith - July 6, 2022

People discovered medicine many moons ago, and there are many treatments for the various health ailments we face as humans every day. However, where do you think the idea of treatments came from? Long before scientists created a bottle of Tylenol, people used herbs, spices, juices, foods, and other items to help with health conditions. We discover the benefits of various at-home health remedies by mixing different things and seeing how they work together.

When using something natural rather than an over-the-counter medication that comes with side effects of its own, you are going the healthier route. Besides, many of these at-home remedies actually have scientific evidence supporting the oldest therapies. Please keep reading to discover proven home remedies that work despite the plethora of scientific advancements we have at our fingertips.

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50. Rub White Vinegar on Infected Cuticles

Infected cuticles from a manicurist who’s a little too good at their job or biting your cuticles is never fun. It tears up the skin, and it looks unsightly. However, there are ways to treat this naturally. One excellent home remedy that works is to put your fingers in a glass with the same parts of warm water and distilled white vinegar. Soak them for about 15 minutes, and then repeat this every day until the infection starts to heal. These home remedies works because white vinegar is a natural antibacterial and can stop conditions in certain areas in their tracks!

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49. Use Comfrey to Help with Back Pain

Comfrey is a natural medicinal plant that treats muscle and joint pain. In fact, researchers have studied this plant. According to a study involving 215 people, applying a cream made of concentrated comfrey did help reduce lower back pain, especially in your lower and upper back. These home remedies, like others, are easy to get — you can purchase it at different food stores or online. It’s not just good for back pain overall but can also help with back strains, making these bad boys disappear!

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48. Try Oatmeal to Treat Bug Bites

When summer hits, one thing’s for sure — bug bites! Bug bites are actually quite annoying and frustrating, but did you know that there is a way to treat them. Oatmeal works, and it actually can help with itchiness and is used to treat different bug bites, whether from mosquitoes, ticks, or whatever. Colloidal oatmeal is also another great item, and you can actually mix oatmeal with water, put it directly onto the bite, wait about 10 minutes, and then rinse. It’s a great, natural way to treat those bites from the nasty critters, that’s for sure!

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47. Eat Beets for Constipation

Did you know that beet is not just tasty but they’re also great for your colon? Beets steamed or cooked, or even mixed as a drink, are great because they can help with constipation, getting everything moving once again. Next time you’ve got the runs, try these home remedies! However, as a warning, beets do have a natural red dye to them, and it may cause the urine or stool to be a bright red color, but it will not harm you. Keep reading for more home remedies that!

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46. Vodka for Foot Odor

If you notice your feet are sweating and smelling, get some vodka instead of putting cream on them. Soak a washcloth in some vodka, and then apply it to your feet. Vodka does work in the same way rubbing alcohol does. Since alcohol is a natural antiseptic and helps with drying, it gets rid of some of those nasty odors your feet may have. Furthermore, it also dries the moisture from the area, which is usually the source of athlete’s foot and other lousy bacterial issues that come with this too.

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45. Onions Can Soothe Bug Bites

Onions come with many acids to them — they are strong and even potent. They also come with a compound that naturally neutralizes the effects of a bite. If you notice your bug bite is rather painful and sore, not just mildly itchy, try this one instead. Get about half an onion, rub this directly on the impacted area, and wait about 10 minutes before you attempt to rinse it. That way, it seeps into the skin, and it helps with the problems that bug bites cause you!

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44. Chocolate Helps with Nausea

While chocolate is a tasty, indulgent kind of food, it’s not just something that tastes good; chocolate is good for when you’re feeling a little bit sick. It’s because chocolate has tannins inside of this, and it helps to dry out the mouth area, which is also what helps to fight the overactive amounts of saliva that you produce when you’re feeling a little bit sick. Chocolate is excellent if you have motion sickness, since the next time you have to deal with that, just grab a square of chocolate, nibble on it, and see how you feel as a result.

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43. Celery for Bad Breath

Let’s face it: bad breath stinks—literally! What if there was a simple way for you to get rid of it? While we wouldn’t think celery would cut it, it’s a better way to get rid of foul breath than a breath mint or even brushing your teeth. When you chew celery, it breaks down and absorbs the bacteria within the teeth, cleaning them while also getting rid of that bad breath. It does actually get rid of the odor completely since bacteria cause bad breath. Plus, it’s fibrous, so it’ll get rid of the bacteria in the same way that floss does, so if you don’t have any on you, consider just getting a piece of celery to help!

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42. Lemon Balm Can Help with Cold Sores

Lemon balm isn’t just great, but due to the citrus acids that come with this, it can help you actually feel good and have a much better result from this as well, since it’s a natural antibacterial that targets cold sores. To make these home remedies, brew two tablespoons of this herb in a hot water cup. Let it steep as you would tea for about 15 minutes, and then use a cotton ball to put the balm mixture directly onto your cold sores. Repeat this up to three times a day to fully get rid of these cold sores for good.

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41. Consider Pencils for Headaches

If you are someone who develops tension headaches that involve tensing the teeth and the jaw, the strain you’re causing on the temples and jaw will make you feel headaches. The solution is to press a temple between your lips and teeth, but don’t bite down on this. It triggers the muscles to relax, preventing pain. While you don’t need to ingest it, it’s a better option than just obsessively chewing on stuff. Keep reading for more home remedies that!

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40. Eat Yogurt to Treat Bad Breath

Another good way to get rid of foul breath? Yogurt has bacteria that suppress the bacteria in your mouth that causes bad breath. The good bacteria actually crowds out the bad and helps to balance out the area, not just your mouth but also your gut too, and it creates a natural, unhealthy place for them to thrive, which is excellent if you have bad breath that just won’t leave.

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39. Drink Raisins in Alcohol for Pain Relief

This home remedy is one that many older individuals swear relieves pain in the joints. Why? Because in golden raisins, the vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties from juniper berries that gin’s composed of help remove pain and swelling from arthritis. The cure is simple: you soak these raisins in the gin throughout the night and then eat ten of these each day for pain relief.

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38. Banana Peels Heal Poison Ivy

Did you know that if you have a nasty poison ivy rash, the cure isn’t necessarily calamine lotion or oatmeal baths? It can just be banana peels. Why? Because banana peels come with various agents, which help reduce the instance of swelling and such. You take the banana peel, push it against the rash area, and then rub this for a few minutes. The best part: when you’re done, rub this against your shoes for the perfect shine!

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37. Milk of Magnesia Treats Canker Sores

A canker sore is an ulcer within the mouth you get due to infections that are viral or injuries in the mouth. These can be quite painful. If you deal with these, you can just rinse the mouth area with these home remedies and then put it on the sores up to four times each day. This home remedy is a great way to provide instant relief to your mouth and help mitigate the pain.

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36. Try Flaxseed to Soothe Constipation

Flaxseed that’s ground is one of the best ways to heal constipation since it comes with both soluble and insoluble fibers, which helps with pushing for better bacteria growth and pushes the stool out. It’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce constipation and soften up the stool. Eating a few tablespoons of this each day is a great way to help mitigate constipation and its pain. Keep reading for more home remedies that!

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35. Use Yams for Hot Flashes

Yams are not only excellent and tasty and a great side dish, but they actually come with nutrients and antioxidants that help with reducing night sweats and hot flashes in menopausal women. Yams also have natural progesterone, so it helps relieve menopausal symptoms. You want to make sure that you get yams, not regular potatoes since they’re not the same thing if you use this.

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34. Nettles Treat Hair Loss

Have hair that’s starting to fall out? Get a cup and serve yourself some tea with stinging nettles in this. You can also take this in capsule form to get the same result. This home remedy works due to the minerals and vitamins in the leaves and the roots. They’re great not just for growing your hair but also for maintenance of the hair too. You can put boiling water over four to six leaves and then enjoy it!

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33. Licorice to Treat Calluses and Corns

Licorice is an excellent item because it comes with some great benefits, and it can treat a variety of problems in the body. One of them is calluses and corns. Why? Because it has estrogen-like substances, which actually softens the hard skin from corns and calluses. You will have the best results when using it in a topical form, applied directly to the body. To make this, you need a few licorice sticks ground up and about half a teaspoon of petroleum jelly. Mix this up, and then apply it directly to the spots on your feet that feel rough to help provide relief and treat it.

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32. Olive Oil to Treat Brittle Nails

Nails that are broken and brittle are due to a lack of moisture typically. When they’re too dry, they tend to crack and break down. You can use hand lotion to treat this, but this is an excellent nighttime treatment to try before bed. Put vegetable oil on your hands, and then put your hands in a plastic wrap or a vinyl glove to keep the oil on the fingertips and off your bedding. The covering also pushes the oil downward, penetrating the skin and providing moisture to your nails, helping to keep them strong and not very dry.

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31. Try Baking Soda for Splinters

Splinters are never fun, but most of us try to shove tweezers in there to remove these. Instead of doing that, a baking soda paste is a much better option to get the splinter out. The baking soda, in this case, swells up the skin, pulling the fragment to the surface. Mix a little bit of baking soda with some water, stirring this until it thickens up and creates a past. Please put it on the area, and then put bandage over it to protect the area. Wait about 24 hours, and don’t use your hands too much. Take the bandage off, and you can then remove this, either with tweezers or with your hand. If the splinter is stubborn and refuses to get out, you repeat this until the splinter surfaces enough that removal is easy. It may come out naturally on its own through this method, making it an excellent at-home remedy!

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30. Tea Tree Oil for Acne

Although tea tree oil isn’t a cure-all, you can use it to help treat acne. Doing a test patch first is a good idea. You’ll want to use a tiny bit of it to your inner elbow beforehand to see if you have any reactions before applying it to your face. Just like any other acne treatment, you will need to rub it on your skin daily for the best results. You’ll need to dilute the oil first by combining 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil with 12 drops of a carrier oil. Before spreading the oil, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Apply the diluted tea tree oil by dabbing it onto your blemishes with a pad or cotton round.

Basil Poultice for Mosquito Bites

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29. Basil Poultice for Mosquito Bites

Not only can basil be used to spice up a dish in the kitchen, but you can also apply it to mosquito bites to help treat them, as well. Basil’s antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects help relieve the annoying never-ending itching, swelling, and redness caused by insect bites. You will want to make a paste first by placing basil leaves in a mortar and crushing them with the pestle until they release juices that turn into a paste. Then you’ll rub the mixture directly onto the mosquito bites, cover them with a clean cloth and wrap it with a bandage so that the paste stays in place. Leave on for about 20 minutes before rinsing off.

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28. Baking Soda Helps Soothe Heartburn

Although not recommended for pregnant women, baking soda or sodium bicarbonate effectively provides temporary, occasional relief of acid reflux or heartburn. It works because baking soda has an alkaline pH, which helps to neutralize the acidity in your stomach, causing heartburn. Sodium bicarbonate is not safe to take long term; experts only recommend it for acute periods of acid reflux that last for less than two weeks. Keep reading for more at-home remedies that are naturally healthy for various ailments.

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27. Thyme Tea for Coughing

You can use thyme to help alleviate coughing because it is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. It’s also disinfecting, an expectorant, and antispasmodic. You can make thyme tea to sip on by pouring hot water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of thyme leaves, allowing it to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Cover the tea while it’s infusing to prevent the valuable essential oil thyme from evaporating. For example, if your cough is consistent due to a cold or bronchitis, drink two or three cups per day.

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26. Buttermilk for Age Spots

Yogurt, milk, and buttermilk contain high amounts of lactic acid, which can help exfoliate and lighten skin. Vitamin B12, vitamin D, and lactic acid can lighten pigmentation by removing dead skin cells. Using a saturated cotton swab or pad, apply buttermilk directly to the darkened skin to help fight age spots. Leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off. You can use this at-home remedy daily, or until you get the result you are looking for. Keep reading for more at-home remedies that are naturally healthy for various ailments.

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25. Olive Oil Helps Heal Cracked Lips

Are you dealing with chapped or cracked lips and chapstick or lip balms not helping? If you want to go the more natural approach, you should give olive oil a try. It’s not only suitable for recipes when cooking or baking in the kitchen. Experts discovered it could help with treating cracked lips, as well. Coat your chapped lips with olive oil to help heal them. It’s a natural lubricant that will help to soften and moisturize your lips nicely. You can use any vegetable oil to get the same results.

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24. Lemon Juice for Kidney Stones

If you are prone to or deal with kidney stones, you could drink just plain water, but that could get boring. And some people may find they don’t really care for lemon water, either. You could drink straight-up lemon juice, but that could be too sour for most people and could cause heartburn. That’s where lemonade comes in to treat kidney stones. It helps to pass a lot of urine, which is needed when dealing with kidney stones. Mix half a cup of concentrated lemon juice with 7 cups of water, and add sugar to taste. Although you should avoid sugar due to the extra calories it brings, you can add a sugar substitute instead for a healthier alternative.

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23. Green Teas Are At-Home Remedies for Joint Pain

Proven to be one of the healthiest drinks one can enjoy, experts discovered that green tea could treat many medical problems, including joint pain. Drinking a hot and steamy glass of green tea regularly may help you combat the discomfort that painful joints may cause. This tea may help soothe your symptoms, whether you are experiencing joint pain caused by inflammation or age. Rich with catechin, which are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, green tea may be beneficial to those living with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

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22. Peppermint Oil for Migraines

Peppermint oil can help treat migraines, and there are many ways to incorporate it into your daily routine. If you are prone to migraines and enjoy taking baths, you can add some of this oil into your bath water to soak in. Massage the oil mixture onto your temples, back of your neck, shoulders, and chest area to help with tension headaches. Inhale peppermint oil with steam or an essential oil diffuser. You can also drink peppermint tea to help you think more clearly and feel more alert when dealing with a headache or migraine. Keep reading for more at-home remedies that are naturally healthy for various ailments.

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21. Sugar Helps Stop Hiccups

Are you dealing with hiccups that just don’t want to go away or ease up? Everyone gets hiccups every now and againThat’s where sugar comes in! You can eat a spoonful of sugar to help treat hiccups and make them stop in their tracks. The theory of this working is how sugar affects the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the stomach. The teaspoon of sugar manages to help stop your diaphragm from spasming, which in turn should instantly end your hiccups.

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20. Cherries Help Prevent Gout

Studies reveal that cherries help treat and even prevent gout. A painful gout attack occurs when excess uric acid in the body forms crystals that collect in one or more of your joints, causing inflammation. Experts believe that cherries can help lower uric acid levels in the body, and this fruit has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce inflammation related to gout attacks. Cherries reduce excess free radicals in the body, known as oxidative stress, which is also associated with gout. They may also help counteract the process that leads to changes in the joints affected by gout.

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19. Duct Tape for Warts

Duct tape can be used for many things and is pretty easy to come by these days. The weirdest thing duct tape can help with, though, is to cure warts. The American Academy of Dermatology endorses this method and even has research to back it up. Doctors, however, aren’t exactly sure why it works, but they know that it does. A study found that by placing duct tape over warts, you get the same results as you would by freezing them, and it is a much cheaper alternative. Keep reading for more at-home remedies that are naturally healthy for various ailments.

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18. Chicken Soup for the Common Cold

You may think of eating chicken noodle soup when you feel under the weather instead of just taking cold medications. Perhaps, your mom may have given it to eat as a child growing up when sick. Some reports actually back up the chicken soup theory. They reveal that the broth may improve the function of the tiny hairs in our noses, known as cilia. These hairs prevent contagions from getting into the body. Onions, garlic, and other additional vegetables add flavor to the soup and add a healthy dose of phytonutrients, which are vital for a well-functioning immune system. They can also help reduce inflammation in the body, which may also ease the symptoms caused by the common cold.

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17. Oatmeal Baths for Itchy Skin

When taking an oatmeal bath, you’re not actually soaking in oatmeal that you would also eat for breakfast. The kind you put into your bath water is called colloidal oatmeal, and you can purchase it over the counter or make your own at home. Colloidal oatmeal binds your skin and forms a protective barrier to your skin, and it not only helps hold in moisture but also eases inflammation. Oatmeal baths still clean your skin, too. Keep reading for more at-home remedies that are naturally healthy for various ailments.

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16. Banana Smoothies Help Cure Hangovers

We all know that alcohol dehydrates the body, which can cause many of the symptoms we have the following day after a night of drinking. The milk that is in a banana smoothie helps rehydrate your body. Since they are rich in magnesium, electrolytes, and potassium, the bananas in the smoothie also boost your nutrient levels. Since they are also easy to digest, they will be easy on your stomach, which may already be irritated from alcohol. The three ingredients that make up the banana smoothie hangover cure include bananas, milk, and honey.

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15. Ginger for Nausea Relief

It’s not known exactly how ginger might help ease nausea. Nevertheless, some scientists have suspected that certain chemicals found in ginger may influence the stomach, nervous system, and intestines, helping to reduce that nauseous feeling. When taken for nausea, ginger works directly on the tummy and can increase the GI tract’s movement. Even though you can drink the soda to help treat an upset stomach, ginger supplements are of little help when it comes to protecting you against motion sickness.

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14. Turmeric to Relieve a Sore Throat

Turmeric has a wide range of minerals, vitamins, proteins, and dietary fiber. It is a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antiseptic, expectorant, carminative, and anti-carcinogenic agent. Which is all perfect for helping alleviate that irritating sore throat. It works against a sore throat by inhibiting inflammation while relieving symptoms, such as that itchy or scratchy feeling, pain, burning, and swelling within the throat. You can make a gargle rinse using turmeric, water, and salt, as well as drink turmeric tea to soothe your sore throat. By adding it to a boiling milk and pepper mixture, you create a drink called Haldi doodh or add it to soup to treat your throat.

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13. Lemon for Healthy Hair

Who doesn’t want strong, shiny hair? Lemons aren’t only good to spice up your food or drink, but they are also good for your skin and your hair. They help rid your scalp of build-up with the citric acid they contain. The vitamin C found in lemon boosts collagen, which promotes hair growth. The antibacterial and antifungal properties found in lemons help to fight off dandruff. They also help control excess oil secretions due to their acidic nature. Keep reading for more at-home remedies that are naturally healthy for various ailments.

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12. Raw Garlic Fights Colds and the Flu

Not only does garlic help to make a dish taste even more delicious and fill the kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma, but scientists found that it can help fight colds and cases of flu by enhancing immune functions. It contains compounds that help the immune system fight against germs. Raw garlic can help reduce the risk of even becoming sick in the first place. Suppose you may come down with something because you were around someone else who was ill. Use garlic as a natural at-home remedy. It can also help reduce the time you are sick and reduce the severity of symptoms caused by a cold or flu. However, it’s unknown if you need to consume garlic daily or if it also works as a short-term treatment when you start to feel an illness coming on.

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11. Saltwater Mouthwash for Toothaches

Mouthwash can help freshen your breath and cleanse the areas that your toothbrush isn’t able to reach. Saltwater rinses, however, are equally as effective in improving your oral hygiene and health as mouthwash bought from the store. Not only does it help with oral hygiene, but it can also help assist in the healing process after having a dental procedure done, such as a tooth extraction. Saltwater helps with healing by promoting gingival fibroblast migration, with an increased amount of extracellular matrix components, which help with the repairing inside your mouth. Saltwater rinses can also prevent dry sockets that can be quite painful. These can occur after a dentist extracts a tooth. Aside from the disinfectant properties, you can use saltwater to treat canker sores, toothaches, and even some allergies.

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10. Tomatoes for Dark Circles

Tomatoes help lighten dark circles under your eyes. People use them for this purpose by taking a slice of tomato and massaging your dark circles. Since tomatoes contain specific essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, vitamin K, and minerals like magnesium and potassium, you can use them to help the skin fight against age spots, tanning, dark circles, and even cancer. You can also make a mixture to apply over your dark circles by mixing tomato and Aloe Vera in equal portions. Apply where needed to clean skin, and let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off. For best results, repeat this process twice a day. Since tomatoes act as a bleaching agent, which helps lighten the skin, and Aloe Vera gel is considered a natural moisturizer, the combination of the two will provide a fair complexion and keep your skin hydrated well.

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9. Aloe Vera Heals Burns

We know applying sunscreen before going out is a good idea since it prevents your skin from being burned by the sun. Not everyone remembers to apply sunblock or forget to reapply after the recommended time, which means they’ll probably get a sunburn while out in the sun. Although experts recommend avoiding getting burned, sometimes it’s unavoidable. That’s where Aloe Vera comes in handy. It contains the natural compound aloin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. A study found that Aloe Vera effectively treats first and second-degree burns, whether it’s from the sun or from touching a hot surface, for example.

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8. Coffee Helps Relieve Constipation

Those who drink coffee daily may not deal with constipation as much as those who don’t really drink coffee at all. Ever notice that you find yourself in the bathroom a short time after drinking a cup of coffee? That may be because coffee helps change gut bacteria and improve the ability of your intestines to contract. Scientists did a study conducted on rats, and they found that coffee improved the contracting power of the muscles in the small intestine. Furthermore, the study also discovered that caffeinated coffee and caffeine-free coffee both had the same results. Keep reading for more at-home remedies that are naturally healthy for various ailments.

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7. Cucumbers Are At-Home Remedies for Under Eye Skin

Out of all of the at-home remedies, you have probably heard of this one. However, have you ever wondered why they put cucumbers over your eyes when at a spa? A bit of science supports this treatment of putting cucumbers over your eyes as a gentle and natural way to make your skin look and feel great, too. Why? Because cucumbers have unique hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties that they offer. When used as a treatment, cucumbers can moisturize the area under the eyes due to their high water content. As well as providing a cooling effect of its juice, which helps give skin that refreshing feel and look.

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6. Potatoes Can Lighten Underarms

Potatoes are so versatile. You can use them for more than just eating, believe it or not! The juice from potatoes has lightening properties, so people use them as a mild bleach to even out skin tone. Since potatoes are also rich in vitamin C, they can help your skin maintain its elasticity. Simply apply the potato juice with a cotton swab or pad to certain areas that you want to brighten, such as under your arms and in your armpits. Applying potato juice to the skin is the easiest and most convenient way to go about it.

Since lemon is known for its brightening properties, and sugar is a natural exfoliator, you can make a mixture of these two ingredients and potato and massage it into the affected area. Cut two slices of potato and massage them into your underarms. In a blender, blend ¼ of potato and cucumber, adding one tablespoon of chickpea powder. Then apply the mixture to your armpits and wash off after 15 minutes. You can also make potato juice and mix it with condensed milk before applying it to your underarms.

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5. Lavender Essential Oil for Stinky Feet

Derived from the lavender plant, this essential oil has many benefits. It is possibly one of the most potent essential oils you can use for so many different ailments. It not only eases stress, reduces acne, and relieves the symptoms caused by allergies, but it can also help you get rid of foot odor. This oil has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, which can help kill odor-causing bacteria. Apply lavender essential oil to your feet by rubbing a few drops onto your feet before going to bed to help kill odorous bacteria. Make sure to wear your socks after applying the oil to your feet, too. Keep reading for more proven at-home remedies that can replace over-the-count medicine.

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4. Honey as an Effective Cough Suppressant

Honey has many health benefits, and not just for cooking, either. You can add it to hot tea or mix it into warm lemon water to help soothe a sore throat, whether from sinus drainage or coughing. You don’t have to consume it with anything, though, and you can take it by itself, too. Whether you eat a spoonful of it or feel like squeezing some of it from a bottle into your mouth, honey alone can be an effective cough suppressant. One study discovered that honey is as effective as a common cough suppressant ingredient, dextromethorphan, which is in typical over-the-counter medications.

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3. Watermelon Juice Can Help Control Blood Pressure

A summer favorite, watermelon is delicious and refreshing, but it’s healthy for you, too. Watermelon has many health benefits, and experts attribute them to the nutritional facts of this fruit. These include being a rich source of essential minerals and vitamins, such as vitamins A, B, and C, as well as having antioxidant properties. A study reveals the advantages of watermelon juice help keep blood pressure under control. Because it is also rich in potassium, this adds the benefit of watermelon helping to fight high blood pressure.

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2. Vitamin C for Allergies

Are you ready for two of the best at-home remedies for your common health ailments? Vitamin C offers many essential benefits for your body and is probably best known for the support it gives your immune system. Evidence shows that vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, may help with some allergies. It acts as a natural antioxidant and antihistamine, which you can find in allergy medications that can block histamine and its effects. However, they can cause unwanted side effects of their own. Vitamin C acts differently than antihistamine medications by reducing the amount of histamine your body produces rather than blocking histamine receptors. Studies show that it may decrease swelling, inflammation, and other related symptoms caused by an allergic reaction.

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1. Eucalyptus Oil for Pain Relief

Here is one of the best at-home remedies! Experts discovered how beneficial essential oils could be over the years. You can do many things with these oils, like applying them directly to the skin, inhaling them, or soaking them in a tub full of essential oil-infused water. Professions suggested that eucalyptus oil helps ease the pain you may get in your joints. Many over-the-counter ointments and creams that you can use to soothe pain from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis contain eucalyptus oil. This oil helps reduce the pain and inflammation associated with many ailments. It may also be helpful to those who have back pain or those who are recovering from a muscle or joint injury. Inhaling eucalyptus essential oil may decrease the pain you are experiencing. This plant contains many anti-inflammatory compounds, including limonene and cineole, which may act like pain relievers.

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