Blog Posts by LIVESTRONG.COM

Dark circles may form from a variety of factors, such as facial inflammation and puffiness or inadequate sleep. Eye creams and gels can help reduce dark circles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, by firming up the skin surface and constricting surface blood vessels. For the best results, the center says to apply a good eye treatment by tapping it onto the surface of your skin instead of rubbing it in.

Avon Lighten Up Plus Undereye Treatment

Avon designed its under-eye cream to target dark circles and limit under-eye puffiness. Skincare expert Paula Begoun tested Avon's treatment and ranked it as "very good," saying it's "well-formulated" and gives your skin a "silky finish." She specifically liked its use of antioxidants, which help to prevent and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Zirh Restore Herbal Under Eye Cream

Although Zirh created its under-eye cream for men, eye creams can work

Mega T green tea capsules are promoted as weight loss aids, antioxidant supplements and energy enhancers. No independent studies have evaluated Mega T's benefits compared to other green tea products, but extensive research supports the use of green tea as a component of a healthy diet. Despite the many benefits associated with green tea supplements, anyone with a medical condition should consult a health care provider before using them. Mega T contains caffeine and may trigger side effects such as anxiety, heart palpitations, insomnia and dependence.

Antioxidant

The University of Maryland Medical Center regards green tea as a potent source of antioxidants. Mega T supplements contain a high concentration of polyphenols, which are among the most powerful antioxidants known to science. Each seving of Mega T contains 90 milligrams of polyphenols in the form of epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. This amount is roughly equivalent to the 80 to 100 milligrams found in an

Overview

Your metabolism is the rate at which your body burns calories. According to the Mayo Clinic, how fast yours works depends on genetics, gender--men tend to have faster metabolisms than women--and your age. There isn't a lot you can do to change any of these factors, but there are some natural and easy ways to give your metabolism either a temporary or more long-term boost.

Step 1

Break the fast. You've probably heard it said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and, when it comes to boosting your metabolism, it's true. By morning--after quite a few hours of not eating--your body is running low on fuel and is operating in starvation mode. This means it has slowed down the processes that burn calories, such as digestion, so it can save energy to keep you alive, says the Mayo Clinic. A healthy breakfast is the kick-start your body needs to get the metabolism back up to speed and reassure your system that fuel is in plentiful supply. For the same

Facial rejuvenation is loosely defined as any procedure that provides a more youthful appearance to your skin. It consists of both surgical and nonsurgical methods to reduce wrinkles, tighten loose skin, improve pigmentation and correct sun damage. The type of procedure used is often dependent on a variety of different factors, including your age, health, skin type and severity of wrinkles, so not all treatments can improve the skin in all people. Your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can determine which facial rejuvenation method is best for you.

Retinoids

Retinoids are topical prescription creams sometimes used to rejuvenate the skin. They are most effective on fine lines and wrinkles, as well as areas of discoloration, advises MayoClinic.com. Retinoids cause cellular turnover while stimulating the production of collagen, which can provide a more even tone and texture to your skin.

Cosmetic Fillers

Cosmetic fillers are injectable substances that fill in lines,

There are many different kinds of superfoods, but only a select number include the necessary ingredients to help stall the aging process, which are EFAs, or essential fatty acids, antioxidants or fiber. Any or all of these three things have been proven to help regulate blood sugar levels and metabolism, to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and to protect against cancer and heart disease.

Yogurt and Kefir

These two foods go hand in hand because of their extremely important probiotic characteristics. According to Dr. Nicholas Perricone, fermented and cultured foods, such as yogurt and kefir, actively promote optimal health, and are what some researchers refer to as "functional" foods.

Sprouts

Sprouts, an excellent source of protein and Vitamin C, are an essential food because of its unusually high enzyme content. Enzymes are vital to many of our body's functions and eating sprouts is a great way to replenish your supply of enzymes.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds, in

Overview

Whether you piece together a first aid kit or buy one fully assembled, the American Red Cross advises you to keep one at home and another in your car. Inspect each kit on a regular basis to make sure your supplies are fresh. Check the expiration dates on all medication and make sure the packaging on sterile equipment hasn't decomposed or been nibbled on by animals or insects.

Wound Treatment Supplies

According to the Red Cross, properly stocked first aid kits need a variety of compresses, bandages and gauze pads suitable for dressing different types of wounds. Start with the basics: adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, cloth tape, 5-inch by 9-inch compress dressings, roller bandages and gauze pads. Don't forget antiseptic wipes, necessary for cleaning the wound area before bandaging it.

General Medical Supplies

Anyone treating a victim should wear latex gloves. The Red Cross recommends keeping two pairs, size large, in your first aid kit. If you have

Overview
If you binge on salty foods, you'll likely feel bloated and puffy a few hours later. That's because eating too much salt causes your body to retain water. The extra water in your body can amount to a few extra pounds of weight and can lead to high blood pressure. Your kidneys can filter only a little sodium out of your blood at a time, so there's no magic way to get rid of all the extra salt. All you can do is reduce your sodium intake, keep your metabolism high and wait.

Step 1
Cut back on your salt intake. Experts recommend a daily sodium intake of no more than 2,300 mg, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. That's about a teaspoon. If you've binged and are retaining water because of salt, you probably have consumed much more than 2,300 mg in a day. For the next couple of days, you should consume much less; shoot for 1,000 mg. Don't worry about getting too little---some people in primitive cultures consume less than 200 mg per day and get by just fine.

Step 2

Anxiety and depression are two conditions that can cause many problems. Someone suffering from anxiety and depression often has trouble concentrating, is unnaturally fatigued, suffers from constant stress and experiences physical symptoms such as sweating, dry mouth and headaches. There are several ways to treat anxiety and depression, including the use of prescription medications and therapy. Exercise is another way to treat both anxiety and depression.

Be Intense
Intense exercise, performed on a regular basis, is an effective treatment for anxiety and depression, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). One of the reasons that exercise helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression is that exercising triggers the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins within the brain, notes the Mayo Clinic. These feel-good chemicals boost mood, improve confidence and provide a calming effect on the brain.

Do What You Like
Aerobic exercise, such as running or