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Makeup artist Lisa Garner shows some trendy, cool styles for teens.

We all have mood swings. One minute we can be feeling on top of the world, the next we are well and firmly down in the dumps. Often there is no obvious reason for these feelings and many of us are frightened to tell our doctors for fear of being put onto long term medication that we may find difficult to come off in the future.

Of course, if you think you may be suffering from severe depression, then you must visit your doctor and work out a plan of dealing with it that suits you. But if you are prone to feeling ‘low’ without any specific cause now and again, then there are natural remedies that can help you.

Many people who find that they suffer from mood swings are deficient in B vitamins. These help the body to utilize iron, and also help to keep the brain functioning properly. The most common B vitamins are B6, B12 and folic acid, and as they are water soluble, they need to be topped up every day. If you suffer from bouts of feeling low, then try altering your diet to include such foods as eggs, milk, fortified cereals and dark green vegetables such as spinach, which are all a rich source of B vitamins.

If your symptoms are more severe, you may consider trying acupuncture as a way of relieving them. Fine needles are pushed into specific points on your body, known as energy channels or meridians. This is said to help the energy flow more freely throughout your body. Acupuncture is said to stimulate the production of pain dulling substances which prevents mood drops. Many people find that they do not have to understand how acupuncture works in order to benefit from it, and it is used in a variety of cases where conventional medicine has not worked out.

A less invasive method of preventing a drop in mood is by adding the herb rosemary to your cooking. It is an ideal accompaniment to roast lamb, potatoes and steamed vegetables. Rosemary has been found to be a powerful antioxidant. It stimulates digestion and blood flow to all parts of the body, including the brain, and this is why it may help with mood swings. If your moods swings are brought on by bouts of tiredness and lack of energy, then this herb could help!

Bach Original Flower Remedies have been used for many years, by people in all walks of life. The original ‘rescue remedy’ is well known to calm nerves naturally. But many people do not realize that other remedies are available that can help to lift your mood in general. Try using mustard, hornbeam, gorse and gentian. These are not an instant fix, but over a month or so, you should notice your moods and general outlook on life improving.

Finally, and arguably the most pleasurable method of lifting depression and experiencing a feeling of general well being comes through eating chocolate! Even better, it is now proved to have a mood lifting effect by triggering the release of endorphins, which is well known as the body’s feel good chemical. Of course, it is also well documented that exercise has the same effect. If you choose chocolate, then make sure it contains at least 70% cocoa, and plain chocolate is always best. If you are watching your weight, then buying the best quality chocolate that you can afford, with the highest cocoa content, will mean that you will only need to consume small amounts.

If you find that these methods do not lift your low mood then you may be suffering from a more serious form of depression and should always seek medical advice.

We’re all familiar with the fact that exercise is essential to good health but exercise can actually strengthen your immune system. Although it may sound cliche the key really is moderation. Moderate exercise is beneficial to the body’s overall well being because it boosts the function of the immune system.

Studies show that people who engage in moderate exercise on a regular basis suffer from less colds and upper respiratory infections. People who are more sedentary in their lifestyles are also more prone to colds. Studies on the effects of exercise on the immune system remain ongoing but the general concensus indicates a definite benefit.

Working out too hard can have the opposite effect. Studies also show that strenuous exercise may weaken the immune system. As stated previously, the key to optimum immune efficiency is exercise in moderation. In order to promote a healthier lifestyle and decrease chances of cold or infection it would be wise to engage in moderate exercise three to five times per week.

Of course, there are many forms of exercise that may suit your particular preferences and lifestyle. You may prefer to join a gym, use exercise equipment in the comfort of your own home or workout to an exercise DVD. Whatever your workout choice is doesn’t matter as much as consistency and dedication to a healthier lifesyle. Many people get bored easily and find it difficult to stick to a routine. If that sounds like you it can be helpful to participate in a variety of activities that provide you with the exercise you need but are fun to do and keep you from getting bored.

You can try biking, hiking, swimming, skating and even dancing. Get the family together for a baseball game. Play basketball, tennis or soccer. There are sports related activities for every season. Do something different each week. You might want to try yoga or quigong. The fluidic movements of such alternative forms of exercise are beneficial to the whole body/mind/spirit system. They help to bring about a relaxed and meditative state of mind as well as to balance the body. Doing yoga or quigong can clear the body of toxins and enhance function of the immune system. They also help to conserve energy rather than expend it.

No matter what form of exercise regimen you choose to participate in it is important to check with your physician first. You should have a thorough check-up and discuss the type of exercise you are considering with your doctor. Always be certain to get your doctor’s permission before starting an exercise routine or making any lifestyle changes that could affect your health.