6 Dietary Changes That May Help Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Is there an arthritis diet?

By Mara Betsch
Anywhere from 33% to 75% of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) feel that there are some foods that make symptoms, such as stiff and painful joints, better or worse.

However, the scientific evidence is spotty.

?There?s no compelling data that generalizes all patients,? says Nortin M. Hadler, MD, professor of medicine and microbiology-immunology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and author of Worried Sick.

?There are multiple trials, but the effects are minimal.? Even if some foods do alleviate RA symptoms, it would be hard to sort out individual diet factors, Dr. Hadler adds.

That said, here are six dietary changes that may be worth trying if you have rheumatoid arthritis.

Shed extra pounds

If you’re overweight, losing those excess pounds may take some of the pressure off of your joints.

“If I have a patient with RA who’s overweight and loses 10 pounds, every time he takes a forceful step forward, that’s 30 pounds less on weight-bearing joints [such as the hips and knees],” says Dr. Hadler.

What’s more, it may also improve quality of life. A 2006 study found that overweight and normal weight people with RA had a higher quality of life than those who were obese.

Eat omega-3’s

Several studies suggest that people with RA may benefit from fish oil supplements, which contain inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids.

RA patients are also at greater risk of cardiovascular disease, and fish oil is thought to be good for the heart too.

However, studies suggest that you need to get 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day (a 4-ounce piece of salmon has a little over 2 grams) for 12 weeks, which could get pricey or the diet hard to maintain.

Make it Mediterranean

In a 2003 Swedish study, people with RA who ate a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetable, cereals, legumes, and olive oil for three months experienced improved physical functioning and vitality when compared to RA patients who did not.

The effects of the Mediterranean diet on rheumatoid arthritis long-term are still unclear, but including more fruits and vegetables in your diet isn’t a bad idea.

Consider a vegetarian diet

At least one study found that people who ate a vegetarian or vegan diet reported an improvement in RA symptoms, including pain score, morning stiffness, and grip strength compared to those who didn’t.

However, because these diets are restrictive, many of the participants were unable to maintain them for the yearlong study period.

If you can’t give up meat, then at least try to get a few more greens on your plate. The antioxidants, such as those found in green peas, bell peppers, and broccoli, may protect against tissue damage around the joints caused by free radicals.

Check your vitamins

Some evidence suggests certain nutrients may help patients with RA. For example, some studies showed that vitamin E supplements reduce RA joint destruction and pain, while others do not.

Selenium levels are also thought to be too low in some people with RA. However, only one study has found that selenium reduced swollen joints and stiffness, and it also involved fish oil supplementation, so it?s difficult to determine if selenium can help reduce RA symptoms.

In addition, some RA patients take methotrexate to slow disease progression. But the drug also inhibits folic acid metabolism and causes a range of side effects, including mouth sores, says Dr. Hadler. He suggests folic acid supplements to decrease these adverse effects.

Find out about allergies

Food allergies, especially to dairy and shrimp, may aggravate rheumatoid arthritis. Some people try elimination diets, which involves removing all potential allergens from the diet and slowly adding these foods back to see if they trigger symptoms.

Studies have tested whether exposing patients to foods that had previously upset their RA consistently worsened their symptoms. “You get a smidgen of a hint that food aggravates symptoms,” says Dr. Hadler.

But he explains that there’s tremendous variation within any individual’s symptoms in a given time period, making it difficult to study the effects of elimination diets.

Fibromyalgia's symptoms include muscle and tissue pain, fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances. Although there is little clinical research on fibromyalgia and food, many patients say that following a careful diet can help ease aches and discomfort.
http://www.health.com

Read more »

Star Chefs Cook Carbs!

Michael Chiarello's Fusilli Michelangelo With Roasted Chicken

Michael Chiarello is the nationally renowned chef/owner of Bottega, his highly acclaimed Napa Valley restaurant. He is also an Emmy-winning Food Network host and Top Chef Masters finalist.

"This dish is one of my all-time favorites. It's tasty, simple, and full of flavor."

Ingredients: sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, sugar, whole wheat fusilli, olive oil, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, basil, tomato sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, rotisserie chicken, arugula, pine nuts

Calories: 431
Resistant Starch: 1.5 grams

Donatella Arpaia's Edamame and Pear Crostini

Donatella Arpaia is the owner of Donatella, DBar, and Kefi in New York City; and a guest judge on Food Network's Iron Chef America and The Next Iron Chef. She is also a regular contributor on the Today show; and is the author of Donatella Cooks: Simple Food Made Glamorous.

"This dish is healthy, sweet, and crunchy with great texture and flavor makes a perfect appetizer for a baby or bridal shower."

Ingredients: edamame, extra virgin olive oil, mint, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, salt, black pepper, a baguette, Bartlett pears

Calories: 241
Resistant Starch: 0.6 grams

Emily Luchetti's Brown Rice Pudding

Emily Luchetti is the executive pastry chef at Farallon and Waterbar restaurants in San Francisco and is the author of six cookbooks. Her latest is The Fearless Baker.

"I eat brown rice and veggies often for dinner. One night I had a sweet tooth, so I turned my leftover brown rice into a quick and not too unhealthy dessert. The nutty rice goes well with the juicy ripe fruit."

Ingredients: low-fat (1%) milk, brown sugar, cooked brown rice, heavy cream salt, seasonal fresh stone fruit (or 1 cup golden raisins, dried apricots, and/or sour cherries)

Calories: 223
Resistant Starch: 1.2 grams

Candice Kumai's Pearl Barley With Peas and Edamame

Candice Kumai is the author of Pretty Delicious: Lean and Lovely Recipes for a Healthy, Happy New You, a guest judge on Iron Chef America, co-host of Lifetime television's hit series Cook Yourself Thin, chef contributor on Cooking Channel's Unique Eats, and an alum of Top Chef.

"Carbs are the ultimate food in my book. I will never—mark my words—cut them from my diet! My day is filled with them, from my morning muesli to a late-night pizza."

Ingredients: pearl barley, edamame, peas, spinach, Worcestershire sauce, lemon zest, tablespoons fresh lemon juice, sea salt

Calories: 227
Resistant Starch: 3.7 grams

Cristina Ferrare's Grilled Polenta Cakes

Cristina Ferrare is a New York Times best-selling author and host of her own cooking show, Cristina Ferrare's Big Bowl of Love, on OWN.

"I keep ready-made polenta on hand for when I need a quick appetizer. I enjoy grilled polenta cakes plain or with a tomato bruschetta topping, brushed with pesto, or with a simple tomato sauce, like this recipe."

Ingredients: tube polenta, extra virgin olive oil, tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, whole basil leaves, kosher salt, black pepper

Calories: 116
Resistant Starch: 0.3 grams http://www.health.com

Read more »

13 Things You Should Know About Stomach Flu

You can get it from food

Viral gasteroenteritis isn't exactly the same thing as food poisoning, which refers to any illness caused by food contaminants, including dangerous toxin-producing bacteria like salmonella. But norovirus is the number-one cause of foodborne illness in the U.S.

Viral gastroenteritis can be spread from person to person or by touching a contaminated surface, but you can also get viral gastroenteritis from sewage-contaminated food or water, or meals prepared or handled by an infected person. (Hence all those "wash your hands" signs in restaurant bathrooms.)

These germs are tough

Compared to other viruses, noroviruses can be surprisingly hardy and live for days on household surfaces, which is why they spread easily. (That, and very few virus particles are needed to cause an infection.)

Wash your hands with soap and water, which is more effective than hand sanitizers. Avoid food prep if you're sick (you can still be infectious for 3 days or more after symptoms wane), and wash laundry carefully, using gloves to handle soiled clothing and bedding if you can.

Use a bleach-based cleaner to kill virus particles on hard surfaces.

Symptoms come on slowly

Diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain don't hit you immediately after you're infected with a gastrointestinal virus, but typically develop gradually, over one or two days, Dr. Madanick explains.

But other types of food poisoning can strike fast and hard—within a few hours after you're exposed to the offending substance—and symptoms tend to be more dramatic, such as explosive vomiting and diarrhea.

It gets better on its own

Both stomach flu and other types of food poisoning are what doctors call "self-limiting," meaning they play themselves out and rarely require medical treatment.

While norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness, germ-for-germ, salmonella and other bugs are more likely to result in hospitalization or death.

If you've got viral gastroenteritis, you should start to feel better after two or three days. While food poisoning due to other causes hits you harder and faster, it goes away faster too; you may be back to normal in a day or two.

Dehydration is the biggest risk

It stands to reason that if you're losing lots of fluid through watery diarrhea and vomiting, you need to replace that fluid. But you're also losing sodium, potassium, and other minerals, known as electrolytes, and they also need to be replaced.

You should drink Pedialyte, or similar oral electrolyte solutions that contain salts and sugar as well as water, if you have severe diarrhea. Sports drinks aren't a great choice, because the mix of salts and sugars they contain isn't exactly right in terms of replacing fluid lost to diarrhea and vomiting.

Water isn't the best choice

Try to avoid drinking too much plain water, or beverages like soda or juice that contain sugar, but not enough of the right electrolytes, says Dr. Rogg. "The biggest mistake that people make is just trying to drink a lot of water," he adds. "They understand that they have to prevent themselves from getting dehydrated, but what they're actually doing is wrong."

Putting water into your body without adding electrolytes will dilute the electrolytes that still remain in your body, Dr. Rogg explains, while taking in sugar without salt can make your diarrhea worse.
http://www.health.com

Read more »

The Tastiest Pies Ever

Pies made perfect

Happy holiday baking starts here: one goof-proof crust and five delicious (and shockingly light!) fillings.

Roasted Grape and Mascarpone Cheese PieThis scrumptious version of cheese pie calls for creamy mascarpone cheese and is topped with naturally sweet roasted grapes, which contain heart-healthy phytochemicals (plant chemicals).

Classic Apple Pie

With less than 300 calories per slice and loaded with fresh, tender slices of apple, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet-tooth, without expanding your waistline.

Sweet Potato Pie With Pumpkinseed Crunch

Full of the antioxidant beta carotene and high in fiber, sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich (and delicious) superstar all by themselves. In this dessert, a touch of maple syrup and a few spices turn this tuber into a tasty pie filling. Bonus: Pumpkinseeds are high in protein and a good source of iron and B vitamins.

Chocolate-Hazelnut Pie

Bittersweet chocolate gives this pie its rich flavor—splurge on a high-quality variety with at least 60% cocoa to get an antioxidant boost. Slightly sweet and with a subtle crunch, toasted hazelnuts are the perfect pairing and contain a healthy dose of potassium and vitamin E.

Pear-Cranberry Pie With Granola

You (and your heart!) will love this refreshing combo of sweet pears and tangy cranberries. Pears are a great source of dietary fiber, including the soluble fiber pectin, which helps control blood cholesterol. And don't forget the whole-grain oats in the topping—these have been found to significantly lower blood pressure and regulate blood sugar levels.

Perfect Pie Crust

Are you pie-phobic? Nix your fear of holiday baking with our no-fail piecrust. The cream cheese in the dough lends it elasticity, which means it won’t crack and crumble when you roll it out. And the whole-wheat flour not only tastes great but also ups the good-for-you quotient. (You can use a store-bought crust, too.)

Pie Dough 101
• To make ahead of time: Form dough into a 5-inch disc; wrap well in plastic wrap. Dough can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before rolling out.
•To freeze: Wrap dough well in plastic wrap, and freeze up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator 4 hours or overnight before using.
•To make a basic crust edge: Fold the overhanging dough under to form an edge; press the dough into the rim of the pie plate slightly.
•For store-bought crust: Look for one that has no trans fat. Roll out according to package directions, then follow our instructions for baking.
http://www.health.com

Read more »

14 Health Products You Probably Don't Need part 2

Barefoot running “shoes” Barefoot running has been all the rage lately. Hard-core believers jog with nothing between their toes and the pavement, but many have opted for products like the Vibram FiveFingers, essentially a glove for the foot.

Running barefoot seems to help correct a runner’s stride naturally and may result in fewer injuries. However, the jury is still out on whether barefoot-feel running shoes truly prevent injuries.

Give them a try if you want, but keep in mind that they can be pricey ($75 to $125)—and difficult to get your toes into. If you’re happy with your workout shoes, there’s no need to add these to your wardrobe.

Colon cleansers

You can find endless raves—including some from celebs—about the weight-loss and detox benefits of flushing your colon with water in an enema-like procedure.

However, waste material and toxins don’t build up over time; the colon does a perfectly good job of cleaning itself out on its own, says Roshini Raj, MD, in our new book What the Yuck?!.

There’s little evidence of health benefits, and they may cause unpleasant side effects like tummy pain and diarrhea. Plus, you’ll be looking at about $55 to $95 per treatment to get your colon cleansed by a professional. Home enema kits run about $50.

Moisturizing clothes

Skineez is a line of figure-friendly clothing that incorporates “anti-cellulite” and moisturizing ingredients like caffeine and shea butter into the fabric of the clothes. (Yes, you read that right.)

"If someone is making a claim that sounds too good to be true, then it probably is," says Sidney M. Wolfe, MD, the founder and director of the Health Research Group at consumer advocacy organization Public Citizen, "particularly if it’s cosmetics."

Body heat triggers the garment to slowly release the embedded ingredients. But with a camisole ringing up for $52, why not just get some lotion?

Airborne

These mega-supplements have gained popularity as a cure for the common cold. But the evidence behind their immune-system-bolstering effects is inconclusive to say the least.

“A lot of these supplements make quasi-medical claims,” says Dr. Wolfe.

And the claims hardly ever stand up to scientific scrutiny: Airborne paid over $23 million in 2008 to settle a class-action suit about its product’s cold-prevention effects—or lack thereof.

Bottom line: If you’ve got a case of the sniffles, there’s—sniffle—no quick fix.

Cool Shapes apparel

These alleged fat-blasting shorts hold ice packs tight to the hips, belly, and butt. Five weeks of 30-minute-a-day wear is said to trigger faster calorie burning and reduce fat.

The company cites research on the effects of cold on fat, but this research had little to do with the trouble areas Cool Shapes targets. What's more, most of the "good" calorie-burning fat that could be stimulated by cold is limited to your neck, shoulders, and upper back.

One of the study’s researchers went so far as to say that the company is misleading the public by using his findings in this way.
http://www.health.com

Read more »

7 Reasons Why Your Stomach Hurts part 1

Stomach pain?

By Amanda Gardner
Nearly everyone has had a stomachache at some point. But really, any organ in your abdomen (there are many) could be to blame.

Tummy trouble can be short-lived, come and go, or show up only after you eat—all clues to the cause. Doctors can also run a number of tests to narrow it down, says Vivek Kaul, MD, acting chief of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, N.Y.

Read more to find out about possible culprits.

Gallstones

Gallstones are stones that form in the gallbladder, a tiny sac that hangs out under the liver, disgorging bile as needed to digest fats.

These stones cause swelling and can block the duct into the intestine, resulting in pain. Gallstone pain tends to strike the right side of the upper abdomen, particularly after fatty meals.

Such meals trigger the gallbladder to contract. “If the gallbladder is inflamed, any contraction of that nature will be amplified and typically will cause pain to the patient,” says Dr. Kaul.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas can cause burning pain in the upper or middle abdomen. Some people even have shooting pain that drives right through to their back, says Dr. Kaul.

You may lean forward or lie on your back to try to relieve the pain, which may subside into a dull ache, nausea, and vomiting, says Osama Alaradi, MD, a gastroenterologist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Too much alcohol can be a culprit, says Dr. Kaul, as are gallstones (the gallbladder and pancreas deliver their digestive juices into the intestine via the same duct). It often requires hospitalization.

GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can cause pain in the upper stomach and lower chest, aka heartburn.

The cause? A valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus is weak, allowing food and acid from the stomach to splash upwards. Ouch!

Eating too much food or the wrong type of food (fatty, for instance) can make it worse. Losing weight, watching what you eat, and medication like antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors, can also help.

Lactose intolerance

Millions of people around the world have lactose intolerance. In fact, in some areas of the world, the lactose intolerant outnumber those who can digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products.

This type of food intolerance causes milder abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, burping, gas, and indigestion.

The solution? Skip the dairy products, like milk and cheese.

Medication side effects

No drug is without side effects and sometimes that includes abdominal pain.

Oral bisphosphonates, a popular class of drugs that helps preserve bone density and prevent osteoporosis, can cause swelling—and therefore pain—in the lower esophagus, says Dr. Kaul.

Pain medications known as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin can also cause swelling in the stomach lining and may even lead to ulcers.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is an inflammation of “diverticula” or pockets that form in the lining of the intestine, usually the colon.

“These look like punched-out holes in the lining of the colon that tend to get inflamed or obstructed with stool or other foreign material,” says Dr. Kaul.

Symptoms can include cramping in the lower abdomen, which may respond to antibiotics. A high-fiber diet can help. In more severe cases, it can cause abscesses, bleeding, and even perforations, resulting in severe pain, or even the need for surgery or a hospitalization.
 http://www.health.com

Read more »

4 New Household Uses For Vodka

That's the spirit!

Vodka isn?t just for cocktails: It removes mold, brightens clothes, and doubles as a skin toner (yes, really).

DIY dry cleaner

There’s nothing worse than pulling a must-wear blouse from your closet, only to discover it has a funky scent. Enter vodka: "The alcohol neutralizes the odor-causing bacteria on your clothes," says Kim Barnouin, author of Skinny Bitch: Home, Beauty & Style.

Because vodka’s clear, it won’t stain your shirt or even leave a scent. Simply put a little in a spray bottle, spritz away, then let dry in a well-ventilated place.

It sounds strange, but it works (we tested it!).

Clear skin potion

If you run out of astringent, you can clean and constrict your pores in a pinch with vodka.

Mix up this DIY skin solution from Jeannette Graf, MD, a New York–based dermatologist: Brew an 8-ounce mug of green tea, let cool, then add 1/4 teaspoon of vodka. Dunk a cotton ball in and swab away: The alcohol tightens your skin and the green tea’s catechins soothe it, Dr. Graf explains, giving you clearer skin.

Green grime-buster

It?s a most unlikely eco cleaner, but "vodka, like vinegar, can be used as a nontoxic, less harsh cleaning aid," says Chris Tackett, a green living expert and senior editor at Treehugger.com.

Put a little on a clean rag and run it over your sinks, counters?whatever. It even helps nix mold and mildew, Tackett adds, making it great for cleaning your bathroom.

And don?t worry: Since vodka?s odorless, your home won?t smell like a frat house post-party.

Pie secret weapon

Is your pie crust more cakey than flaky? Just add vodka. "It makes dough moist and easy to handle, resulting in a perfectly flaky crust," says Caroline Wright, chef and author of Twenty Dollar Twenty Minute Meals.

The spirit prevents the dough from forming too much gluten (what toughens an overworked crust). Sub in 1 tablespoon of vodka for every third tablespoon of water, Wright advises.

It evaporates as it bakes, so you aren’t left with a hint of the hooch.

Bye-bye, bad hair!

Because it has a low pH, vodka can help de-frizz your strands, Dr. Graf says. Add one shot to a 12-ounce conditioner (avoid those for color-treated hair). Shake well and apply a few times a month.

 http://www.health.com

Read more »

No-Blow-Dry Haircuts

Easy wash-and-go styles

Looking for a low-maintenance new ‘do? Steal these celebs’ wash-and-go styles. 

On sticky summer mornings, few things are less appealing than blow-drying your hair in a sweltering bathroom. What choice do you have? Well, you’d be surprised. “Pulling off a wash-and-wear style is simple, as long as your hair is in good health and the cut suits your natural texture,” says Marguerite Jukes, a stylist at the Bumble and bumble Downtown Salon in New York City. We looked to the stars for inspiration and discovered chic cuts that are literally no sweat to style.

Renee Zellweger's easygoing crop

Right for you? This cut suits all but the curliest hair types. (Your version may look different if you have a lot of wave.)

Ask for a cropped cut that’s “between a pixie and a layered bob, with the bangs being the longest section,” Jukes says. Explain that you want the cut to look piecey with wispy ends, not structured. Bring a photo to make sure you’re on the same page with your stylist.

How to Style Naturally: Side-part damp hair, and air-dry. Define layers by tousling your hair as you mist on a spray wax, like Sally Hershberger Genius Spray Wax (to the left, $12.50; Walgreens stores)

Victoria Beckham's uncomplicated pixie

Right for you? Victoria’s ultra-feminine 1960’s-inspired pixie is ideal for those who have fine, pin-straight hair.

Ask For a pixie with slightly longer pieces at the nape and ears. Your challenge may be deciding on an appropriate bang length. Generally speaking, the smaller your forehead and more delicate your features, the shorter you can go.

How to Style Naturally: Warm a dab of pomade, like Garnier Fructis Brilliantine Shine Wax (to the left, $3.99; drugstores), between palms, then rub hands up and under the back and sides of your hair to add volume and texture.

Alicia Keys' unencumbered curls

Right for you? This works if you’ve got waves or curls—whether spirals or textured ringlets.

Ask For a cut with long layers that won’t stack into a puffy pyramid. Ask your stylist to avoid hard, blunt lines; you may want to suggest she use a razor to cut the layers so they look “soft and seamless,” Jukes explains.

How to Style Naturally: Blot moisture from hair and detangle it with a wide-tooth comb. Apply a dollop of styling cream from roots to ends, while scrunching strands in your palms. Try Living Proof Curl Defining No Frizz Styling Cream (to the left, $24; Sephora.com).

Kate Walsh's classic, carefree bob

Right for you? If your hair is fine and straight, like Kate’s, or thicker with waves, this cut is great for you.

Ask For a chin-length bob with lightly textured ends. “You don’t want bangs or any sort of framing around the face—such things require heat-styling and take away from this cut’s clean, classic feel,” Jukes says.

How to Style Naturally: Rake a small dab of a grooming product, such as Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Smoothing Crème (shown, $5.99; drugstores), through damp hair. Carve out a side-part, sweeping the front section to the side. Once hair is dry, dab a smidge more cream on ends to piece them out. 
http://www.health.com

Read more »

6 (Bad!) Excuses You're Using to Skip Sex

Keep sex coming

Got seven to 13 minutes? Then you’ve got enough time to get it on. Here are six excuses you’re probably making to pass on a shag—and how to stop selling yourself short on satisfaction.

The excuse: I’m too tired

It’s common to lack sexual energy when your head hits the pillow. "If the first time you think about being intimate is when you crawl into bed, it’s like starting a cold engine," explains Stella Resnick, PhD, a clinical psychologist and author of the forthcoming book Heart of Desire.

Resnick advises stoking your libido in little ways throughout the day: Take a break to let yourself fantasize, or give your guy a passionate kiss when you get home from work. You’ll feel less spent and more psyched for sex when you hit the sack.

The excuse: I don't have time

We hear you—you’ve got a zillion things going on. But all you need is a few (low-impact, refreshing) minutes to squeeze sex into your schedule.

The secret, as unsexy as it sounds, is prioritizing: If doing the deed isn’t high on your to-do list, it will always get bumped for seemingly more pressing pursuits.

"Women sometimes buy into the myth that good sex has to be spontaneous, which is nonsense," says sex expert Trina Read, author of Till Sex Do Us Part. A pre-planned mini block of sweet lovin’ can be just as satisfying—and is way better than no sex at all.

The excuse: I’m not loving my thighs

Having a bad body-image day? Sex with your sweetie can actually have a positive effect on your confidence. To jump-start feeling sexy, Resnick suggests slipping on something that makes you feel hot, whether it’s lingerie or a killer pair of heels.

During the act, refocus your attention on how your body feels instead of how it looks, Resnick advises.

Also tune in to how much he’s admiring what your body can do!

The excuse: But the Kardashians are on

There’s a reason they invented TiVo, gals. If you’re concerned you’ll be mystified by the hot Twitter trending topics tomorrow, set the DVR, get busy for 15 minutes, then come back and watch your show in all of its commercial-free glory.

The excuse: I have a headache

If it’s a true headache—and not code for "I just don’t feel like doing it"—getting it on may help.

"Research has shown that good, satisfying sex has analgesic properties," Resnick says. Translation: It can make your dome stop throbbing!

But it can’t be obligatory, just-lie-there sex. "It’s the pleasure aspect that’s the pain reliever," Resnick explains. You don’t have to climax, but if you do, the resulting drug cocktail your brain releases along with it can add up to even greater pain relief. Who needs ibuprofen?

The excuse: I’m not in the mood

Let’s face it—most grown women don’t walk around feeling randy 24/7. While men can get an erection practically at will, women sometimes need a little extra lovin’.

So when you’re feeling apathetic about sex, try stripping down to nothing and just lying together, pressing your bodies against one another.

"The proximity and skin-on-skin contact release pheromones that trigger desire," Resnick explains. More often than not, a few minutes of neck-nuzzling will flip your switch. If not, no worries—there’s always tomorrow night!
http://www.health.com

Read more »