Saturday 31 March 2012

[www.keralites.net] 10 Questions That Will Improve Results in Any Area

 

The only foolish question is the one that was never asked!

When you begin any project, are trying to make a change in your life, or are faced with a difficult undertaking, the best way to improve your result is to ask the important questions first. If you are working as part of a team, some questions may need to be asked of others. When working towards an individual goal, you will be the one giving the answers.

Ask, ask, ask until youre confident that you have a firm understanding. Dont wait until youre stuck and spinning your wheels. Ask the questions and find the answers first!

Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers. Anthony Robbins

Questions

Why am I doing this?

Its important to understand the reason behind anything you undertake. Whether its a goal, task, habit, or project, why am I doing this? should be the first question you ask yourself. Understanding the reason behind the actions can be a tremendous motivator.

What is the desired outcome?

Without being clear about the desired result, you cant plan how to get there. Identify what youre trying to accomplish and exactly what that will look like.Clarity is key.Vague targets are rarely attained. Defined and tangible objectives have much greater success.

When is the deadline and are there periodic checkpoints?

Know when the action or project needs to be complete. Be aware of any phases or interim deadlines along the way. If you know how much time you have to work with, you can better plan backwards and set aside the necessary amount of time.

What is my role?

Understanding your role is crucial. Are you the leader or a worker bee? Are you a researcher or a communicator? Are you a team coordinator or planner? Its important to know which role you play so you can align your actions. If it is an individual undertaking, then you are most likely all of the above.

Who is responsible or accountable for which tasks or projects?

This is related your role, but in a more specific and tangible way. Determine which specific tasks you are personally responsible for. Know who maintains accountability. Perhaps you are the one whom others are accountable. Define your responsibilities.

Do I have metrics or some form of measurement?

Establish a measurement of success, so that progress can be determined. If metrics are set by someone else, know what they are and if there is any flexibility.

What are the possible roadblocks or obstacles?

We almost always encounter snags along the way to completion. However, difficulties can more easily be overcome if we can prepare for them. Its not always possible to prepare, complications by their very nature, are frequently unforeseen, but if you at least try toanticipate potential setbacks, they can often be resolved quickly.

What are the available resources?

Be aware of what resources are available. Be cognizant of the number of people involved or accessible to you and their skills. Be honest about the amount of time that can be committed. Also, understand if there are financial constraints.

How important is this project or task?

The importance of any goal or project determines how much attention and effort it deserves. Higher priority items get moved to the top of the list, while less crucial tasks can often be pushed back. If a project affects the profitability of a business or the health and well-being of an individual, it usually gets top priority.

What can I do to be more effective?

Develop strategiesto help you be more efficient and productive. Improve the quality of your work by utilizing useful and effective tools. Better organizational skills greatly enhance effectiveness. Learn to be resourceful.

M Junaid Tahir


www.keralites.net

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[www.keralites.net] Manappuram recalls excess gold loans to meet adequacy norm

 

Manappuram Finance, the leading gold loan firm, has decided to recall a part of loan from its borrowers in order to meet the recent regulatory norm of having 60 per cent loan-to-value (LTV). The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in a recent circular, said non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) primarily involved in gold finance cannot lend more than 60 per cent of the value of gold kept as collateral. All gold loan NBFCs have to adhere to the new norms by June 30.
The company has an overall loan book size of Rs 12,000 crore as of today. With an average recalling of five per cent, the company would have to bring back Rs 600 crore from customers before the June 30 deadline. Currently, Manappuram Finance has an average LTV of 65 per cent.
 
Confirming the development, I Unnikrishnan, managing director of the company told Business Standard, "We have started sending letters to our customers to recall money over 60 per cent of LTV immediately."
"We know that the recall of extra money is an aberration for our customers. But, we do not have an option but to adhere to RBI guidelines," said Unnikrishnan.
According to him, 80 per cent of their customer base is rigid who would not mind refunding over 60 per cent of loan amount. "Hence, it would not be a problem for us to bring excessive money back to the company," he added. Terming RBI's decision a big blow, Unnikrishnan said, "It would hit the overall business of companies like ours badly. Growth would also stagnate. But, it will also bring consolidation to the industry where all big and small companies even from irrelevant business were mushrooming in the past few months. Most companies that were planning to enter into this business would abstain." Interestingly, RBI has not set any such cap on gold loans for banks.
RBI had recently banned the company from accepting public deposits as it is a violation of rules governing its licence to function as a lender. The regulator also directed the company not to even renew those deposits which mature.
"RBI has stated that acceptance of deposits either by Manappuram Finance or by Manappuram Agro Farms is punishable with imprisonment and has cautioned members of public that those who deposit money with Manappuram Finance or MAGRO, will do so at their own risk," RBI had said.
Source : Business Standard   01/04/2012
 
Best Regards
 
Prakash Nair

www.keralites.net

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[www.keralites.net] കരുത്തു കിട്ടേണ്ട കൊച്ചു കൂട്ടായ്മകള്‍

 

കരുത്തു കിട്ടേണ്ട കൊച്ചു കൂട്ടായ്മകള്‍

ബഷീര്‍ ഓട്ടോറിക്ഷാ ഡ്രൈവറാണ്. അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്‍െറ നേതൃത്വത്തിലുള്ള സാധാരണക്കാരായ ചെറുപ്പക്കാരാണ് കൊണ്ടോട്ടി ബിസ്മി കള്‍ചറല്‍ സെന്‍ററിന്‍െറ പ്രവര്‍ത്തകര്‍; ജനസേവനം മഹത്തായ ദൈവാരാധനയാണെന്ന് വിശ്വസിക്കുന്നവര്‍. അതുകൊണ്ടുതന്നെ തങ്ങളുടെ നിത്യജീവിതത്തിന് അത്യാവശ്യമായവ നേടിയെടുത്ത് ബാക്കിവരുന്ന മുഴുവന്‍ സമയവും അധ്വാനശേഷിയും കഷ്ടപ്പെടുന്നവരെ സഹായിക്കാനായി നീക്കിവെക്കുന്നു.  നട്ടെല്ലിന് ക്ഷതം ബാധിച്ച് കിടപ്പിലായവര്‍, മറ്റു കാരണങ്ങളാല്‍ ശരീരം തളര്‍ന്നവര്‍, വൃക്കരോഗികള്‍, അര്‍ബുദത്തിനടിപ്പെട്ടവര്‍, അഗതികള്‍, അനാഥര്‍, വിധവകള്‍, വികലാംഗര്‍ പോലുള്ള തീര്‍ത്തും അശരണരായ അഞ്ഞൂറോളം ആളുകളുടെ കുടുംബങ്ങളുടെ പൂര്‍ണസംരക്ഷണം ബിസ്മി കള്‍ചറല്‍ സെന്‍റര്‍ നിര്‍വഹിച്ചുവരുന്നു. പ്രസ്തുത വീടുകളിലേക്കാവശ്യമായ ഭക്ഷ്യവസ്തുക്കള്‍ എത്തിക്കുന്നത് അവരാണ്. അഞ്ചു മുതല്‍ 25 വരെയുള്ള വീടുകള്‍ ശ്രദ്ധിക്കാന്‍ കോഓഡിനേറ്റര്‍മാരെ ചുമതലപ്പെടുത്തിയിരിക്കുന്നു.  അതിനാല്‍ മുഴുവന്‍ വീടുകളിലെയും ചെറുതും വലുതുമായ എല്ലാ പ്രശ്നങ്ങളും ശ്രദ്ധയില്‍പെടുകയും പരിഹരിക്കാന്‍ അനായാസം സാധിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു. എല്ലാ ഞായറാഴ്ചകളില്‍ കോഓഡിനേറ്റര്‍മാരുടെ കൂടിയാലോചനാ യോഗം നടന്നുവരുന്നു.  സെന്‍ററിന്‍െറ ഏറെ ശ്രദ്ധേയവും പ്രശംസനീയവുമായ സംരംഭം മനോരോഗികളെ പരിചരിക്കാനും അവരുടെ കുടുംബങ്ങളെ സംരക്ഷിക്കാനുമുള്ള പ്രവര്‍ത്തനങ്ങളാണ്. തദാവശ്യാര്‍ഥം സമര്‍പ്പണസന്നദ്ധതയും ത്യാഗബോധവുമുള്ള ഒരു സംഘത്തെ പരിശീലിപ്പിച്ചെടുത്തിരിക്കുന്നു. അവര്‍ രോഗികളെ പരിചരിക്കാന്‍ സംവിധാനമുണ്ടാക്കുന്നതോടൊപ്പം രോഗികളോട് ബന്ധുക്കള്‍ സ്വീകരിക്കേണ്ട സമീപനം കൗണ്‍സലിങ്ങിലൂടെ പരിശീലിപ്പിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു.
സെന്‍ററിന്‍െറ കീഴില്‍ സൗജന്യ ക്ളിനിക്കും ഫാര്‍മസിയുമുണ്ട്. കൂടാതെ, പരമദരിദ്രര്‍ക്ക് വീട് നിര്‍മിച്ചുനല്‍കുകയും വിദ്യാഭ്യാസസഹായം എത്തിച്ചുകൊടുക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നു. ഒരു കുടിവെള്ള പദ്ധതിയും അനാഥകളെ അവരുടെ വീടുകളില്‍തന്നെ താമസിപ്പിച്ച് സംരക്ഷിക്കാനുള്ള സംവിധാനവുമുണ്ട്.   ഏതു പ്രദേശത്തും ഏതാനും ചെറുപ്പക്കാര്‍ ഒത്തുകൂടി ശ്രമിച്ചാല്‍ സാധ്യമാവുന്ന കാര്യങ്ങളാണിതെല്ലാം. ആത്മാര്‍ഥതയും അര്‍പ്പണബോധവും ത്യാഗശീലവും ഉണ്ടാവണമെന്നേയുള്ളൂ. ഓരോ നാട്ടിലെയും യുവാക്കള്‍ക്ക് തങ്ങളുടെ പ്രദേശത്തും പരിസരത്തും മനുഷ്യസാധ്യമായ സഹായസഹകരണങ്ങളും സേവനങ്ങളും ലഭിക്കാതെ കഷ്ടപ്പെടുന്ന ആരുമില്ലെന്ന് ഉറപ്പുവരുത്താന്‍ സാധിക്കേണ്ടതുണ്ട്. കൊണ്ടോട്ടി കരിപ്പൂരിലെ ബിസ്മി കള്‍ചറല്‍ സെന്‍ററിന്‍െറ പ്രവര്‍ത്തകര്‍ക്ക് അത് സാധിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു.   അരിയുടെ കാര്യത്തിലല്ല കേരളീയരിന്ന് പ്രയാസപ്പെടുന്നത്. കുടിവെള്ളത്തിന്‍െറയും രോഗചികിത്സയുടെയും വിദ്യാഭ്യാസത്തിന്‍െറയും വീടുനിര്‍മാണത്തിന്‍െറയും കാര്യത്തിലാണ്. ഗുരുതരമായ രോഗം ബാധിച്ചാല്‍ ഇടത്തരക്കാര്‍ക്കുപോലും ചികിത്സിക്കാന്‍ സാധ്യമല്ലാത്തവിധം ചെലവ് വര്‍ധിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു. വീടുവെക്കാന്‍ ഒരിടം കിട്ടുകയെന്നത് ഏറെ ദുഷ്കരമായിത്തീര്‍ന്നിട്ടുണ്ട്. വിദ്യാഭ്യാസച്ചെലവും പലര്‍ക്കും താങ്ങാനാവാത്തതാണ്. അതിനാല്‍ ഇത്തരം പ്രശ്നങ്ങളുടെ പരിഹാരത്തിന് എല്ലാ പ്രദേശത്തും സുമനസ്സുകളുടെ കൂട്ടായ്മകള്‍ രൂപപ്പെടേണ്ടിയിരിക്കുന്നു. വിശ്വാസികളെ സംബന്ധിച്ചിടത്തോളം ഇത് നിര്‍ബന്ധബാധ്യതയാണ്. മനുഷ്യരൊക്കെയും പിറന്നുവീഴുന്നത് പ്രവിശാലമായ പ്രപഞ്ചത്തിലാണ്. അപ്പോഴവര്‍ പ്രകൃതിയുടെ ഭാഗമാണ്. മനുഷ്യസമൂഹത്തിലെ ഒരംഗം. പക്ഷേ, പിന്നീടവര്‍ വളര്‍ന്നുവലുതാവുന്നതോടെ ഉള്‍വലിയുന്നു. അതോടെ അവന്‍െറ വൃത്തം ചുരുങ്ങിവരുന്നു. സമൂഹത്തില്‍നിന്ന് കുടുംബത്തിലേക്കും അവിടെനിന്ന് തന്നിലേക്കും ചുരുങ്ങിക്കൂടുന്നു. എന്നാല്‍, മതം മനുഷ്യനെ വ്യക്തിവൃത്തത്തില്‍നിന്ന് പുറത്തുകൊണ്ടുവരുന്നു. അവനെ കുടുംബത്തിലേക്കും അവിടെനിന്ന് സമൂഹത്തിലേക്കും നയിക്കുന്നു. മറ്റു മനുഷ്യരെപ്പോലെ താനും ലോകത്തിന്‍െറ ഭാഗമാണെന്നും അവിടെയുള്ളത് തന്നെപ്പോലെ മറ്റുള്ളവര്‍ക്കും അവകാശപ്പെട്ടതാണെന്നുമുള്ള ബോധം വളര്‍ത്തുന്നു. മറ്റുള്ളവരുടെ സുഖദു$ഖങ്ങളും സന്തോഷസന്താപങ്ങളും നേട്ടകോട്ടങ്ങളും തന്‍േറതായി അനുഭവപ്പെടുന്ന സാമൂഹികബോധം സൃഷ്ടിക്കുന്നു.    സമൂഹത്തില്‍ പരസഹായം ആവശ്യമുള്ളവര്‍ നിരവധിയാണ്. അനാഥരും അഗതികളും അന്ധരും അശരണരും വിധവകളും വികലാംഗരും ചൂഷിതരും മര്‍ദിതരും അവകാശങ്ങള്‍ നിഷേധിക്കപ്പെട്ടവരും അവരില്‍പെടുന്നു. ദരിദ്രരും രോഗികളും അവ്വിധംതന്നെ. ഓരോരുത്തര്‍ക്കും എന്താണോ ആവശ്യം അതാണ് നല്‍കേണ്ടത്. ചിലര്‍ക്ക് സാമ്പത്തിക സഹായമാണെങ്കില്‍ മറ്റു  ചിലര്‍ക്ക് ശാരീരികമായ താങ്ങും തുണയുമാണ് വേണ്ടിവരുക. ആശ്വാസവചനങ്ങള്‍ക്ക് കാതോര്‍ക്കുന്നവരും തന്‍െറ പരാതികള്‍ കേള്‍ക്കുന്ന കാതുകള്‍ കിട്ടാന്‍ കൊതിക്കുന്നവരും കുറവല്ല. വാര്‍ധക്യത്താല്‍ വിവശരായി കഴിയുന്നവര്‍ക്ക് മറ്റുള്ളവരുടെ സാന്നിധ്യംപോലും അനല്‍പമായ ആശ്വാസമേകും. ഓരോരുത്തരുടെയും ഇത്തരം ആവശ്യങ്ങള്‍ അവരുന്നയിക്കാതെതന്നെ പൂര്‍ത്തീകരിച്ചുകൊടുക്കാന്‍ സാധിക്കുന്ന സംവിധാനങ്ങള്‍ ഉണ്ടാവേണ്ടിയിരിക്കുന്നു.
സമൂഹത്തിനുവേണ്ടി സ്വന്തത്തെ സമര്‍പ്പിക്കാന്‍ സാധിക്കുന്നവര്‍ക്ക് ആ മാര്‍ഗത്തിലുണ്ടാകുന്ന എല്ലാവിധ പ്രശ്നങ്ങളും പ്രയാസങ്ങളും നിസ്സാരമായാണ് അനുഭവപ്പെടുക. പരനിര്‍വൃതിക്കുവേണ്ടി പണിയെടുത്ത് ഭൂമിയില്‍ ആത്മനിര്‍വൃതിയും പരലോകത്ത് ദൈവത്തിന്‍െറ പ്രീതിയും പ്രതിഫലവും തേടണമെന്ന് മതമനുശാസിക്കുന്നു. അങ്ങനെ ചെയ്യാത്തവര്‍ കുറ്റവാളികളാണ്, നിഷേധികളും ദൈവധിക്കാരികളുമാണ്.   ആരാധനാനുഷ്ഠാനങ്ങള്‍ നിര്‍ബന്ധമാക്കുന്നതിന് മുമ്പാണ് ദൈവം മനുഷ്യനോട് അഗതികളെയും അനാഥകളെയും സംരക്ഷിക്കാനാവശ്യപ്പെട്ടത്. പുണ്യകര്‍മങ്ങളുടെ വിശദീകരണത്തില്‍ മുന്‍ഗണന നല്‍കിയതും അതിനുതന്നെ. അഗതികളെയും അനാഥരെയും അവഗണിക്കുന്നവര്‍ക്ക് മരണാനന്തര ജീവിതത്തില്‍ ദൈവകോപത്തിനും ശിക്ഷക്കും അര്‍ഹരാകുന്നവരും. മറുഭാഗത്ത് സ്വന്തം താല്‍പര്യങ്ങളും സുഖസൗകര്യങ്ങളും മാത്രം ലക്ഷ്യംവെച്ച് പ്രവര്‍ത്തിക്കുന്ന വ്യക്തി സമൂഹത്തിനു മാത്രമല്ല, സ്വന്തം കുടുംബത്തിനും ശാപമായിരിക്കും. അതിനാല്‍ ഓരോ പ്രദേശത്തെയും മുഴുവന്‍ മനുഷ്യരുടെയും, മനുഷ്യസാധ്യമായ സഹായസഹകരണത്തിലൂടെ പരിഹരിക്കാവുന്ന എല്ലാ പ്രശ്നങ്ങളും പ്രയാസങ്ങളും ഇല്ലാതാക്കാന്‍ സുമനസ്സുകളൊക്കെയും ശ്രദ്ധിക്കുകയും ശ്രമിക്കുകയും വേണം. കൊച്ചുകൊച്ചു കൂട്ടായ്മകളിലൂടെ ഇത് അനായാസം സാധ്യമാകും. സാമൂഹിക പ്രതിബദ്ധതയും ജീവകാരുണ്യവുമുള്ളവര്‍ മുന്നോട്ടുവന്നാല്‍ സഹകരിക്കാന്‍ സന്നദ്ധതയുള്ളവരെ കിട്ടാന്‍ പ്രയാസപ്പെടേണ്ടിവരില്ല.

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[www.keralites.net] Home Remedies for PCOD

 

PCOD
 
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a multi-organ involved disease or a condition that is created due to hormonal imbalances in women. It is also known as hyper androgen related disease, which is not curable but can be controlled.
 
How does it occur?
In PCOD patients, many follicles will be developed and none of them grows enough to mature in to an egg. In this case, follicles no more remain as follicles, they become cysts. With each menstruation cycle, these cysts accumulate and further facilitate harmonal imbalances, which results in more cysts, thus establishing a vicious cycle. Out of group of cysts, some will subside and many still remain inside the ovaries to make them polycystic. The harmonal imbalances create irregular menstruation in women making them susceptible to infertility problems. The disorder is probably the most common hormonal abnormality in women of reproductive age and certainly is a leading cause of infertility.
 
Causes
PCOD patients were once dismissed as "fat" women with no self-control. However, this is not the only reason. There are three broad reasons why PCOD patients seek medical care, says Dr. Nitin Patankar, an Obesity Consultant, based in Mulund:
  1.  menstrual cycle disturbance and infertility 
  2.  problems of appearance and self esteem arising from obesity and excessive hair growth, and
  3. metabolic derangements, including abnormalities in blood fat (lipid) levels, insulin/glucose (sugar), and elevated blood pressure (hypertension). Often gynaecologists, the health care provider to whom may women turn for help, have concerned themselves with only the first of these concerns and have been relatively insensitive to the latter two.
Symptoms
  •  Excessive hair growth
  •  Baldness
  •  Irregular menstruation cycle
  •  Annovulation
  •  Cystic, enlarged ovaries
Remedies
Women with history of PCOD are advised to take Birth Control Pills which causes menstruation to occur every month thus reducing the production of cysts. Laparoscopy procedure may also be performed as needed, where in holes are drilled onto the walls of the ovaries making it thin for the egg to come out of the wall. This temporarily establishes reccurance of the cycle. It's also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with good diet, proper exercise and stress management.
 

Can Acne be a Sign of PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)?

If you are one who have never had acne but is suddenly showing acne outbreak along with irregular period, mood swings, weight gain, etc then you might have polycystic ovarian syndrome.
It is suggested that women who develop PCOD show greater enzyme (5-alpha reductase) activity that leads to the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). This sudden increase in DHT hormone can trigger the sebaceous gland (oil-producing) to enlarge and produce more oil, causing acne.

PCOD and Stress

Studies have suggested that regular practice of yoga can help treat polycystic ovarian syndrome. Since this is an endocrine disorder, regular practice of asanas and breathing exercises (pranayama) can help regulate polycystic ovary. Not only this, regular yoga practice can give boost to the overall health, thereby regulating all the internal organs, controlling weight, etc.
http://women.ygoy.com/2007/12/24/pcod-in-women-%E2%80%93-causes-and-remedies/
http://www.indiaparenting.com/boards/showmessage.cgi?messageid=211&table_name=dis_infersolutions

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

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[www.keralites.net] Home Remedies for PHLEGM

 

Phlegm is a common occurrence. It refers to the mucus that is secreted by the mucous membrane in the respiratory tract. When the mucus membranes in your body try to fight off infections and inflammations, phlegm is formed. Phlegm is slightly different from mucus, as it comes from the lungs and not the nasal passages. Phlegm tends to collect and congest in the chest and throat region. It is usually expelled from the mouth when the individual coughs. Usually the formation of phlegm isn't a cause for worry. It is however an uncomfortable and embarrassing condition as it leads to constant throat congestion, constant throat clearing, coughing, and at times shortness of breath. Phlegm may also interfere with sleep patterns. While phlegm isn't usually dangerous, if it is ignored for long, it can clog and irritate the bronchial tubes causing a secondary upper respiratory tract infection.
 
Symptoms of Phlegm
Phlegm has a gel like consistency and its presence is usually indicated by the constant need for throat clearing, difficulty breathing normally (shortness of breath), constant cough, which in turn may lead to muscle weakening and soreness, runny nose, and in some cases it might even lead to a fever. The main reason for these symptoms is that in the case of a respiratory infection, the causative bacteria or virus is present in the phlegm. The excessive phlegm acts as an irritant and as the individual coughs, the phlegm is expelled along with the pathogens and this reduces the strain on the individual's immune system. The color of the expelled phlegm along with accompanying symptoms can help a doctor make an accurate diagnosis. 

Causes of Phlegm
Many of us may wonder what the exact causes of phlegm in throat are, often considering it to be an underlying problem of a deeper cause. However, phlegm is always present in the body and only becomes a concern when there is an overproduction of it. Mucus, which is a form of phlegm, helps protect and lubricate the body internally. It is essential for keeping the tissues in the body moist. It also keeps dirt, bacteria, dust, airborne allergens and pollen from entering the lungs, as you breathe. Mucus is a compilation of water, salt, carbohydrates, protein, and tissue cells. Since it is produced by the mucus membrane, it can be found in most parts of the body that are exposed to the surrounding, which include the ears, the nostrils, the mouth and lips, to name a few. Mucus is also present in the digestive and the respiratory tracts. In fact, the lungs are quite dependent on the presence of mucus, in order to remove potential causes of inflammation and infections. When this mucus, that is present in the lungs, gets infected, it changes color and is expelled from the body, in the form of phlegm. Coughing up phlegm is one of the most common ways of getting rid of it. 

Phlegm is a common condition. Everyone experiences it at one time or the other. Phlegm can be the result of a number of conditions. It can be the byproduct of a simple seasonal flu or it can be the result of allergies or sinusitis. It can also be caused by viral or bacterial infections such as influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia; it can be the result of a particular lifestyle (for example excessive smoking) or it could be a symptom of a serious lung condition.

The color, consistency and amount of phlegm produced is observed by doctors to determine the cause, condition and treatment plan. Light, semi clear phlegm usually means there is little to worry about; dark, stained mucus is a result of excessive smoking; and blood in the phlegm may be an indication of a serious respiratory condition and may require immediate medical attention.

The color of the phlegm is indicative of the medical problem that you may be suffering from, as various types of infections cause differences in the color of the phlegm that is expelled. Given below are the different phlegm color possibilities and what they mean: 

• White colored phlegm: In most healthy people, the phlegm is white in color. If you are coughing up phlegm that is white in color it would indicate a healthy body free of infection. The excessive production of phlegm in such a case can be attributed to an irritant or allergen. 

• Yellow colored phlegm: Phlegm can be either light yellow or dark yellow at times. Light yellow phlegm is an indication that your immune system is healthy and is functioning well. If you are coughing up phlegm that is yellow it would indicate that your immune system is fighting off a respiratory infection. It could signify the beginning or even the end of a sinus infection. At times, light yellow phlegm could be a symptom of a viral infection that occurs in the upper respiratory tract. If you are coughing up phlegm that is dark yellow in color it could be indicative of a bacterial infection or an infection in the lower respiratory tract. 

• Green colored phlegm: Green phlegm is generally seen in people who have been infected with pneumonia or internal micro bleeding. Therefore, if you are coughing up phlegm that is green in color it is a sign that your body has been infected. The mucus turns green on color because of the presence of an enzyme that is known as myeloperoxidases (MPO). This enzyme is green in color.

• Brown colored phlegm: Phlegm that is brown in color is often associated with people who smoke excessively. In such cases, phlegm is also mixed with saliva. In case you are coughing up phlegm that is brown, you may also notice that it is grainy in texture. This means that dust and some other foreign matter are mixed with the phlegm. This is often caused by damage to cilia, which generally happens with COPD patients. In case of excessive smoking, the color of the phlegm turns brown, as resin sticks to it. If you notice that phlegm has turned brown in color for you, it is important for you to cut down on smoking, which usually worsens respiratory problems. 

• Red colored phlegm (the presence of blood): The presence of blood in the phlegm is a benign indication of bronchitis or even the sign of a major illness, such as tuberculosis. The blood appears in the form of streaks, along with the phlegm. However, in case you are coughing up phlegm with a significant amount of blood, it could be a major cause of concern that requires immediate medical attention. 

Phlegm color is an important indication of your health and should not be ignored. It is best to get in touch with a doctor in case the color signifies any serious health concerns.

Home Remedies for Phlegm
You can opt for a number of over-the counter flu medicine or you can try some simple home remedies to get rid of phlegm. 

Bring a pot of water to the boil and add a spoon of vapor rub to the water. If you don't like vapor rub, add a handful of mint and eucalyptus leaves to the water. Once the water comes to the boil, remove it from the stove, lean over the pot and inhale the vapor. This loosens the congestion in the sinus cavities and makes it easier to expel the congested phlegm. If you are coughing up phlegm that is extremely thick, you may start to suffer from congestion and so you can start using this home remedy right away to prevent as well as treat congestion. Using a humidifier during the nights also helps to ease congestion. 

Honey and pepper are simple phlegm remedies. Mix a pinch of pepper to a spoon of honey and have this mixture twice a day for a week. Another simple measure is to cut a slice of lemon, sprinkle it with salt and pepper, and suck on the lemon slice. This will help to clear the throat easily.

A tonic made out of ginger, onion, and sugar is a very effective home remedy for phlegm. You will need to clean and finely chop a small onion. Place this in a bowl along with a teaspoon of grated ginger and two spoons of sugar. Toss the mixture well and then keep it aside for 20 minutes. Sugar is a humectant which means that it helps to draw out the liquid from within the onion and garlic. You will find that the tonic is sweet and does not have the pungent taste and aroma of onions. Onions and garlic are rich in several compounds that act as natural antibiotics. This can also be used as a tonic for phlegm in kids as its sweet taste is quite irresistible to children. This tonic helps to bolster the immune system and thus helps to reduce the severity of the infection. It also helps to increase the fluidity of the phlegm and allows it to be easily expelled from the body. The tonic also helps to soothe the throat which makes it especially effective in treating a sore throat.

Diet for Phlegm
What you eat and drink has a direct impact on your condition. Eating foods that are rich in vitamins can help boost the immune system, thereby reducing the chances of an infection or the excessive production of phlegm. In the case of phlegm, it is essential to drink plenty of warm fluids like soups and broths. It is also important to drink at least eight glasses of water and juices rich in Vitamin C (like orange juice). The liquids prevent the phlegm from hardening and this makes it easier to expel. 

Include ginger in your diet. It is a natural decongestant and has been used to fight off infections for centuries; ginger eases congestion in the throat and chest and allows you to breathe easily. Depending on your preferences you can chew on a raw strip of ginger or consume it in the form of ginger tea.

Other Suggestions for Phlegm
Avoid eating processed foods, excess sugars and dairy products. These tend to make phlegm thicker. Also avoid alcohol and cigarettes as these irritate the throat, worsening the condition. Do not have foods that are very spicy as this can irritate the inflamed lining of the throat and aggravate or cause a cough.
 
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Phlegm.html

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

 
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