If you don't smoke, then don't start. Smoking cigarettes is a risk factor for developing serious problems when combined with birth control pills. Smoking can increase your metabolism of estrogen, resulting in lower levels of estrogen and possibly lead to spotting. Women who smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day and are over 35 years old should not take birth control. Smoking cigarettes while taking birth control pills has been proven to greatly increase the risk of serious side effects. Some examples of the serious complications that can occur from smoking and taking birth control pills include blood clots, liver tumors, and stroke. Weight gain or weight loss can affect your body's natural hormonal balance. If you experience significant weight change, check with your doctor to be sure your birth control pill regimen is still appropriate for you. Recent research has shown that birth control pills are equally effective in women that are overweight as they are in women of average weight. There are still questions about significant changes in weight, either weight gain or loss, and how that may alter the body's general metabolism, normal production of hormones, and the effects on birth control pill absorption and metabolism. Research has shown that some vitamins and herbal supplements influence the effectiveness of birth control pills. Some published remedies for spotting include taking vitamins or other supplements to alter the levels of hormones to prevent spotting. While it is true that some vitamins, supplements, and even foods, can interfere with the way your body absorbs the hormones in birth control pills, this is not a recommended method of trying to self-adjust your dose. Consult your doctor before you use vitamins, supplements, and some foods and beverages to try to alter your absorption of your birth control pills. These methods are not established in scientific research and are not recommended. There are many well-researched options available to balance the hormones in the birth control pills to match the needs of your body. Some examples of vitamins, herbal supplements, and foods that alter the absorption of the hormones in birth control pills include vitamin C, St. John's Wort, and grapefruit juice. If these agents are part of your regular routine, let your doctor know. Stressful situations cause your body to alter the release and absorption of the stress hormone called cortisol. Cortisol can alter the normal production of natural hormones, and may have an impact on the absorption and efficacy of your birth control pills. Alterations in cortisol levels influence how your body uses available hormones. This can lead to abnormalities in your menstrual cycle and may include spotting and breakthrough bleeding even when taking birth control pills. Take steps to consistently manage the stress in your life. This may include participating in a new exercise routine or learning stress management tools such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness exercises. Learn how to use breathing and relaxation techniques to control unexpected stressful circumstances.

Summary: Quit smoking. Maintain a healthy weight. Beware of vitamins and supplements. Control the stress in your life.

Roundworms can block your intestines because they are usually thick, and in some cases can grow to be the size of a pencil. When your intestines become blocked, you can develop extreme abdominal pain. You may feel: A pain in your stomach, like that of a cramp that won't seem to go away. Roundworms can lay eggs that leak toxins into your body. These toxins can release into your system and may cause your anus to become itchy. This itchiness can get worse at night because the worms tend to lay their eggs at night while you are resting. When roundworms multiply, they may start to leave your body to find a different host. This means they start to exit your body through different orifices. The most common ways for roundworm to exit is through the: Mouth. Nose. Anus.

Summary: Keep track of severe abdominal pain you experience. Pay attention if you begin experiencing itchiness around your anus. Seek medical help if you see worms when you blow your nose or go to the bathroom.

This batter is gets its airiness primarily from natural fermentation. The traditional leavening agent is plain yogurt, called "dahi" or "curd" in Indian recipes. You may substitute plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk for this ingredient, as long as it has live active cultures. 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons gram, corn, or rice flour (This adds a bit of flavor and texture; you can just use more all-purpose flour if that's all you have on hand.) 3/4 cup plain yogurt, or 1/2 cup buttermilk 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 tablespoons melted ghee, or clarified butter (you may substitute vegetable or olive oil) 1/4 tsp saffron for color (you may substitute a pinch of turmeric or a few drops of yellow food coloring) Water, as needed Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium, non-reactive (preferably glass or ceramic) bowl. Then add the yogurt or buttermilk and melted ghee, and stir well to form a thick batter. Finally, add the saffron or food coloring to achieve a golden yellow color. Your batter should resemble a thick pancake batter. Depending on the humidity and the moisture content of the yogurt or buttermilk you are using, you may need to add water to obtain this consistency. If the batter is too thick, add water a bit at a time and stir well between additions. If the batter is too thin, stir in additional flour one tablespoon at a time. Cover the bowl and leave the batter to ferment in a warm place for 12 hours or overnight. (In warm climates, just a few hours will suffice). The batter will rise and become noticeably fluffier than it was the night before. It is now ready to use.
Summary: Gather your ingredients. Mix up the batter. Adjust the thickness of the batter. Leave the batter to ferment.