Recent studies have shown that both workers and athletes speed up their performance when around the scent of peppermint. So if you're feeling drained, pop a peppermint or some peppermint gum to help get you energized. Or you could assault your nose with some strong scents, peppermint included. If you have some essential oils handy, one big whiff could be all you need to set your senses on high alert. Caffeine, which is found in coffee, tea, sodas and energy drinks, are great for a short boost of energy. Doctors recommend that healthy adults limit their caffeine intake to 400 milligrams per day, which is about four cups of coffee, 10 cans of soda, or two "energy shot" drinks. While 400 milligrams is safe for adults to consume on a daily basis, excessive caffeine intake can lead to high blood pressure, insomnia, irritability, upset stomach and muscle tremors. So try to limit the amount of caffeine you drink each day to an absolute minimum. Caffeine will definitely give you a quick shot of energy in the short-term, but does little to help you ward off fatigue throughout the course of the day. Be sure to eat healthy and drink plenty of water to avoid an energy crash later in the day. Limiting your intake of caffeine to the morning hours can help you avoid insomnia in the evening or nighttime. Also, it is wise to hold-off on that first cup of coffee or soda until after nine a.m. Your body naturally produces cortisol at higher levels between eight and nine a.m. and caffeine can actually diminish that natural rush you would otherwise feel. Not only are chia seeds trendy, but they're rumored to have some serious energy-boosting benefits as well. Chia is full of B vitamins, fiber, and protein, so it can help give you an extra boost of energy. Chia seeds mix well with yogurt or can be mixed into your favorite flavor of smoothie. You can also put them in breads or muffins. So you want a brick of grain and protein to keep you going? Energy drinks and power bars are all well and good, but if you make them yourself they're even better. Homemade goods avoid the extra processing, so they're that much healthier. Nuts and nut butters are great at providing you with an extra kick of protein and some healthy fats. Bananas are tasty and ready source of potassium and B vitamins. Coconut oil can provide fatty acids that are healthy and provide you with a quick burst of energy. Leafy greens mixed into a smoothie can help you get more vitamin A, C and K. They are also a good source for B complex vitamins. Greek yogurt can add a nice smooth texture to your drink while also providing a healthy source of protein. Water itself is a great revitalizer, so drink plenty of it to stay awake and alert. You can get water from food sources, too, such as soup and watermelon. Research suggests that adult men should try to consume three liters of water per day and adult women should try to consume 2.2 liters of water per day. If you're feeling a little down for the count, it may be snack time. Not only does this give you the jolt you need, but it could prevent you from overeating later, too. To do your body a favor, pair complex carbs with protein. A piece of fruit with some peanut or almond butter is a good choice. Cheese, some yogurt, or a protein shake are all good options as well. To stay energized through a draining day, first things first: you need breakfast. And we're not talking the dough-with-the-hole-in-the-middle kind. A good breakfast means protein and fiber, not a plate full of carbohydrates. Choose whole grains, lean meats, eggs, and fruits for your breakfast. After breakfast, your body needs more protein to stay alert. Good sources of protein include poultry, fish, lean red meat, nuts, milk, yogurt, eggs, yogurt, cheese, and tofu. Recent researched has pointed toward omega-3s and magnesium in the fight against the drowsiness. They both can improve mood and help transform carbs into energy. Munch on tuna, walnuts, almonds, flax seeds, and leafy greens to get these nutrients into your system.

Summary: Eat some peppermint. Drink a caffeinated beverage. Sprinkle some chia seeds into your diet. Make your own energy food and drinks. Drink plenty of water. Go ahead and snack away. Get your nutrients.

Dehydration is a risk factor for kidney stones, so drinking more water lowers that risk. Kidney stones can be caused by high PTH levels due to the increased calcium in your blood, so you want to stay as hydrated as possible to help with this issue. Aim to get around 15.5 cups (3.7l) of water a day from beverages and foods if you're a man and 11.5 cups (2.7l) if you're a woman. While exercising won't lower your PTH levels, it will help keep your bones strong even when your calcium levels are fluctuating. Strength training, in particular, is beneficial, but any exercise is good. Aim for at least 5 30-minute sessions a week.

Summary: Hydrate your body to prevent kidney stones. Exercise to reduce complications.

Soak a washcloth in hot water, then wring it out so that it's just damp. Next, press the warm washcloth over your ingrown hair for up to 15 minutes. Repeat this up to 4 times a day, as needed. This will help the hair rise to the surface. You can also use a hot water bottle as a warm compress. Wet the area around the ingrown hair with warm water. Then, apply soap to your fingers and gently massage the hair for 10-15 seconds. Finally, rinse the area with warm water to wash away the soap. The gentle massage and heat from the water may draw the hair out. An exfoliator can remove the dead skin cells that cover the ingrown hair, which might help it surface. Rub your exfoliator over the area, then let it sit for 10 minutes. Next, wet the exfoliator with warm water and gently rub it into your skin as you rinse it off. Here are some natural exfoliators you can use: Make a paste with 1/2 cup (110 grams) of brown or white sugar and about 3 tablespoons (44mL) of olive oil. Mix 3 tablespoons (15 grams) of used coffee grounds with 1 tablespoon (15mL) of olive oil. Mix 3 tablespoons (38 grams) of salt with 1 tablespoon (15mL) of olive oil. Mix 1 teaspoon (6 grams) of baking soda with just enough water to make a paste. For stubborn ingrown hairs, you might use prescription retinoids to remove the top layer of your skin cells. This usually causes the hair to surface. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is an option for you. Then, use your topical treatment as directed. You can only get retinoids by prescription.
Summary: Apply a warm compress for 15 minutes to draw out the hair. Massage soap and warm water over the ingrown hair for 10-15 seconds. Apply a natural exfoliator for 10 minutes to remove dead skin cells. Ask your doctor about retinoids to remove the top layer of skin.