May 18, 2015
The most common causes of women’s hair loss
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of the male hormone
testosterone, is the enemy of hair follicles on your head. Simply put,
under certain conditions DHT wants those follicles dead. This simple
action is at the root of many kinds of hair loss, so we'll address it
first.
Androgenetic alopecia, commonly called male or female pattern baldness, was only partially understood until the last few decades. For many years, scientists thought that androgenetic alopecia was caused by the predominance of the male sex hormone, testosterone, which women also have in trace amounts under normal conditions. While testosterone is at the core of the balding process, DHT is thought to be the main culprit.
Testosterone converts to DHT with the aid of the enzyme Type II 5-alpha reductase, which is held in a hair follicle's oil glands. Scientists now believe that it's not the amount of circulating testosterone that's the problem but the level of DHT binding to receptors in scalp follicles. DHT shrinks hair follicles, making it impossible for healthy hair to survive.
Androgenetic alopecia, commonly called male or female pattern baldness, was only partially understood until the last few decades. For many years, scientists thought that androgenetic alopecia was caused by the predominance of the male sex hormone, testosterone, which women also have in trace amounts under normal conditions. While testosterone is at the core of the balding process, DHT is thought to be the main culprit.
Testosterone converts to DHT with the aid of the enzyme Type II 5-alpha reductase, which is held in a hair follicle's oil glands. Scientists now believe that it's not the amount of circulating testosterone that's the problem but the level of DHT binding to receptors in scalp follicles. DHT shrinks hair follicles, making it impossible for healthy hair to survive.
The hormonal process of testosterone converting to DHT, which then
harms hair follicles, happens in both men and women. Under normal
conditions, women have a minute fraction of the level of testosterone
that men have, but even a lower level can cause DHT- triggered hair loss
in women. And certainly when those levels rise, DHT is even more of a
problem. Those levels can rise and still be within what doctors consider
"normal" on a blood test, even though they are high enough to cause a
problem. The levels may not rise at all and still be a problem if you
have the kind of body chemistry that is overly sensitive to even its
regular levels of chemicals, including hormones.
Since hormones operate in the healthiest manner when they are in a delicate balance, the androgens, as male hormones are called, do not need to be raised to trigger a problem. Their counterpart female hormones, when lowered, give an edge to these androgens, such as DHT. Such an imbalance can also cause problems, including hair loss.
Hormones are cyclical. Testosterone levels in some men drop by 10 percent each decade after thirty. Women's hormone levels decline as menopause approaches and drop sharply during menopause and beyond. The cyclic nature of both our hair and hormones is one reason hair loss can increase in the short term even when you are experiencing a long-term slowdown of hair loss (and a long-term increase in hair growth) while on a treatment that controls hair loss.
Since hormones operate in the healthiest manner when they are in a delicate balance, the androgens, as male hormones are called, do not need to be raised to trigger a problem. Their counterpart female hormones, when lowered, give an edge to these androgens, such as DHT. Such an imbalance can also cause problems, including hair loss.
Hormones are cyclical. Testosterone levels in some men drop by 10 percent each decade after thirty. Women's hormone levels decline as menopause approaches and drop sharply during menopause and beyond. The cyclic nature of both our hair and hormones is one reason hair loss can increase in the short term even when you are experiencing a long-term slowdown of hair loss (and a long-term increase in hair growth) while on a treatment that controls hair loss.
The following are the most common causes of women’s hair loss:
Andogenetic Alopecia
The majority of women with androgenic alopecia have diffuse thinning
on all areas of the scalp. Men on the other hand, rarely have diffuse
thinning but instead have more distinct patterns of baldness. Some women
may have a combination of two pattern types. Androgenic alopecia in
women is due to the action of androgens, male hormones that are
typically present in only small amounts. Androgenic alopecia can be
caused by a variety of factors tied to the actions of hormones,
including, ovarian cysts, the taking of high androgen index birth
control pills, pregnancy, and menopause. Just like in men the hormone
DHT appears to be at least partially to blame for the miniaturization of
hair follicles in women suffering with female pattern baldness.
Heredity plays a major factor in the disease.
Telogen Effluvium
When your body goes through something traumatic like child birth,
malnutrition, a severe infection, major surgery, or extreme stress, many
of the 90 percent or so of the hair in the anagen (growing) phase or
catagen (resting) phase can shift all at once into the shedding
(telogen) phase. About 6 weeks to three month after the stressful event
is usually when the phenomenon called telogen effluvium can begin. It is
possible to lose handful of hair at time when in full-blown telogen
effluvium. For most who suffer with TE complete remission is probable as
long as severely stressful events can be avoided. For some women
however, telogen effluvium is a mysterious chronic disorder and can
persist for months or even years without any true understanding of any
triggering factors or stressors.
Anagen Effluvium
Anagen effluvium occurs after any insult to the hair follicle that
impairs its mitotic or metabolic activity. This hair loss is commonly
associated with chemotherapy. Since chemotherapy targets your body’s
rapidly dividing cancer cells, your body’s other rapidly dividing cells
such as hair follicles in the growing (anagen) phase, are also greatly
affected. Soon after chemotherapy begins approximately 90 percent or
more of the hairs can fall out while still in the anagen phase.
The characteristic finding in anagen effluvium is the tapered
fracture of the hair shafts. The hair shaft narrows as a result of
damage to the matrix. Eventually, the shaft fractures at the site of
narrowing and causes the loss of hair.
Traction alopecia
This condition is caused by localized trauma to the hair follicles
from tight hairstyles that pull at hair over time. If the condition is
detected early enough, the hair will regrow. Braiding, cornrows, tight
ponytails, and extensions are the most common styling causes.
May 17, 2015
"3 Anti-Inflammatory Superfoods" -- Decrease Your Chronic “Joint” Inflammation
Green Tea
Green Tea is one of the world’s most popular beverages. It is loaded
with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on the body,
including improved brain function, fat loss, a lower risk of cancer and
inflammation-fighting properties.
Green tea is also the least processed of all the predominant types of tea: green, black and oolong.
Pistachios
A 2009 study found that bioactive compounds in pistachio, and molecules present in pistachios, have anti-inflammatory properties.
Pistachio oil decreases levels of an inflammatory marker known as “lift-2.” Pistachios are nutrient dense and provide protein, fiber micronutrients, plant sterols, gamma-tocopherol and other phytochemical compounds, including flavanoids and phenolic compounds. Overall, they are an excellent weapon in the war against chronic “joint” inflammation.
Kiwi
The Kiwifruit is a small fruit approximately 3 inches long and
weighing about four ounces. Kiwi provides your daily intake of
antioxidants such as polyphenols and carotenoids which help fight damage
caused by oxidative stress and free radicals.
Kiwifruit is also known to assist in wading off the effects of stress, joint inflammation and attack from viruses and bacteria.
Discover the life-changing benefits from 101 Super Foods
Natural Remedies for Pain Relief
Apr 28, 2015
15 Simple Ways To Overcome Depression And Sadness...
Depression can be debilitating and is very different from just feeling unhappy. Usually, there is a reason for unhappiness such as being rejected or not getting the job you wanted. Depression is a pervasive feeling. It’s almost as if you are in a black tunnel with no light. Hope disappears and the things you used to find enjoyable become a chore. Even winning the lottery would not snap someone out of depression and it is never a good idea to tell someone who is depressed to sort themselves out and pull themselves together. Unfortunately, it isn’t that simple, but there are ways to alleviate the symptoms of depression.
1. Practice Mindfulness
A depressed mind tends to mull over all that is wrong and worries unnecessarily about all the negative possibilities that may emerge in the future. This negative thought cycle reinforces misery and is not helpful in managing to overcome depression. Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment and is a skill that needs to be practiced. More often than not, our brains are full of thoughts and focusing on the present moment seems unnatural for our minds. Practice on engaging your senses in the moment. Focus on touch, taste, sight, sound and smell. Engaging the senses leaves less time for worry.
2. Listen to Upbeat Music
I have always thought of music as food for the soul. An upbeat tune can change an atmosphere instantly and create a more positive vibe. Listening to upbeat, happy music alters brain chemistry and can improve your mood.
3. Use Touch
Science shows that touch therapies can help some people overcome depression, lower the stress hormone cortisol and increase the feel-good hormone oxytocin. Therapies to consider include acupuncture, acupressure, massage, reiki and reflexology.
Science shows that touch therapies can help some people overcome depression, lower the stress hormone cortisol and increase the feel-good hormone oxytocin. Therapies to consider include acupuncture, acupressure, massage, reiki and reflexology.
4. Include Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Your Diet
Research has shown that depressed people often lack a fatty acid known as EPA. Participants in a 2002 study featured in the Archives of General Psychiatry took just a gram of fish oil each day and noticed a 50-percent decrease in symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disorders, unexplained feelings of sadness, suicidal thoughts, and decreased sex drive. Omega-3 fatty acids can also lower cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health. Get omega-3s through walnuts, flaxseed and oily fish like salmon or tuna.
Research has shown that depressed people often lack a fatty acid known as EPA. Participants in a 2002 study featured in the Archives of General Psychiatry took just a gram of fish oil each day and noticed a 50-percent decrease in symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disorders, unexplained feelings of sadness, suicidal thoughts, and decreased sex drive. Omega-3 fatty acids can also lower cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health. Get omega-3s through walnuts, flaxseed and oily fish like salmon or tuna.
5. Stop the Negative Self Talk
Depressed people tend to see the world in a negative way. When things go wrong they blame themselves and when they go right, they put it down to luck. Depression reinforces self doubt and feelings of worthlessness. Monitor your inner negative talk and make allowances for this type of thinking by reminding yourself that your thinking is that of a depressed person, not a healthy functioning person. Don’t take your thoughts seriously when you are feeling low. Acknowledge the thoughts but this doesn’t mean you have to believe them. Keep perspective.
Depressed people tend to see the world in a negative way. When things go wrong they blame themselves and when they go right, they put it down to luck. Depression reinforces self doubt and feelings of worthlessness. Monitor your inner negative talk and make allowances for this type of thinking by reminding yourself that your thinking is that of a depressed person, not a healthy functioning person. Don’t take your thoughts seriously when you are feeling low. Acknowledge the thoughts but this doesn’t mean you have to believe them. Keep perspective.
6. Bide Your Time
Accept that your mental state is not entirely balanced. During depression, we tend to see the negatives in everything and find it harder to be balanced about what is going on. Gently remind yourself that you are tuned into the ‘negativity channel’ and don’t listen to your thinking. It is definitely distorted when you are depressed. This idea alone can provide some comfort when the world appears bleak. It won’t last forever. Remind yourself that change is constant and that you won’t always feel this way. Be patient and do your best to look after yourself in the meantime. Eat well and get a decent amount of sleep. Say to yourself “This shall pass”.
Accept that your mental state is not entirely balanced. During depression, we tend to see the negatives in everything and find it harder to be balanced about what is going on. Gently remind yourself that you are tuned into the ‘negativity channel’ and don’t listen to your thinking. It is definitely distorted when you are depressed. This idea alone can provide some comfort when the world appears bleak. It won’t last forever. Remind yourself that change is constant and that you won’t always feel this way. Be patient and do your best to look after yourself in the meantime. Eat well and get a decent amount of sleep. Say to yourself “This shall pass”.
7. Distract Yourself
If possible, do your best to distract yourself from over thinking. Your thoughts are your enemy when depression sets in. Play with a pet or go for a walk. Read a book if you are able to concentrate or finish a puzzle. Do anything that takes your mind off your fears and worries. Keeping busy is an effective way to overcome depression.
If possible, do your best to distract yourself from over thinking. Your thoughts are your enemy when depression sets in. Play with a pet or go for a walk. Read a book if you are able to concentrate or finish a puzzle. Do anything that takes your mind off your fears and worries. Keeping busy is an effective way to overcome depression.
8. Use More Light
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is known for causing low mood over the winter months when there is less sunlight. Invest in a sunlamp – a 300 watt bulb within three feet for 20 minutes three times a day can help. SAD symptoms can include problems sleeping, anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue, apathy and loss of libido and using light can help to overcome depression and these other symptoms.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is known for causing low mood over the winter months when there is less sunlight. Invest in a sunlamp – a 300 watt bulb within three feet for 20 minutes three times a day can help. SAD symptoms can include problems sleeping, anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue, apathy and loss of libido and using light can help to overcome depression and these other symptoms.
9. Try Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy can be extremely useful in counteracting depression and is based on the principle that certain ways of thinking can trigger certain health problems, such as depression. The counselor helps you to understand your current thought patterns and identify any harmful or false ideas and thoughts that you have that can trigger depression or make it worse. The aim is to change your ways of thinking to avoid these ideas as well as help your thought patterns to be more realistic and helpful.
Cognitive therapy can be extremely useful in counteracting depression and is based on the principle that certain ways of thinking can trigger certain health problems, such as depression. The counselor helps you to understand your current thought patterns and identify any harmful or false ideas and thoughts that you have that can trigger depression or make it worse. The aim is to change your ways of thinking to avoid these ideas as well as help your thought patterns to be more realistic and helpful.
10. Write in a Journal
A journal can work in two ways. Use it to write down fears and worries. Sometimes, having an outlet in this way can be soothing and ease your mind. Another good way to use a journal (I prefer this way) is to write at least five things down every day that you are grateful for. This forces us to think more positively and can help to remind us that things are never that bad. In a gratitude journal, you can write about anything that happened in the day that made you feel appreciative. A stranger smiling at you, the sun shining..anything positive will do!
A journal can work in two ways. Use it to write down fears and worries. Sometimes, having an outlet in this way can be soothing and ease your mind. Another good way to use a journal (I prefer this way) is to write at least five things down every day that you are grateful for. This forces us to think more positively and can help to remind us that things are never that bad. In a gratitude journal, you can write about anything that happened in the day that made you feel appreciative. A stranger smiling at you, the sun shining..anything positive will do!
11. Connect with Friends
This can be one of the hardest things to do when feeling depressed but it is one of the most rewarding activities. Force yourself to go out. Isolating oneself from others may seem a good idea but put a limit on it and then get out there again. This can have a huge positive effect on your mood.
This can be one of the hardest things to do when feeling depressed but it is one of the most rewarding activities. Force yourself to go out. Isolating oneself from others may seem a good idea but put a limit on it and then get out there again. This can have a huge positive effect on your mood.
12. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep and mood are closely connected. Inadequate sleep can cause irritability and stress, while healthy sleep can enhance well-being. Studies have shown that even partial sleep deprivation has a significant effect on mood.Take steps to ensure adequate sleep will this will lead to improved mood and well-being. The quality of your sleep directly affects the quality of your waking life, including your mental sharpness, productivity, emotional balance, creativity, physical vitality, and even your weight. No other activity delivers so many benefits with so little effort so aim for between 7.5 and 9 hours sleep per night.
Sleep and mood are closely connected. Inadequate sleep can cause irritability and stress, while healthy sleep can enhance well-being. Studies have shown that even partial sleep deprivation has a significant effect on mood.Take steps to ensure adequate sleep will this will lead to improved mood and well-being. The quality of your sleep directly affects the quality of your waking life, including your mental sharpness, productivity, emotional balance, creativity, physical vitality, and even your weight. No other activity delivers so many benefits with so little effort so aim for between 7.5 and 9 hours sleep per night.
13. Forgive Others
When we hold a grudge, we are the ones that feel the anger. The person whom we are angry with is probably merrily going about their business completely oblivious to your feelings. Don’t allow others to have this power over you. They have may have caused you grief in the past, try not to allow that grief to continue – it only affects you, not them. Find a way to forgive – they are not worthy of your time. Lighten the emotional load and you will improve your mood and help you to overcome depression.
When we hold a grudge, we are the ones that feel the anger. The person whom we are angry with is probably merrily going about their business completely oblivious to your feelings. Don’t allow others to have this power over you. They have may have caused you grief in the past, try not to allow that grief to continue – it only affects you, not them. Find a way to forgive – they are not worthy of your time. Lighten the emotional load and you will improve your mood and help you to overcome depression.
14. Exercise
Regular exercise has benefits for helping to overcome depression. Exercise releases endorphins which improve natural immunity and improve mood. Besides lifting your mood, regular exercise offers other health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, protecting against heart disease, cancer and boosting self-esteem. Experts advise getting half an hour to an hour of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking at least three to four times per week.
Regular exercise has benefits for helping to overcome depression. Exercise releases endorphins which improve natural immunity and improve mood. Besides lifting your mood, regular exercise offers other health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, protecting against heart disease, cancer and boosting self-esteem. Experts advise getting half an hour to an hour of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking at least three to four times per week.
15. Don’t give up
Depression can make you want to hide away from the world and disappear. It’s okay to take some time out but give yourself a time limit and then do something productive to improve your mood. Depression can be well managed (I know this from personal experience) and there can be a wonderful life beyond depression. Hang in there and keep the faith.
Although the above suggestions can be effective, depression that perseveres should be investigated further and seeing a Doctor to chat over any symptoms is a step in the right direction.
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Depression can make you want to hide away from the world and disappear. It’s okay to take some time out but give yourself a time limit and then do something productive to improve your mood. Depression can be well managed (I know this from personal experience) and there can be a wonderful life beyond depression. Hang in there and keep the faith.
Although the above suggestions can be effective, depression that perseveres should be investigated further and seeing a Doctor to chat over any symptoms is a step in the right direction.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
THREE REASONS WHY YOUR FAMILY NEEDS-- FAMILY FRIENDLY FAT BURNING MEALS
Reason #1:
Family Friendly Fat Burning Meals have been designed with fat burning
ingredients in every recipe so that you can lose the unwanted weight and
get back to looking and feeling the way you’ve always wanted.
Reason #2: Family Friendly Fat Burning Meals are naturally fiber rich and full of flavor. They’re never prepared with artificial flavors or chemically enhanced like most store bought foods.
Reason #3: Family Friendly Fat Burning Meals are naturally lower in calories, carbohydrates, and fats and have greater amounts of bio-available nutrients so that your family gets all of the flavor without getting fat or bloated.
Reason #2: Family Friendly Fat Burning Meals are naturally fiber rich and full of flavor. They’re never prepared with artificial flavors or chemically enhanced like most store bought foods.
Reason #3: Family Friendly Fat Burning Meals are naturally lower in calories, carbohydrates, and fats and have greater amounts of bio-available nutrients so that your family gets all of the flavor without getting fat or bloated.
So, as you now see, Family Friendly Fat Burning Meals will help your family effortlessly drop unwanted pounds whiling giving you the peace of mind knowing that you are giving your family the very best nutrition available.
But what’s even more important is that these recipes taste amazing and are kid-friendly, too. These aren’t bland ‘healthy’ meals that you’ve tried before. These are meals you and your family will eat up and enjoy...
Quit Smoking Benefits
Stopping smoking can make a big difference to your health and lifestyle.
It is never too late to stop smoking to greatly benefit your health.
For example, if you stop smoking in middle age, before having cancer or
some other serious disease, you avoid most of the increased risk of
death due to smoking. Help is available if you find it difficult to stop
smoking.
What are the health benefits of Quitting smoking?
The benefits begin straight away.
You reduce your risk of getting serious disease no matter what age you
give up. However, the sooner you stop, the greater the reduction in your
risk. In fact, researchers have found that if you stop smoking before
the age of 50 your risk of dying is virtually reduced that that of a
non-smoker. Even if you give up after the age of 60, your risk of dying
at any given age is reduced by about 39% compared to a person who
carries on smoking.
- If you stop smoking you:
- Reduce the risk of getting serious smoking-related diseases such as heart disease, cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and peripheral vascular disease.
- Reduce the risk of getting various other conditions which, although not life-threatening, can cause unpleasant problems. For example: impotence (erection problems), fertility problems, optic neuropathy (a condition affecting the nerve supplying the eye), cataracts, macular degeneration (a breakdown of tissue at the back of the eye), psoriasis, gum disease, tooth loss, osteoporosis and Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers going white or blue when exposed to cold).
- Reduce the risk of pregnancy complications if you are pregnant.
- If you have smoked since being a teenager or young adult:
- If you stop smoking before the age of about 35, your life expectancy is only slightly less than it is for people who have never smoked.
- If you stop smoking before the age of 50, you decrease the risk of dying from smoking-related diseases by 50%.
- But it is never too late to stop smoking to gain health benefits. Even if you already have COPD or heart disease, your outlook (prognosis) is much improved if you stop smoking.
Timeline of health benefits after stopping smoking ...
| After... | HealthBenefit... | |||
| 72 hours | Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase. | |||
| 1 month | Skin appearance improves, owing to improved skin perfusion. | |||
| 3-9 months | Cough, wheezing, and breathing problems improve and lung function increases by up to 10%. | |||
| 1 year | Risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker. | |||
| 10 years | Risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. | |||
| 15 years | Risk of heart attack falls to the same level that it would be for someone who has never smoked. |
Other benefits of stopping smoking
These include:
- Your breath won't smell any more of stale tobacco.
- The smell of stale tobacco will also go from your clothes, hair, and home.
- Foods and drinks taste and smell much better.
- Finances improve. You will save well over £2,000 per year if you smoked 20 a day.
- Better rates of insurance policies.
- You are likely to feel good about yourself.
How can I stop smoking?
About 2 in 3 smokers want to stop smoking. Some
people can give up easily. Willpower and determination are the most
important aspects when giving up smoking. However, nicotine is a drug of
addiction and many people find giving up a struggle. Help is available.
- GPs, practice nurses, or pharmacists can provide information, encouragement, and tips on stopping smoking. Also, throughout the country there are specialist NHS 'Stop Smoking Clinics' which have a good success in helping people to stop smoking. Your doctor may refer you to one if you are keen to stop smoking.
- Various medicines can increase your chance of quitting. These include nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) which comes as gums, sprays, patches, tablets, lozenges, and inhalers. You can buy NRT without a prescription. Also, medicines called bupropion (trade name 'Zyban®') and varenicline (trade name 'Champix®') can help. These are available on prescription.
- There are also electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). They are designed to look and feel like normal cigarettes. They have a heating element inside that vapourises a solution - this looks like smoke. It may also contain nicotine. They are substituted for normal cigarettes or cigars. There is some uncertainty whether this is more effective than the other ways of stopping smoking. A recent research paper from The Lancet (see further reading below) showed that the e-cigarettes were as effective as nicotine patches. Further studies are needed to ensure they are safe to use over a length of time.
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