Saturday, March 14, 2009

Celexa And Hair Loss

Celexa And Hair Loss Is Inevitable As The Drug Depletes Much Needed Protein In The Body

There is no doubt that Celexa and hair loss are not directly related as far as treating either depression for which the drug is most often prescribed, nor is it meant to control hair loss. Celexa is a drug given to someone who may be in need of improving his or her mood to come out of say depression and thus this drug is really an anti-depressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor variety. Also, the main use of Celexa is to increase some natural substances present in the user’s brain and thus, since it is clearly prescribed for treating depression, it must not be used outside without first getting a doctor to prescribe it and so considering Celexa and hair loss without first getting medical opinion would be dangerous to say the least.

Also A Means To Treat Prostate Cancer

Celexa is also used for prostrate cancer treatment and as an anti-depressant it can be used for the treatment of hot flashes especially in men who may be undergoing hormonal therapy for their prostate cancer problem. Thus, far from Celexa and hair loss being genuinely concerned with anything but depression, and now of late prostate cancer as well, one would need to think twice before using Celexa for hair loss.

In fact, doctors would actually be the first to inform you that celexa causes hair loss as a side effect though such a reaction has yet to be medically confirmed. There are however many patients that have reported Celexa and hair loss as occurring after using this anti-depressant and one of the reasons put forward as to why Celexa and hair loss go together is that the drug can cause protein depletion and also amino acid depletion. And, hair is essentially made up of protein which makes the theory stronger and also quite valid that there is no advantage to be gained from using Celexa as far as preventing hair loss is concerned.

Thus, besides asking your doctor about Celexa and hair loss, you may also need to ask about how to prevent such hair loss that is a result of taking Celexa and also try and avoid taking the drug by looking for alternative solutions. You may want to consider eating a diet that is going to promote your health and which contains enough of proteins as well as iron that will promote hair growth, and by also ensuring that you get enough rest and do not treat your hair abrasively, you will have found good ways of reducing and also preventing hair loss in your normal activities.

The Dynamics Of Manic Depression

Manic depression is also termed as bipolar disorder or bipolar affective disorder. The term manic depression was coined due to the differing moods that a person with this mental condition may have at any given time. Many people have no idea what is manic depression since the individual with this condition may seem normal in between bouts of mania and depression.

Symptoms Of Manic Depression

This mental state is easy to spot when the suspected individual is a family member or a good friend. The reason for this is that people usually notice a change in attitude and mood of their friends and family members when they are in constant contact with each other. Since this state of mind or mental condition can occur in as short as a few hours or as long as several days, many people who have this condition may not be noticed.

Manic depression can manifest as bouts of mania or depression. Manic episodes may consist of irritable or elevated moods of the individual. In this state of manic depression, the individual can be hyper active, talkative (to the extent of not being understood to well when he or she talks) and in a distinct high. The buzz will be very distinct and may be occur suddenly or within a span of a few days.

Depression in this condition can occur almost immediately after the manic episode, which can be alarming for some people who witness it, or can occur after a span of normal attitude from the individual, in which time the individual may seem normally experiencing a bout of sadness or stress.

Manic depression can go unnoticed for years until such time that the individual may be the one to notice the strangeness of his or her condition. These cases of manic depression are for those who do not experience of mania or depression in a span of just days or hours. It is not as noticeable and can be shrugged off as plain old depression or just hyperactivity. There are circumstances in manic depression when an individual may experience both mania and depression at the same time at which point many people will notice this instability.

Treatment

Treating manic depression can be done with medication, especially for those prone to manic episodes, and self help, for those who have mild manic depression. Psychiatric session can also be integrated with medication, recommended by most professionals for the best possible treatment. There are alternative treatments to manic depression, which may consist of herbs and therapies that can soothe or calm a person.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Herbal Hair Loss Cures

A lot of men, as well as women, are suffering from the problem of hair loss. This is due to several different reasons that may include medical conditions, advancing age or probably it might just run in the family.

Today, there is a plethora of medical hair loss cures. Some prove to be very effective and some show no results at all. The problem with the former though is that it may put holes in your pockets due to the expensive price.

There are alternatives for medical hair loss cures and this is through the use of herbs. It has been proven that there are indeed herbs that help people with hair loss problems. Here are a few examples that you may want to try.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is one of the good herbal hair loss cures. Herbalists say that this herb contains two substances which when combined can incite hair re-growth especially in men who are suffering from the male type pattern baldness. These two substances are nitric oxide and super oxide dismutane. Aloe Vera as an herbal hair loss cure is used externally. The gel produced by this plant is the one used to rub on your hair regularly.

Onion

Another herbal hair loss cure is not difficult to look for and can easily be found in any kitchen, an onion. It is believed that onion is an effective plant in treating hair loss. Before going to the bath and washing your hair, rub half an onion on it. Doing this regularly will stimulate hair growth.

Safflower Oil

Eastern health practitioners have used safflower oil as a hair loss cure. Applying safflower oil in the scalp promotes good blood circulation. It is considered as a vasodilator, which means it can stimulate dilation of blood vessels. Through this, more and more nutrients are then allowed to be delivered to the hair follicle and can gradually help in the growth of hair.

Green Tea

Unlike the above herbal hair loss cures which are applied externally, Green Tea (as it is supposed to be) is drank. Catechins, substances found in Green Tea, is capable of inhibiting the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which is believed to be a great factor in male baldness. Drinking Green Tea regularly should help as a hair loss cure. If you are not a fan of tea or dislike its taste, you can always have it in capsule form.

Hair Loss Causes: Reasons Why Your Hair Is Slowly Disappearing



All of us shed a few strands of hair every day. There is really no cause for alarm if you loss a few strands of hair after taking a shower or while brushing your hair when you wake up in the morning. However, losing more than a hundred strands of hair in a day is not normal. If you are one of those people who are losing their hair at an alarming rate, you should consult your doctor about it before you totally go bald. Note that there are several causes of hair loss and some of these hair loss causes can have some serious implications to your health.

Inherited Hair Loss

One of the most common causes of hair loss is genetic in nature. This situation is especially true among men. If baldness runs in your family, you will most likely start losing your hair as you hit your forties or fifties. Some people start losing their hair early and some start shedding their hair later in life but all the same, if baldness runs in your family, you will most likely experience hair loss as you grow older.

Since hair loss due to genetics causes is permanent, you may not be able to re-grow your hair normally after you start shedding them off. Some hair growing products may be able to help you to some extent but in most cases, the effects of these hair-growing products are minimal. If you really want to re-grow your hair, you might as well opt for hair implants. Yes, hair implants may cause you a lot of money but if you really want to have some hair on your head, you might as well invest some money in this type of treatment.

Hair Loss Through Diseases

Diseases like lupus, cancer or syphilis are some of the more serious causes of hair loss. If you are experiencing rapid hair loss and you feel generally unwell, you should consult your doctor right away. Some types of cancers, lupus and syphilis can be cured easily if caught in its early stages. Now the good thing about hair loss caused by certain types of diseases is that it is temporary. This means that after treatment, your hair will most like grow back on its own.

Hair Loss Due To Poor Nutrition And Stress

Stress and poor nutrition can cause hair loss in many people. If you are one of those people who lead stressful lives and you are not eating healthy foods, you will most like loss more strands of hair compared to other people who lead healthy lifestyles. Fortunately, hair loss caused by stress and poor diet is temporary.

Hair Loss


Causes of Hair Loss in Men and Women

Thinning hair is a common problem for both men and women, and there are many factors that can contribute to a sparser scalp. Some of the causes of hair loss are easy to recognize and treat, such as discontinuing particular medications that are contributing to a problem. Others, like male-pattern baldness are simply a part of the aging process, and there is little that can be done to stop it. However, if you experience any type of sudden and significant hair loss, it is important to see your doctor since this can be a sign of an underlying illness. Your doctor can help you find the reason why your hair is thinning and determine whether anything can be done to stop it.

Harsh Hair Treatment
Hair that is treated right will reward you with a thick, luscious mane of tresses that is full of health and body. Hair that is over-treated – by a variety of chemicals and harsh hair processes may become brittle and thin when the treatments are done incorrectly or too often. These processes might include perms, color treatments and relaxers. You can also contribute to hair loss by frequently wearing pigtails or using tight rollers. This thinning is known as traction alopecia, and is the result of constant pulling on the hair from these types of styles. If the pulling is stopped early enough, hair can grow back. However, if scarring has already taken place on the scalp, the result may be permanent.

Autoimmune Condition
There is another type of hair loss, known as alopecia areata, which is thought to be caused by an autoimmune condition. In this situation, the immune system actually creates antibodies to the body's own hair, which can result in a thinner scalp. This condition occurs in people who are in excellent health otherwise, and can be characterized by a smooth, round spot somewhere on the scalp. There are a number of possible treatments for this type of hair loss, including corticosteroid injections, topical medications or light treatment.

Hereditary Hair Loss
This is the most common type of hair loss, and unfortunately, the one cause that has the least help available. Some people who are dealing with a thinning head have found success with either a topical remedy like Minoxodil, which can be purchased over the counter under a commercial name like Rogaine, or an oral prescription from their doctor, such as Finasteride. However, many others have found that their hair loss is simply a natural part of the aging process and have chosen to accept it rather than treat it.

If you are suffering from hair loss of any type, it is important to see your doctor to determine the cause and an appropriate treatment option. Your doctor can tell you whether the thinning scalp is a natural part of aging or whether there is an underlying medical condition that can and should be treated.

Signs And Symptoms Of Depression

Depression is a state of mind that an individual gets into when there is a lot of stress happening in his or her life at the moment. Many people are affected by this state of mind and some more than others. There are people who are born with genes that make them more susceptible to a state of depression that may need therapy and medication in order to treat it. There are many different causes of this state of mind and it is not only genes that cause it.

Causes Of Depression

There are several causes of depression and these are usually attributed to stress. Mental stress is the prime cause of this state of mind along with one's genes. The piling up of many stressful situations and problems is what triggers the mood of depression. How one is made up genetically may be the reason why some people experience it longer and more deeply than others. Some people are more prone to this mood than others.

Emotional trauma is another cause of depression. A life altering event such as death or an accident can easily trigger this mental state in one's mind. The upheaval of a home or a divorce can also be what is termed as emotional trauma. Some experiences o failure may also pile up and incite depression in some people. Manic depression can occur to those especially prone to it and the need of a trained psychiatrist may be necessary to treat the individual.

What To Look For

There are plenty of signs that a person may be suffering from depression. Listlessness, anxiety and unwillingness to participate in some activities can be signs of this mental condition. Keeping oneself and having little or no friends can also be a sign of depression especially if the individual stays at home most of the time and does not have any visitors. Other signs that a person may be suffering from depression are sleepless nights, loss of appetite and inactivity.

These signs are not the only ones that one should look out for since many people cope with depression in their own different ways. Some people behave normally on the outside but may be suffering from this condition without any outward signs or manifestations. In some ways, the release of the cause of stress can treat depression although in most cases, outside help and guidance may be necessary. Professionals are the ones that can actually treat those suffering from this condition although mild cases resolve given some time.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

High Cholesterol Level Is Not Good For Your Health

High cholesterol level can impair your health and requires immediate action so that the level can be reduced to a more manageable one. Too much of cholesterol can cause formation of plaque in your arteries that in turn can lead to severe medical conditions such as a heart attack. Proper nutrition as well as adequate amount of regular exercises is keys to bringing these levels to a more manageable level.

No Need To Take Drugs

In fact, people are sure to be astonished to learn that keeping their cholesterol level can be achieved without needing to take any drugs. All it takes is to make a concerted effort and results will be there for you to see. It also means keeping a close watch on type and quantity of food you consume. Some foods will elevate while others will help reduce cholesterol levels in your blood. For example, eating plenty of vegetables and fruits on a daily basis will cause a dramatic reduction of bad cholesterol level in your body.

Another way of reducing these LDL (bad) levels is to eat oat bran cookies; in fact, you can lower the levels by up to twenty-six percent (it is believed). Even foods that contain high fiber are believed to be very effective in controlling cholesterol level; on the other hand, you can also achieve the desired results by consuming foods that are low in cholesterol content.

There no doubts the fact that in case your cholesterol level becomes too high it is then vital that you immediately learn about which foods are good for you and which are not. You must be careful to consume only recommended foods and also pay close attention to your fitness and avoid eating foods that contain too much of fat, and in addition, also reduce the intake of calories. It will definitely mean avoiding animal products that are known to contain high amounts of cholesterol.

Eating grapes is another good way of controlling your cholesterol level and the same goes for apples that contain fiber as well as pectin that are anti-oxidant and which help to contain cholesterol level in the blood. It pays to also learn about what constitutes normal cholesterol level as this information can help you know which foods to eat so that your blood does not contain too much cholesterol.

If you are suffering from coronary heart disease or are liable to suffer heart attacks it is highly recommended that you take special care to ensure that cholesterol level in your blood does not rise above recommended levels. With high cholesterol levels comes the risk of clogging up your arteries and consequently suffering a heart attack. Getting an annual check-up is a good way to help ensure that you are able to succeed in keeping cholesterol levels to acceptable levels.

Some Misconceptions Related To Cholesterol

One of the most common myths surrounding cholesterol is that each and every food that contains high fatty content will affect your health adversely. However, not all dietary fats are the same and in fact, in this regard you will need to distinguish between saturated fatty and non-saturated fatty acids. In addition, there are mono-saturated fatty acids to contend with as well.

There no doubts the fact that saturated fatty acids will cause increase in fat in a person’s blood and adds to the bad cholesterol or LDL (low density lipoproteins). On the other hand poly-unsaturated and mono-saturated fatty acids have the opposite effect in that they reduce fat in a person’s blood and in addition they decrease bad cholesterol as well.

Not Good For Your Body

Another common myth is that cholesterol is not good for your body; however, it is a required (and, essential) ingredient that keeps a person’s body functioning normally and it is also found in membranes of living cells. Cholesterol also helps to keep out dangerous chemicals and it also does not allow cell components to leave the cells; in addition, it also is vital to formation of a person’s sex hormones as well as bile salts.

Most people also mistakenly believe that by consuming Vitamins E and C they can lower the level of cholesterol in their bodies. However, this is not true and nor is there any evidence that supports such a way of thinking. The myth that it is the sole reason why plaque builds up in a person’s arteries is false and needs to be debunked.

In fact, plaque is generally caused because of an amino acid known as homocysteine that does however cause cholesterol molecules to adhere to it which in turn attracts more of these molecules and so, plaque is formed.

It is also commonly believed that high levels of cholesterol will make a person feel sick. In fact, there are no real visible symptoms or signs to let a person know that levels of cholesterol in their body are on the high side. The only way to determine whether or not such levels are high is through having a lipid profile taken.

It is also wrong to believe that high cholesterol levels are only found in the blood of old people. However, keeping a close check on these levels is vital to enjoying safe and good health. Our lives today are filled with a lot more pressure than was the case only a few decades ago and this is causing even young adults to suffer from elevated levels of cholesterol in their blood. Keeping tabs on the amount of cholesterol present in your blood is a good means of controlling the situation and ensuring good health.