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Comprehensive Mental Health and Mental Illness News, Medication and Information

Archives for November, 2010

How to Prevent and Treat Hair Loss

The most common form of hair loss in men is by far male pattern baldness (the scientific term for this is androgenic alopecia.) When you suffer from this condition, the hair on your head progressively gets thinner and thinner (this may take years) until it is lost completely. It is called “pattern baldness” because hair is usually lost in a well-defined “M” shape.

There is a variety of causes contributing to hair loss. However, according to medical studies, in males the predominant cause is the excess level of the androgenic hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT.) DHT plays a role in the development of male secondary sex characteristics but an increased level of DHT leads to so-called follicular miniaturization, by which the hair shaft width is constantly decreased and the hair becomes thinner. Previously it was thought that baldness was inherited but there is no definitive proof that this is the case.

Until recently, the prevalent approach to stopping hair loss was to use such chemical prescription drugs as Finasteride (marketed as Propecia) and Minoxidil. However, it turned out that these drugs do not always help and have many side effects including erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia (growth of breast in men), acne, headaches and others. While these synthetic chemicals help some patients, I wouldn’t risk losing growing breasts along with my hair!

Fortunately, when it comes to regaining lost hair and preventing hair loss, there is an alternative to synthetic drugs. There are natural treatments, which work just as well or even better and what is more importantly, they don’t have any side effects. Some of them can even give you permanent results (which is not the case with drugs.) Finally, the ingredients contained in natural hair loss treatments have been used by humans for millennia. This proves their effectiveness better than medical research, doesn’t it?

Tips on How to Lose Weight Quickly

When your goal is to lose weight quickly it’s important that you have to make some consistent changes and you have to commit to them. This is a lifestyle change. First off, log your food. Keep a journal and track what you’re eating and when you’re eating it. Keep count of what you drink too as pop, juices and those tasty frappacinos really add up in calories.

Make sure you’re drinking at least 2-3 litres of water a day. It will help fill you up as well as keeping your metabolism moving and your bowels regular. Cut back on the high calorie processed snacks and pack fruits and vegetables as instead. Really focus on portion control. Start measuring your ingredients and portions on your plate. Eat your food slowly and focus on chewing each bite. When you’re finished your meal, but your fork down and wait at least 20 mins before reaching for a second helping. Choose foods that are lower in fat and higher in fiber.

When it comes to working out and to lose weight quickly, you need to find a program that you enjoy doing. If you enjoy the workout, there is a greater chance you’ll commit to it on a regular basis. It’s important to workout 3-4 times a week, at least 30 mins a workout. Also track your workout by using a journal. You need to keep track of the types of exercises you are doing, the reps and the weights. It’s a way of keeping score. I always recommend you start off by seeking the advice of a certified personal trainer. They can design a program specifically for your goals.

You can lose weight quickly by achieving the following key tips outlined above. If you have the determination and desire to lose weight, it’s a matter of leaving your comfort zone and being accountable to the program you design for yourself. These are great tips on how to lose weight fast.

Lose Weight With Appetite Suppressants

If you want to lose weight, controlling your appetite is very important. It’s quite hard though, but when you overcome this big challenge, the results can be rewarding. There are many natural suppressants that will help you lose weight. They are mostly found in whole foods that help you prevent overeating. These foods do not only help you reduce weight, they also promote good health since they provide lots of nutritional benefits.

Listed below are some of the natural appetite suppressants that will help you lose weight without risking your health.

1. Pickles. Try to incorporate natural organic pickles into your weight loss diet. These foods are highly nutritious and contain few calories. Try pickled small cucumbers as your snack. This can control your appetite throughout the day without any guilt.

2. Apples. You can consume apple in between meals. Apple contains pectin and fiber which are powerful appetite suppressants. They help you feel fuller for longer periods of time. Therefore, preventing you to overeat unhealthy snacks. More so, apple is a great substitute for calorie dense snack like ice cream.

3. Green tea. Instead of consuming soda drinks which are packed with calories, try three to five cups of green tea a day. Green tea is also considered as a natural appetite suppressant that helps you boost your metabolic rate which in turns burn more fats. Try to drink green tea before meal time because it will make you feel full and eat fewer amounts of foods.

4. Soups. Try to integrate soups into your weight loss diet. However, choose soups that are low in fat content like chicken noodle soup. It reduces your appetite and abstain you from eating calorie loaded snacks like potato chips.

5. Water. It is the most common and cheapest natural suppressant. Water increases your metabolic rate making you feel fuller that will results in lesser food intake. More so, it keeps you hydrated and at the same time maintains proper body functions.

6. Green leafy veggies. These foods are rich in dietary fibers. They help you curb hunger by suppressing your appetite. Thus, minimizing your cravings and avoiding you to overeat unwholesome foods. These may include cabbage, lettuce and spinach.