IDEALIZE – DEVALUE- DISCARD MORE MEN ARE NARCISSISTS THEN ONE MAY KNOW – HOW TO SPOT IT! HWA

Narcissists all follow the same patterns — here are some of the most common phrases they use to manipulate you

 

• Narcissists often follow the same pattern in relationships: idealize, devalue, discard.

• They also have a certain way of talking to manipulate their victims.

• Here are some things narcissists are likely to say in relationships, and when to expect them.

It’s possible to meet someone and feel like you’ve known them your whole life. Often, this just means you’re comfortable in each other’s company.

But sometimes it can be a sign of something more sinister — particularly if someone you’re dating is professing their love for you when you’ve only known them for five minutes.

Narcissists sometimes engage in “love bombing” — pretending to be everything you’ve ever wanted, only to turn it back on you further down the line. It’s a manipulative tactic to reel in their targets. First, they shower them with affection and gifts. Then, they start gaslighting and abusing their victim, causing them to wonder what’s real. It’s all part of the plan to gain total control.

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Although there’s no global summit for all dark triad people to get together and discuss their tactics, they do seem to operate in a similar way.

“It’s like they read from the same manual, even though nobody gives them that manual,” said psychologist Perpetua Neo, who works with victims of narcissistic abuse. “They’re almost programmed in the same way.”

Here are certain phrases narcissists use, and ways they express things, that may be eerily familiar to anyone who has dealt with one.

They love bomb you during the idealization stage.

 

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Relationships with narcissists move very quickly. Neo said some people simply do mesh really well, because they have similar interests and complement each other’s differences.

“But anybody who tries to do it too quickly early on is basically accelerating intimacy, and that is bad news,” she said. “Anybody who has to do that suggests they are doing something a bit creepy.”

In the first few weeks narcissists will say things like:

“You’re my soul mate.”

“I’ve never met anyone like you before.”

“You understand me so much better than anyone else.”

“It’s fate that we met.”

“I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.”

“Am I your only friend? You’re my only friend.”

“We don’t need anyone else.”

“You’re so kind, creative, smart, beautiful, and perfect.”

“We’ll be together forever.”

Then the devaluation stage happens.

 

A couple fighting.Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

Once a narcissist has hooked their victim, they start showing their true self. This is where the insults and put-downs start slipping into what they say. They suddenly criticize things about the partner that they once seemed to love — everything they say is part of their scheme to shatter their partner’s confidence.

But the nastiness is intertwined with some affection, because the narcissist knows they have to keep up the illusion that the relationship is worth saving. By pretending they can still be loving, the narcissist makes their victim believe the insults are their own fault.

During this phase narcissists may utter some of these phrases:

“You’re crazy.”

“You’re too sensitive.”

“No wonder nobody else likes you.”

“My friends hate you, but I always defend you and have your back.”

“You’re so insecure.”

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Aren’t I more important to you than your friends?”

“Your tears won’t work on me. Why are you crying?”

“You’re being so manipulative.”

They will explain away their behavior.

 

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Alena Scigliano, a licensed psychotherapist, author, and clinical expert in narcissistic abuse, told Insider many of the phrases that pathological narcissists use fall under the manipulative tactic category she refers to as “distraction.”

“For example, narcissists may deflect, project, victimize themselves, or scapegoat another person as a means to distract someone from focusing on a failure or shortcoming of the narcissist,” she said. “Projection is an example of deflecting back onto the accuser.”

They will probably start explaining away their behavior if they are ever challenged on it, saying things like:

“I’m like this because my parents were so mean to me.”

“My ex cheated on me.”

“Love is just hard. We have to work on it.”

“Everyone abandons me, so you have to help me.”

“I’m acting this way because I’m scared to lose you.”

“I don’t do it on purpose; I have a problem.”

“Don’t you remember how good things were at the start?”

“You need to stop being so selfish/careless/busy with other people.”

“You can’t blame me, you know I have a problem.”

The will criticize everything their victim loves and isolate them.

 

LightField Studios/Shutterstock

A person in a relationship with a narcissist is subject to constant criticism, said the psychiatrist Dr. Edward Ratush in an interview with Insider.

“The love they receive can feel transactional, as a narcissist’s need for acceptance and constant approval sucks up all the light and leaves their partner forever in the shadows,” said Ratush, who founded the mental-health platform SOHOMD.

They’ll try to devalue everything their victim loves, such as their interest and hobbies, and even their family. They’ll insult everything they can, saying things such as:

“I don’t like your friends — they’re not good enough for you.”

“You like that? It’s terrible.”

“I can’t believe you enjoy doing this.”

“Your family doesn’t like me. You probably shouldn’t see them as much.”

“If you leave and see your friends, I’ll be angry.”

They will guilt-trip you and make you feel ‘lucky.’

 

g-stockstudio/Shutterstock

Clinical psychologist Lauren Cook told Insider that narcissists know how to induce guilt and indebtedness fast. This creates a power divide in the relationship, she said, and makes them the “dominant” partner.

“They may be quick to say, ‘If you really loved me,’ or ‘If you really cared,’ rather than try to earn your respect or take your feedback that you need to set a boundary,” she said. “They try to lay the guilt on thick so that you feel like you’re a ‘bad person’ for not doing everything in your power to make the narcissist feel special.”

They may say:

“You’re lucky to be with me.”

“You’re lucky to be in my presence.”

“You’re so fortunate to be receiving my time and attention with everything else I have going on.”

 

They play to their advantages.

 

Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

Narcissists also play to their advantages, especially if they are older than their victim, or brought them over from a foreign country.

They’ll assert their authority by saying:

“I’ve been through more relationships, so this is why I’m saying this.”

“You can’t wear that, because I said so.”

“That makes you look stupid.”

“Your dress is too short.”

“You know I’m smarter. You know I know more about this than you.”

“I’m the local here, I know better.”

They will wear you down.

 

Sinan Saglam / EyeEm

When a narcissist has completely worn their victim down, they may tire of them. It might be because they’ve bled them dry of funds, or they’ve simply found someone new to abuse. Either way, at this stage their insults will reach the worst level, and they’ll find more ways to tear their partner down, ensuring they leave the relationship as the “winner.”

They’ll hurl poison at their victim, such as:

“Everybody hates you.”

“You’re a bad person.”

“Nobody else will ever love you.”

“I’m the best you’ll ever have.”

“Have fun being alone for the rest of your life.”

“You did this to yourself.”

 

It will only get worse.

 

SrdjanPav/Getty Images

The only way to escape a narcissist’s insults and threats is to get away from them, and run fast and far, Neo said. They keep their victims in a constant state of stress, and they know exactly where to dig the knife in deeper.

“So you are just kept on your toes, and bending further backwards like a dancing monkey,” Neo said. “And nothing will ever change — things will just get worse.”

Leaving a narcissist can resemble “defending oneself against a shark,” said Ratush.

“You have to punch them right in the nose,” he said. “Despite the fierceness of their appearance, they often crumble when confronted. Their bullying ways will quickly dissolve and reveal what’s beneath.”

The best defense you have against their words is your sense of self, he added — knowing exactly what your needs are and how they can be used against you.

“As the master manipulator, the narcissist will know how to influence your thoughts and behaviors,” Ratush said. “Self awareness offers the best defense against those tactics.”

If you suspect you might be in an abusive relationship, or you know someone who is, there are services you can reach out to. The MyPlan App from One Love and the National Domestic Abuse Hotline are resources that can help.

Best Vitamins for Hair Growth (Plus Herbs and Foods)

The appearance of hair plays an important role in people’s physical appearance and self-perception, so it can be devastating to experience hair loss, especially when there doesn’t seem to be anything you can do about it.

But did you know that there are vitamins for hair growth? In fact, poor nutrition, including vitamin deficiencies, is a major factor of hair loss. These natural hair loss remedies work to fix the root of the problem, like regulating your hormone levels or fighting oxidative stress that increases with age.

Fewer than 45 percent of women go through life with a full head of hair while a majority of men go through some type of hair loss in their lifetimes. The hair care industry knows that consumers have a great desire to look youthful now more than ever so it constantly delivers new products that promise to promote hair growth. Before you spend your money on yet another product that may leave you disappointed, try using these supplements and vitamins for hair growth first.

Vitamins for Hair Growth

The truth is that hair loss is a complex process that involves various genetic, hormonal and environmental mechanisms. Just like our skin, the hair follicle is subject to intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Intrinsic factors include our genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, and extrinsic factors include smoking and UV radiation.

Sometimes hair loss is due to a vitamin deficiency too. Luckily, a deficiency can be corrected by adding vitamin-rich foods to your diet or using supplementation. Some vitamins have antioxidant properties that help to fight the extrinsic factors of hair loss, and some vitamins help the body balance hormone levels, another factor that stops hair growth.

Try these healthy hair vitamins if you’re wonder how to thicken hair naturally.

1. Fish Oil

Oils rich in different fatty acid species have been used extensively in both animal and human studies to evaluate the effects on skin and hair health. Omega-3 fats nourish the hair, support hair thickening and reduce inflammation that can lead to hair loss, which is why fish oil benefits hair and is one of the top six vitamins for hair growth.

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology evaluated the effects of a six-month supplementation with omega-3, omega-6 and antioxidants on hair loss. In the randomized, comparative study, 120 healthy female subjects with female pattern hair loss participated. The primary endpoint was the change in hair density evaluated on standardized photographs, and the secondary endpoint included changes in active hair follicle percentage and diameter distribution of hair growth.

After six months of treatment, photograph assessment demonstrated a superior improvement in the supplemented group. Hair growth increased compared to the control group, and 89.9 percent of the participants reported a reduction in hair loss, as well as an improvement in hair diameter (86 percent) and hair density (87 percent). (1)

Eat omega-3 foods like salmon, mackerel, tuna, white fish, sardines, egg yolks, walnuts, hemp seeds and natto to reduce inflammation and balance hormones. If you don’t eat enough omega-3 foods, take one to two capsules or one tablespoon of a top-notch fish oil supplement to help reduce inflammation that causes hair disorders.

If you already take blood-thinning medications, including aspirin, speak to your health care provider before using fish oil because it may increase bleeding.

2. Zinc

Oral zinc compounds have been used for decades for treating disorders such as telogen effluvium and alopecia areata, forms of hair loss, because zinc benefits hair follicle health. Zinc is an essential co-factor for multiple enzymes and is involved with important functional activities in the hair follicle.

Zinc is also a potent inhibitor of hair follicle regression, and it accelerates hair follicle recovery. Studies suggest that some alopecia areata patients have zinc deficiency, and oral zinc sulfate therapy serves as an effective treatment.

In a 2013 study, researchers evaluated the role of zinc status in each of the four types of hair loss, including alopecia areata, male pattern hair loss, female pattern hair loss and telogen effluvium. In all of the hair loss patients, the mean serum zinc was significantly lower than the control group. The analysis of each group showed that all groups of hair loss had statistically lower zinc concentration, especially the alopecia areata group. The data led to the hypothesis of zinc metabolism disturbances playing a key role in hair loss. (2)

A 2009 study published in Annals of Dermatology evaluated the therapeutic effects of oral zinc supplementation for 12 weeks in 15 alopecia areata patients who had low serum zinc levels. Oral zinc gluconate (50 milligrams) supplementation was given to alopecia areata patients without any other treatment. The serum zinc levels were measured before and after zinc supplementation, and then a four-point scale of hair regrowth was used to evaluate the therapeutic effect.

After the therapy, the serum zinc levels increased significantly, and positive therapeutic effects were observed for nine out of 15 patients (66.7 percent). The researchers concluded that zinc supplementation needs to be given to the alopecia areata patients who have a low serum zinc level, and it could even become an adjuvant therapy for patients who didn’t experience results when using traditional therapeutic methods, which is why zinc is one of the most important vitamins for hair growth. (3)

3. B-Complex Vitamin (Biotin & B5)

Biotin and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) have been used as alternative treatments for hair loss. Biotin benefits your hair by rebuilding hair shingles that have been damaged from over-shampooing, exposure to the sun, blow-drying and ironing. Vitamin B5 supports the adrenal glands, which helps stimulate hair growth.

A 2011 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology examined the ability of a leave-on combination including panthenol, the alcohol analog of pantothenic acid, to affect the diameter and behavior of individual terminal scalp hair fibers. The treatment significantly increased the diameter of individual, existing terminal scalp fibers. It also thickened hair fibers and increased the pliability, giving the hairs better ability to withstand force without breaking. (4)

A major sign of a biotin deficiency is hair loss. A deficiency can be caused by smoking, impaired liver function or even pregnancy. Research suggests that a substantial number of women develop a biotin deficiency during normal pregnancy because the rapidly dividing cells of the developing fetus require biotin for synthesis of essential carboxylases and histone biotinylation. Researchers conclude that signifiant alternations in markers of biotin metabolism during pregnancy and breast-feeding suggest that biotin intakes exceed current recommendations in order to meet the demands of these reproductive states. (5)

To reverse hair loss and increase hair strength, take one B-complex vitamin tablet daily or take biotin and vitamin B5 separately. Eating biotin and vitamin B5 foods, such as eggs, beef, chicken, avocado, legumes, nuts and potatoes, also helps you to avoid a deficiency and aid hair growth.

4. Vitamin C

Experimental evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a major role in the aging process. Reactive oxygen species or free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can directly damage cellular structural membranes, lipids, proteins and DNA.

With age, the production of free radicals increases and the amount of antioxidative enzymes that defend the body decrease, leading to the damage of cellular structures and the aging of hair. By working as an antioxidant, vitamin C fights oxidative stress that contributes to hair graying and hair loss. (6)

To fight free radical damage and protect the hair from aging, fill up on vitamin C foods like oranges, red peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, strawberries, grapefruit and kiwi. If you need supplementation, take 500–1,000 milligrams of vitamin C twice daily as an antioxidant.

5. Iron

Several studies have examined the relationship between iron deficiency and hair loss, and some suggest that iron deficiency may be related to alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium and diffuse hair loss. (7)

Researchers at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in Iran studied the relationship between iron body status and different types of hair loss. They conducted an analytical case-control study to assess whether diffuse telogen hair loss in women between the ages of 15 and 45 is associated with iron deficiency — 30 women with documented telogen hair loss were compared with 30 women without hair loss.

The researchers found that of the nine patients with iron deficiency anemia, eight had telogen hair loss. The mean ferritin (a protein in the body that binds to iron) level was statistically significantly lower in patients with diffuse telogen hair loss than in subjects without hair loss. The study suggests that women with an iron deficiency are at a higher risk of hair loss, and serum ferritin levels below or equal to 30 milligrams/milliliter are strongly associated with telogen hair loss. (8)

To boost hair growth, add iron-rich foods into your diet every day. Eat plenty of spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens, egg yolks, beef steak, navy beans and black beans. Because an iron deficiency may lead to hair loss, ensure that you get your daily recommended amount by eating plenty of iron-rich foods and taking a daily multivitamin.

However, be wary of excessive iron supplementation. It can cause iron overload and should be avoided. Patients who don’t respond to iron replacement therapy should undergo additional testing to identify other underlying causes of iron deficiency and hair loss.

6. Vitamin D

Hair follicles are highly sensitive to hormones, and vitamin D is a hormone that plays an important role in calcium homeostasis, immune regulation and cell growth differentiation. In the scientific world, it’s well-known that alopecia areata is commonly found in patients with vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D-resistant rickets or vitamin D receptor mutation. (9)

Research suggests that insufficient levels of vitamin D have been implicated in a variety of autoimmune diseases, including alopecia areata. A cross-sectional study involving 86 patients with alopecia areata, 44 patients with vitiligo and 58 healthy controls was conducted. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin vitamin D levels in patients with alopecia areata were significantly lower than those of the patients with vitiligo and the healthy controls. Furthermore, a significant inverse correlation was found between disease severity and serum 25(OH)D levels in patients with alopecia.

Researchers concluded that screening patients with alopecia areata for vitamin D deficiencies seem to be of value for the possibility of supplementing these patients with vitamin D. (10)

Direct sun exposure is the best way to absorb vitamin D, plus you can detox your body with the sun. Sit in the sun for roughly 10–15 minutes to absorb about 10,000 units of natural vitamin D. Topical application of vitamin D might also play a role in the restoration of hair cycle dysfunction in patients with alopecia areata. To increase your vitamin D levels with food sources, eat vitamin D-rich foods like halibut, mackerel, eel, salmon, whitefish, swordfish, maitake mushrooms and portabella mushrooms.

Herbs and Foods for Hair Growth

Though not vitamins, two other products can help improve hair growth. Rosemary essential oil used topically can naturally thicken hair, as can aloe vera juice and gel. Using these along with the above vitamins for hair growth, and you’re sure to see fuller, thicker hair.

Rosemary Essential Oil

When applied over the scalp, rosemary oil is believed to increase cellular metabolism that stimulates hair growth. A 2013 study conducted at Kinki University in Japan found that rosemary leaf extract improved hair regrowth in mice that experienced hair regrowth interruption induced by testosterone treatment. (11)

A human study conducted in 2015 investigated the clinical efficacy of rosemary oil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Patients with androgenetic alopecia were treated for six months with either rosemary oil or minoxidil (2 percent), which served as a the control group. Minoxidil is a medication used to stimulate hair growth and slow balding.

After six months of treatment, both groups experienced a significant increase in hair count. Scalp itching, however, was more frequent in the minoxidil group. The study proves that rosemary oil is just as effective as hair growth medications, with less side effects, such as scalp itching. (12)

Try this Rosemary, Cedarwood & Safe Hair Thickener to reverse the signs of hair loss.

Aloe Vera Juice and Gel

Aloe vera has nourishing properties and tons of vitamins and minerals that help to keep your hair strong and healthy. Aloe vera benefits have been known for centuries because of aloe vera contains health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties. It soothes and conditions the scalp, providing the ideal environment for hair growth.

You can apply aloe vera gel directly to the scalp or add it to a gentle and natural shampoo. To take aloe vera internally, drink about a half a cup of aloe vera juice twice daily. The healing properties boost your dermatological health.

A 2012 study published in Anatomy & Cell Biology found that aloe vera gel reduced inflammation and had notable wound-healing effects when used on rats after a surgical incision. Not only did aloe vera promote rapid wound closure, but it also enhanced hair growth at the sight on incision. (13)

Aloe vera has also been reported to have a protective effect against radiation damage to the skin, which can lead to hair loss. Following the administration of aloe vera gel, an antioxidant protein called metallothionein is generated in the skin, which scavenges free radicals and prevents UV-induced suppression. (14)

Because of aloe vera’s antibacterial and antifungal properties, it also helps eliminate dandruff — perfect for people who want fuller hair and want to know how to get rid of dandruff — and the gel’s enzymes can rid the scalp of dead cells and promote the regeneration of skin tissue around the hair follicles.

What Stops Hair Growth?

Hair is considered to be a major component of an individual’s general appearance, and the psychological impact of hair loss results in detrimental changes in self-esteem and self-worth. It also affects a large number of people, as 50 percent of men are affected by genetic hair loss by the age of 50.

In women, the major cause of hair loss before the age of 50 is nutritional, with 30 percent affected. The main cause of hair loss for women appears to be depleted iron stores, but corrections of these imbalances can stop the excessive hair loss within a few months. (15)

Factors that inhibit hair growth include:

• Poor nutrition
• Hormonal changes
• Family history
• Medications
• Radiation therapy
• Pregnancy
• Thyroid disorders
• Anemia
• Autoimmune diseases
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Skin conditions (such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis)
• Stress
• Dramatic weight loss
• Physical trauma

Final Thoughts

• A major contributor to hair loss is poor nutrition, resulting in vitamin deficiencies.
• Studies show that women with an iron deficiency are at a higher risk of hair loss, and serum ferritin levels below or equal to 30 milligrams/milliliter are strongly associated with telogen hair loss. Low serum zinc levels have also been linked to alopecia areata cases.
• Oils rich in different fatty acid species have been used extensively in both animal and human studies to evaluate the effects on skin and hair health, while there is strong evidence that supports certain vitamins for hair growth.
• Free radical damage can cause hair aging, and vitamin C can help protect the scalp and fair follicles from this major hair growth inhibitor.
• Biotin and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) have been used as alternative treatments for hair loss. Biotin rebuilds hair shingles, and vitamin B5 supports the adrenal glands.
• Research suggests that insufficient levels of vitamin D have been implicated in a variety of autoimmune diseases, including alopecia areata.

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The Best Natural Hair Loss Remedies

There’s no doubt about it, we all want a luxurious, full head of hair. Although hair loss is most commonly associated with men, women also suffer from this problem — and sadly hair loss in women is a lot less acceptable in society today. According to the American Hair Loss Association, women actually make up 40 percent of American hair loss sufferers. (1) Such a common problem among both and women, it’s unsurprising that so many people look for hair loss remedies far and wide.

Have you noticed more hair in your brush lately than you used to see, or is you hair falling out in clumps? Do you look in the mirror and see scalp where you used to see only hair?

Losing anywhere from 50 to 150 hairs per day is considered normal, but when you start losing more than that it becomes problematic, not to mention visibly noticeable. What’s really behind your hair loss, and how can you treat the cause, not just the symptoms, with effective hair loss remedies?

It’s common for hair loss sufferers to turn to hair replacement surgery and topical hair loss products in hopes of regaining their full heads of hair — or at least some of what once was. But is that the best course of action to take with hair loss? When it comes to any problem, the first step is to find the root cause.

Let’s talk about the real causes of hair loss and what you can start doing today to naturally stop and hopefully reverse your hair loss. For starters there are many foods and vitamins for hair growth that won’t break the bank but can really make a difference. There also many other natural hair loss remedies like rosemary essential oil that have been shown to work as well as conventional topical products. (2)

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Natural Hair Loss Remedies

The good news is that with lifestyle changes to reduce stress, dietary improvements and the use of other natural hair loss remedies you can improve hair growth fast.

Top Hair Loss Remedies: Foods to Eat

A whole foods, nutrient-rich diet is crucial to supporting healthy hair growth. There are many food choices that can help to fend off hair loss, but these are some of my personal favorites:

• Organic foods — Choose these foods because they’re free of chemicals. Chemicals can act as endocrine disrupters interfering with hair growth.
• Pumpkin seeds — Pumpkin seeds are one of the top foods high in zinc, which is necessary for healthy hair health. Research has also shown that a zinc deficiency is linked with hypothyroidism and hair loss. (3)
• Wild-caught fish — Wild-caught fish like salmon are high in omega-3 fats, which decrease inflammation while supporting hair growth and hair thickening.
• Green tea — Green tea helps promote detoxification and contains antioxidants that promote hair growth. It also may stop the conversion of testosterone into DHT.
• Super seeds — Chia, flax and hemp seeds are high in fiber and healthy fats that can help aid hair growth.
• Bone Broth — High in protein, collagen and amino acids, bone broth the perfect food for encouraging healthy hair growth.
• Caffeine — Yes, not technically, a food, but caffeine has been show to spur hair growth. According to research, caffeine stimulates hair shafts and helps them grow faster, by damping down the effects of DHT, a substance that infamously slows hair growth. (4)

Top Hair Loss Remedies: Foods to Avoid

There are also foods that I recommend eliminating or avoiding as much as possible like:

• Trans fatty acids — Unhealthy fats like trans fatty acids have been shown to increase inflammation and production of DHT, which can cause hair loss. Stay away from hydrogenated oils like corn oil and soybean oil, which are loaded with trans fats.
• Sugar — Sugar plays a role in hormones imbalances, contributes to insulin resistance, increases DHT and causes inflammation, all of which can lead to hair loss.
• Processed foods — Foods that are highly processed are often loaded with unhealthy fats, sugar and sodium so they’re very counterproductive to healthy hair growth.
• Alcohol — Alcohol can increase inflammation and cause liver toxicity, leading to hair loss. Heavy drinking as well as smoking have both been linked to increased risk of hair loss. (4b)
• Caffeine — Wait, didn’t I say the opposite above? Yes, in small amounts, organic coffee and tea can be beneficial to hair health, but you don’t want to overdo it because too much caffeine can cause dehydration, hormone imbalances and even production of DHT.

Top Hair Loss Remedies: Supplements

1. Protein Powder from Bone Broth (1–4 servings daily depending on body weight and individual needs): You can also get your daily dose of bone broth from a protein powder. Bone broth powder is rich in protein, collagen, gelatin, glucosamine, chondroitin and key minerals often missing in the average diet. These vital nutrients support and promote healthy hair growth as well as a wide range of additional health benefits.
2. Saw palmetto (320 milligram daily): A natural DHT blocker that can greatly improve hair growth. 
3. Pygeum (100 milligrams 2x daily): Addresses the cause of hair loss by blocking DHT binding sites and improving prostate health.
4. Pumpkin seed oil (8 grams or 1 tablespoon daily): Inhibits DHT formation throughout the body and contains fatty acids that support thick hair. 
5. Fish oil (1,000 milligrams daily): Fish oil helps reduce inflammation and thicken hair. 
6. Aloe vera juice (1/2 cup 2x daily and shampoo): Aloe vera juice can help naturally thicken hair.
7. Ashwagandha (500 milligrams daily): Adaptogen herbs like ashwagandha help your body adapt and deal with stress, balance hormones and reduce cortisol levels (also known as the aging hormone), which all help encourage healthy hair growth.
8. Rhodiola (500 milligrams daily): Another awesome adaptogen herb to fend off stress and foster hair growth.
9. B-Complex vitamins (1 tablet daily): B vitamins aid in healthy stress management. Biotin or B7 helps thicken your hair naturally and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) supports your adrenal glands.
10. Zinc (8 milligrams daily for women/11 milligrams daily for men): One of the signs of a zinc deficiency is hair loss. Zinc also boosts your immune system and helps repair your gut.

Top Hair Loss Remedies: Essential Oils and Other Oils for Stimulating Hair Growth

Wondering how to regrow hair naturally? You can use essential oils to make some of best topical home hair loss remedies.

• Rosemary is one of the top essential oils when it comes to enhancing hair thickness and growth. Rosemary oil is believed to increase cellular metabolism that stimulate hair growth. Research published in 2015 even shows that rosemary oil appears to work as well as minoxidil, a conventional topical hair loss treatment.
• Spikenard oil is known for promoting the growth of hair and slowing down the graying process of graying. A 2011 animal study found that spikenard oil showed positive effects on hair growth activity. When using spikenard extract, there was a 30 percent reduction in the time it look for the hair to grow back on the tested rats, which makes it promising for human use. (5)
• Lavender, thyme, cedarwood, sage and peppermint are other great options that may help increase scalp circulation. One recommendation to stimulate new hair growth is to combine three to four drops each of peppermint, rosemary and sage in one tablespoon of olive oil (I also recommend coconut oil or jojoba oil). Then you simply massage the mixture gently into the area(s) of concern one to two times each day.(6, 7)

You may also want to my Rosemary, Cedarwood & Sage Hair Thickener, which is an essential oil triple threat against hair loss.

Reduce Emotional Stress

Emotional stress can also be a major causative factor in hair loss. Get plenty of sleep, and schedule times of rest and fun into your week. It’s also a great idea to incorporate therapeutic massage into your life as much as you can, along with other natural stress relievers. Massages not only helps reduce overall stress levels, but they also help increase your overall circulation, including blood flow to your scalp. Better blood flow to the scalp helps encourage hair growth.

Bonus tip: Getting rid of a dandruff issue can help with natural hair growth. Dandruff has been linked with an increased risk of hair loss so addressing any dandruff issues can have a direct positive effect on hair growth. (8) Thankfully, there are a lot of effective natural dandruff remedies.

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Causes of Hair Loss

There are typically four main causes of hair loss: (9)

• Heredity (family history)
• Hormonal changes
• Medical conditions
• Medications

The medical term for a loss of hair is alopecia, and there are two main types. First, alopecia areata is the diagnosis when the your body’s own immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing your hair to fall out. Androgenetic alopecia is an inherited hair condition in which there is hair thinning and then it eventually falls out. This is the genetic hair loss known as male or female pattern baldness.

Hormones in both men and women are responsible for many body processes. When it comes to hair, hormones play a significant role. Hormones can play a part in the hair pattern found on your head as well as the rest of your body. Hormonal changes and imbalances that affect hair growth can be due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause as well as thyroid problems. The good news is that hormone-related hair loss is typically temporary, and normal hair growth will return once hormonal balance returns.

If you’re a mother, you probably recall during pregnancy how full your hair was. Many women say that the times when they’re pregnant are the times when their hair looks its best. And then you undoubtedly remember the aftermath of those months of gorgeous hair. All the hair that should’ve fallen out little by little now comes out in huge amounts of hair loss in just a short period of time. This is called telogen effluvium. This occurs in 40 percent to 50 percent of women, and it’s due to the change in hormones during pregnancy. Thankfully, it’s only a temporary hair loss. (10)

The hormones that we speak about when it comes to hair loss are the group of hormones called androgens. The three types of androgen hormones are testosterone, androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone, more commonly known as DHT. All of us have heard of testosterone and probably associate it with the male “macho” hormone. In fact, both men’s and women’s bodies contain all three of these hormones in some amount, and their imbalance can contribute to hair loss in both sexes.

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Male vs. Female Hair Loss

By the age of 35, 66 percent of American men have some amount of detectable hair loss. A high percentage, right? By the age of 50, about 85 percent of men have significantly thinning hair, according to the American Hair Loss Association. (11)

The cause of hair loss in men is due to the hair follicles’ sensitivity to DHT (5α-Dihydrotestosterone). DHT is a male androgen hormone that causes follicles to shrink, resulting in a shorter life span and decrease hair production. Normally after hairs fall out another hair starts to grow from this same follicle, but if DHT is high hair growth decreases. Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia in men) follows a pattern of a receding hairline that progresses to an “M” shape and then continues to the familiar “U” shape.

Female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia in women) is characterized by thinning on the top or the center of the head. Female hair loss is generally due to high levels of stress, hormone imbalance, thyroid conditions or toxic exposure. Women are actually most likely to suffer from hair loss due to hormones. Think pregnancy, menopause, birth control pills and other hormonal changes that women so commonly go through. Having polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is another hormonally related health problem that can contribute to hair loss from the scalp but unwanted hair growth in undesirable places.

Research also shows that there might be a male equivalent of PCOS related to male hair loss. One study found that men with premature male pattern baldness had hormonal profiles similar to women with PCOS and they also had significantly higher insulin resistance. (12) This shows how proper hormone balance in men is also important to health, specifically hair health.

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Conventional Hair Loss Treatment

There are several options when it comes to conventional treatment of hair loss, all of which come with significant side effects unless you opt for a wig or hair piece. The most common conventional hair loss remedies include topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, topical or oral hormones and steroids, hair transplants, and hair restoration surgery.

An example of very commonly used and conventional topical treatment is minoxidil. One of the most well-known versions is Rogaine. Conventional hair growth products like Rogaine are available without a prescription and can be used by both men and women. Finasteride is an oral medication for hair loss in men only and requires a prescription. Both minoxidil and finasteride do not get to the root of hair loss and only work to regrow hair as long as you use these medications. Once you stop using them, the hair growth, if any, will stop.

Surgery is another conventional option that’s more costly and invasive. First there is hair transplantation surgery, which takes hair from another area of the scalp where hair is growing well and moves it to a balding or thinning area. This surgery is most commonly performed for male pattern baldness. Only around 5 percent of female hair loss sufferers are said to be good candidates for hair transplant surgery. This is due to the fact that unlike men who tend to lose hair in concentrated areas, women typically experience hair loss all over their scalps. (14)

Hair restoration surgery is another conventional treatment option and can be done in a few manners. One way is to remove bald scalp and bring the hair-producing scalp closer together to reduce the area of balding. Another form of surgery involves putting devices temporarily underneath the scalp to stretch the areas currently producing hair so that decreases the area of balding. There is also scalp flap surgery, which takes a piece of scalp producing hair and surgically puts it where there is balding.

A more recent conventional treatment option for hair loss is low level laser therapy that uses light and heat treatment for genetic hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in both men and women. To date, doctor opinions of this treatment are mixed with many rejecting it completely. (15)

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Precautions Regarding Hair Loss Remedies

When it comes to conventional treatments for hair loss, there are a lot of possible side effects you should be aware of before using any of these options. Make sure to read warnings carefully and take them into serious consideration because a lot of the side effects are quite serious. For example, serious side effects of minoxidil products like Rogaine can include unwanted facial/body hair, dizziness, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, swelling of hands/feet, unusual weight gain, tiredness and difficulty breathing. (16)

Side effects of finasteride may include impotence, loss of interest in sex, trouble having an orgasm, abnormal ejaculation, swelling in your hands or feet, feeling faint, headache, runny nose, and skin rash.

With hair transplant surgery, it’s important to know that it does not give you an instantaneous perfect head of hair. It’s common for the hairs to fall out of the grafts right after the transplant, and then they don’t regrow for about three months. Possible side effects and complications from hair replacement or transplant surgery include pain, temporary numbness or tightness, bleeding, infection, swelling of the face, scarring, poor growth of grafts, and an unnatural appearance of the transplanted hair. (17)

If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or have any ongoing health concerns, make sure to speak with your doctor before using any conventional or natural hair loss remedies. You should also make sure that your treatment option does not interact with any current medications or supplements. In addition, combining natural and conventional treatments (like minoxidil with essential oils) may cause unwanted side effects.

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Final Thoughts 

Hair loss is typically more than just an annoying physical problem. For many people experiencing hair loss, the daily suffering is very real and takes a huge toll on them in many ways. Research has shown that hair loss can cause “dramatic and devastating emotions in patients, which can negatively impact their self-esteem, body image, and/or self-confidence.” (18)

Your hair loss might not make you look like your ideal self, but it’s important to keep things in perspective because going downhill mentally and emotionally over your hair loss will only contribute to, rather than help, your problem. There is no doubt that lowering your stress will help the state of your hair (and your life) so try to reduce the negative self-talk for the sake of your hair health as well as your total body health.

If you’re a woman experiencing hair loss, it’s an especially good idea to have your thyroid health evaluated to see if hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism could be at the root of your hair troubles. Experts concur that the hair on your head is an indicator of your overall health so what you do to improve your overall health can have a direct positive impact on your hair.

I know it can be frustrating to lose your hair, but don’t lose hope. With a healthy diet and lifestyle along with consistent use of natural hair loss remedies and a dose of patience, it’s truly possible for your hair to grow faster and thicker in the near future.

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HWA-14 Reasons Why Witch Hazel Should Be In Every Home

14 Reasons Why Witch Hazel Should Be In Every Home

 

Witch Hazel is a substance known as an astringent, which means that it has the ability to shrink the pores of your skin. It comes from the Witch Hazel bush, (whose scientific name is Hamamelis Virginiana), which is a plant native to North America.

Witch Hazel, which is produced by boiling parts of the plant, can be applied topically, and has long been known for its medical properties. It is recognized the world over as a natural skin cleanser and toner, but in actual fact it has many more uses.  Once you find out all the amazing uses for witch hazel  you will probably want to rush out (or make your own – see the end of the article for more details) and make sure you have some in your medicine cabinet.

Use of Witch Hazel # 1 – As a natural astringent

Witch Hazel is a rich source of tannin, and it is this tannin that gives it its astringent qualities, meaning that it is able to bring down the size of your pores and remove any excess oil from your skin. People who work outdoors and who are exposed to environmental pollution can use Witch Hazel to minimize the amount of contaminants that can otherwise infiltrate their pores. This not only helps to keep their skin cleaner, but also reduces the severity of any blemishes. Using Witch Hazel on a regular basis will banish excess oil and help to eliminate and prevent blackheads from forming.

 

Use of Witch Hazel # 2 – A treatment for inflammatory skin conditions and bruises

As well, as helping to minimize and eliminate blemishes on your skin, Witch Hazel can also be used to combat inflammatory skin conditions such as acne. The best way to apply it is with a small ball of cotton wool, or a bespoke cosmetic pad. In addition to eliminating blemishes and dealing with inflammatory skin conditions Witch Hazel can also accelerate the healing and fading of bruising.

Use of Witch Hazel # 3 – Helps to banish blackness around the eyes

The ability of Witch Hazel as an astringent to tighten the skin and minimize inflammation, means that it is the perfect natural treatment for dealing with darkness and puffiness around your eyes. You do however need to be very careful when applying it, because if it gets into your eyes, it will cause considerable pain and discomfort.

Use of Witch Hazel # 4 – Minimize swollen veins

Witch Hazel can also be used to minimize the appearance of Varicose Veins by reducing both the swelling and the pain. Pour the Witch Hazel onto a soft terry cloth, and gently lay over the affected area. It’s also a good idea to elevate the area you are treating as high as you can, as this will help to decrease the blood pressure in the veins.

 

Use of Witch Hazel # 5 – Arrests bleeding

The ability of Witch Hazel to tighten skin through its astringent characteristics helps to promote more rapid healing. You can apply organic Witch Hazel to small grazes and cuts to arrest any bleeding. Some Witch Hazel products that can be bought over-the-counter may contain isopropyl alcohol, which is a disinfecting agent. Although it may sting a little when applied, this will soon disappear, which is why it is such a popular wound cleanser for many people.

Use of Witch Hazel # 6 – Deals with shaving and waxing bleeds

Witch Hazel can be used by anyone who nicks themselves when shaving. Its anti-inflammatory characteristics can be used to minimize razor burn too, rather like an aftershave. It’s also used by many men and women after a hot wax treatments.  This sometimes results in pin-prick size bleeds that Witch Hazel deals with very effectively.

Use of Witch Hazel # 7 – A hemorrhoid treatment

Because of Witch Hazel’s excellent anti-inflammatory characteristics, it is also a great treatment for hemorrhoids and helps to reduce the swelling, as well as any itching, pain, or bleeding. It is actually used in the manufacture of many over-the-counter hemorrhoid treatments. To make your own, simply mix a little Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera gel and apply to any hemorrhoid for instant relief.

Use of Witch Hazel # 8 – Sore throat treatment

An herbal tea made with Witch Hazel can help to ease a sore throat. If you are buying an over-the-counter Witch Hazel product, make sure that it is one that does not include isopropyl alcohol. Gargling with non-isopropyl alcohol Witch Hazel solution will reduce any swelling and help to mop up any excess mucus. It can also be used to treat other throat conditions, including laryngitis, sinusitis, and tonsillitis.

Use of Witch Hazel # 9 – Dental treatment

You can use a mouth rinse made from Witch Hazel (one that doesn’t include isopropyl alcohol), to help to minimize the pain and swelling of inflamed gums. It is also very useful at helping to stop any bleeding in the mouth too. For small children with teething problems, or for anyone with emerging wisdom teeth that are causing pain, or if anyone is suffering from discomfort following a dental procedure, a Witch Hazel mouth rinse, to which is added one drop of clove oil, and one drop of myrrh oil, can be administered.

Use of Witch Hazel # 10 – Treatment for Swimmer’s Ear

 

“Swimmer’s Ear” is a microbial infection of the ear canal. Witch Hazel can be used to treat this infection by putting several drops into the affected ear. This will dry up any pus, mop up any excess oil, and help to dislodge any earwax or debris that may be lodged in the ear canal. Once the Witch Hazel has been applied, allow the ear(s) to drain naturally, and clean using a cotton ball. It’s always a good idea to follow up any infection like this with a natural oil with antimicrobial properties, such as apple cider vinegar, basil oil, or tea tree oil.

Use of Witch Hazel # 11 – Anti-irritant for diaper rash

Witch Hazel can be used as a safe and effective treatment for diaper rash. By applying regularly, it can also help to repair damaged skin, thus reducing discomfort.

Use of Witch Hazel # 12 – Anti-sunburn treatment

We’ve already mentioned that you can mix Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera gel to create an effective treatment for hemorrhoids. The same mixture can be used to treat sunburn. The anti-inflammatory characteristics of the Witch Hazel, together with the soothing effect of the Aloe Vera are a match made in heaven for those with painful sunburn.

Use of Witch Hazel # 13 – Remedy for dermatitis

Thanks to its drying and anti-irritant capabilities, Witch Hazel is an effective remedy for dealing with inflammatory conditions caused by plants; such as poison ivy, and poison oak. It is also an effective treatment for dermatitis.

Use of Witch Hazel # 14 – Treatment for bug-bites and insect stings

In the same way that Witch Hazel can be used to act as an anti-inflammatory against poison ivy and poison oak, etc, it can also help to take away the pain and irritation from bug bites and insect stings.

 

 

 

 

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WHAT IS DEPRESSION? REALLY!

It’s normal to experience sadness. (Who didn’t cry when Simba couldn’t wake up Mufasa?) But unlike typical sadness or grief, time can’t and won’t heal Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), the term for clinical depression, which most people just call “depression.” It’s a common mental health condition that shows up like an unwanted houseguest and refuses to leave. This extended period of sadness or emptiness comes with a constellation of other symptoms, like exhaustion, sleep trouble, a shrinking appetite, overeating, sudden crying spells, and sometimes thoughts of suicide. Symptoms range in severity and must last for two weeks or more to receive an MDD diagnosis, though it’s rare than an episode would only last for that short time. Most people have symptoms for six months to a year, and sometimes, they can last for years.

Without treatment, depression won’t fade away on its own. Even if you do white-knuckle it through your first episode of depression, your chance of another recurrence is more than 50 percent. If you’ve had two episodes, that chance shoots up to 80 percent. Meaning, you’re going to want to deal with this sooner rather than later.

One hallmark of depression is an inability to experience pleasure, which is literally no fun. Losing interest in things you once enjoyed often means that your capacity to function at work and home takes a dive. In fact, depression is one of the leading causes of disability in the U.S., as 7.2% of Americans—17.7 million people—experience Major Depressive Disorder, each year.

Other Types of Depression

We talked about MDD (a.k.a. depression) but there are other types of depression. They include:

• Persistent Depressive Disorder. This is a chronic form of depression, formerly known as dysthymia. Sometimes people call it “high functioning” or “smiling” depression. While symptoms aren’t as severe as MDD, they last for two years or longer. People with PDD might feel like they’ve always been depressed. (In cases of “double depression,” people experience severe episodes of MDD within their usual state of chronic depression.)
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Depression symptoms start and end seasonally, around the same times every year. Most people get depressed in cold, dark winter, but some people’s mood plummets in summer.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Here, depression symptoms are tied to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, starting about one week before your period and ending just after your period. Though many of the symptoms mirror PMS—irritability, high anxiety, frequent crying—they’re much more severe. They interrupt your ability to work, destroy personal relationships, and can lead to thoughts of self-harm and suicide. This condition was added in 2013 as a form of depression to the DSM-5, the official guide of mental disorders.
• Peripartum Depression. New mothers with this disorder typically develop symptoms of depression and even psychosis within a few weeks of giving birth. It used to be called postpartum depression and many people still use the term interchangeably. (In some cases, symptoms start during pregnancy; other times, when the baby is several months old—hence the name change.)
• Perimenopausal Depression. In midlife (specifically, the years leading up to menopause), people experiencing this disorder have typical depressive symptoms plus perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.
• Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder. Substance abuse (alcohol, opiates, sedatives, amphetamines, cocaine, hallucinogens, etc.) or taking some medications, like corticosteroids or statins, can trigger the symptoms of depression. If substance use (or withdrawal from using) is causing your symptoms, you may have this version of depression.
• Disruptive Mood Regulation Disorder. A child with this juvenile disorder is grumpy and bad-tempered most of the time. They have severe, explosive outbursts with parents, teachers, and peers several times a week. Their overreactions are extreme and inconsistent with their developmental level.

Depression strikes people at a median age of 32, but it’s important to remember that depression can happen to anyone, at any age, of any race, gender, or political affiliation. One out of every six adults will experience depression at some time in their life. Fortunately, depression is treatable. That’s why, at the first hint of symptoms, it’s important to make an appointment with a mental health professional who can help determine whether you have depression, and if so, which type—and most importantly, which treatment is appropriate for you.

What Causes Depression?

You’re not going to like this answer, but no one knows for sure. That said, for the past few decades, the prevailing theory is that depressed people have an imbalance in their brain chemistry—more specifically, low levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine, which help regulate mood, sleep, and metabolism. We now know it’s a little more complicated than that.

Certain circumstances put people at a higher risk of depression, including childhood trauma, other types of mental illness and chronic pain conditions, or a family history of depression, but anyone can get depressed.

Scientists informed by decades of research believe that the following factors also up your risk of becoming depressed, but they can’t prove causality. Still, they can play heavily in the development of depression, so it’s important to be aware of them:

• Genetics. Research shows that having a first-degree relative with depression (a parent, sibling, or child) makes you two-to-three times more likely to have depression tendencies.
• Traumatic life events from childhood, such as abuse or neglect.
• Environmental stressors, like a loved one’s death, a messy divorce, or financial problems.
• Some medical conditions (e.g., underactive thyroid, chronic pain). Per science, the relationship between these physical conditions and depression is bidirectional, so there’s a chicken-or-egg thing going on because they feed each other.
• Certain medications, including some sedatives and blood pressure pills.
• Hormonal changes, like those that come with childbirth and menopause.
• Gut bacteria. There has been a link established between the microbiome and the gut-brain axis, but it’s only just starting to be studied.

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Do I Have the Symptoms of Depression?

Wondering whether your feelings qualify for clinical depression? Those with MDD experience five or more of the below symptoms during the same two-week period, and at least one must be depressed mood or loss of pleasure. The symptoms would be distressing or affect daily functioning.

1. You feel down most of the time.
2. The things you liked doing no longer give you joy.
3. Significant weight loss (without dieting) or weight gain or feeling consistently much less hungry or hungrier than usual.
4. Having a hard time getting to sleep and staying asleep or oversleeping.
5. A molasses-like slowdown of thought, becoming a couch potato, or spending days in bed. (This should be noticeable to others, not just subjective feelings of restlessness or slothiness.)
6. So. So. Tired. You’re so exhausted you can’t even.
7. Feeling worthless a lot of the time, even if you haven’t done anything wrong.
8. Being super distracted, indecisive, and unable to concentrate.
9. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide(with or without a specific plan to actually do it). If you need help for yourself or someone else, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

How Do Doctors Diagnose Depression?

When you’re having a depressive episode, it might feel like you’re destined to feel terrible forever. That’s not true. It’s just what your depressed brain wants you to think. The hardest step is ignoring that feeling and making an appointment with a doctor and/or mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. A mental health professional is the only expert that can help you figure out if you are depressed.

Unfortunately, there’s no easy blood test that can determine if you have depression, though that would make diagnosis a lot easier. (Get on it, science!) The DSM-5 helps clinicians make that call with a targeted list of common symptoms. To be diagnosed with MDD, patients must experience five or more of the above symptoms (see “Do I Have the Symptoms of Depression?”)—one must be depressed mood or loss of pleasure—during a two-week period.

Even if your symptoms match up to MDD, though, your doctor should rule out any underlying medical causes first. Some conditions, such as thyroid disease and vitamin deficiency, can mimic symptoms of depression. Next, consider any medications you’re currently taking.
If this sounds like you or someone you know, make an appointment with a mental health professional. Now. Don’t wait! What’s the worst thing that can happen? If you feel better by the time the appointment rolls around, you can always cancel it. If you don’t, you’ve saved yourself precious time (and unnecessary pain) by taking steps to managing your mental health.

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What Are the Best Treatments for Depression?

Regardless of why you’re depressed, it’s important to get treatment before the condition starts to erode your quality of life. Studies and surveys show that most adults in the U.S. who screen positive for depression remain untreated. Don’t be one of them.

As scientists continue to hash out theories about the root causes of depression, research shows that the most effective treatment is a mix of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. It might take a (frustratingly long) while to find the right recipe —antidepressants work differently in different people so finding the right fit often takes some trial and error. Plus, the mental health professional you’re working with will be by your side. They won’t give up and neither should you. Some of the treatment options available are:

Psychotherapy

This doesn’t mean you’ll find yourself reclined on a couch, complaining about your relationship with your mother (though it might). A psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, or licensed clinical social worker might use a variety of techniques to help change the negative thinking, beliefs, or behaviors that exacerbate your depression and make your world seem hopeless. Types of therapy include psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and interpersonal therapy.

Medication

*WARNING – TRY EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU TRY MEDICATION.  YOU COULD LOOSE YOUR JOB, AND MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT TO GET ANOTHER ONE.  ALSO, YOU WILL HAVE TO TURN IN ALL YOUR GUNS, YOU CAN NOT WORK WITH CHILDREN AND MANY OTHER RESTRICTIONS NOW APPLE.

Your depression might require more than coaching. Doctors may prescribe medication including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and/or antipsychotic pills in order to decrease the symptoms of depression. These include:

• SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline) and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) like Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor XR (venlafaxine) make neuro-transmitters serotonin and norepinephrine already existing in the brain more available.
• TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) like Tofranil (imipramine) and Norpramin (desipramine) and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) like Emsam (selegiline) and Marplan (isocarboxazid) are first-generation antidepressants that work similarly on neuro-transmitters, but they’re used less often because of unpleasant side effects.
• Doctors may also use atypical antidepressants like Zyban or Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Remeron (mirtazapine) that affect serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in ways unique from other anti-depression drugs. Or they may add atypical antipsychotics, a.k.a. second-generation antipsychotics like Seroquel (quetiapine) or Abilify (aripiprazole). They’re “atypical” in that they affect dopamine and other neurotransmitters without the physical side effects, such as tics and tremors, that first-generation antipsychotics can cause.

Brain Stimulation

For treatment-resistant depression that doesn’t get better after exhausting psychotherapy and more than two classes of antidepressants (such SSRIs and TCAs), there are more hardcore options. Severe depression may warrant electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which you might remember from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Fear not—modern ECT is safe, performed under anesthesia, and much less aggressive than you see in the movies.

There is also repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) which some docs refer to as “ECT Lite”. For severe depression, some people receive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), a surgical implant that works kind of like a pacemaker, sending electric pulses to the brain.

Other Treatment Approaches

These may include:

• For severe, treatment-resistant depression, the FDA recently approved esketamine, a nasal spray based on the party drug/anesthetic ketamine. Experts say it works by kicking up production of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that helps prompt the brain to form new neural connections.
• Sadness during seasonal depression (SAD) can be alleviated with melatonin-regulating light therapy.
• Postpartum depression may be treated with Brexanolone (Zulresso), an IV version of the body’s own neurosteroid allopregnanolone.
• Research shows that lifestyle changes like incorporating exercise and mindfulness can amplify results of medication and therapy. Even if they aren’t foolproof mood-lifters, it never hurts to build a health-supportive routine.

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Where Can I Find Depression-Related Communities?

The thing about depression is that it makes you want to roll yourself into a blanket burrito and never come out. But shutting out the world can make an already-bad situation worse by giving you free reign to neglect your needs, ruminate over your perceived flaws, and destroy any chance of forward momentum. Along with therapy and medication, finding supportive people—and connecting with them online and in real life—is a key part of taking care of yourself. Here’s where to start.

Top Depression Instagrammers and Bloggers

• Tonya Ingram, @tonyainstagram, tonyaingram.com

Follow because: She has one hell of a way with words—after all, she is a poet and author. She also battles some pretty heavy stuff like depression, lives as a “lupus legend” (her words—we love) and is currently waiting on the sidelines for a kidney transplant. She takes it all day by day and shares how she gets out of bed, looks herself in the mirror, and figures out how to simply… survive.

• Scott Ste Marie, @depressiontoexpression, depressiontoexpression.com

Follow because: Immediately, he sounds like someone you want to be friends with, someone whose vibe you want to channel. A former Twitter employee and now public speaker, Scott isn’t going to guide you on some path to a complete cure—nor is he going to sugarcoat the realities of living with depression. In order to overcome your demons, Scott believes you have to come to terms with the fact that sometimes life sucks, and that’s okay.

• Kevin Hines, @kevinhinesstory, kevinhinesstory.com

Follow because: You know the saying “What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger”? Kevin Hines is living proof. He is the only person ever to survive a suicide attempt from the Golden Gate Bridge. After a sea lion kept him afloat, he was reborn as someone who now devotes his life to making sure you’re here tomorrow—which is why he regularly uses the hashtag #beheretomorrow.

• Lola, Gina, and Nora Tash, and Nicole Argiris, @mytherapistsays, mytherapistsays.ca

Follow because: Sometimes the only way to come out of a deep dark hole is with the universal language of laughter. These girls (mostly family or like family) create endless hilarious memes that represent the real trials and tribulations of living in today’s social media-infested world. The point of it all? So you know that, as they put it, “you’re never alone and never as batshit as you think.”

• Sad Girls Club, @sadgirlsclub

Follow because: It’s not your typical reel of inspirational quotes and nod-worthy memes — though, those are sprinkled in, too. Mostly, this feed—run by women of color (including founder @elyse.fox)—gives you actual advice on how to cope with depression, especially in modern-day situations, like discussing mental health at work (hashtag awkward). This feed gives you the ammo you need to shut down stigma.

• Kate Allan, @thelatestkate

Follow because: Animals make everything better — especially when they’re paired with a quirky drawing and an all-too-familiar feeling. A wolf that speaks to your soul; a fox that gives you all the feels; and a bird who tells it like it is. Run by artist, author, and anxious human Kate, this page (and the cute animals that live there) is a feel-good must-follow.

• The Sad Ghost Club, @theofficialsadghostclub, thesadghostclub.com

Follow because: Nathan, Lize, and Helen are besties—or, ghosties, as they refer to themselves—who came together to share life with mental illness from behind the computer screen. These ghosts don’t sugarcoat things, but they’re also not gloom and doom. You’ll be hooked on their graphics and positive (but not overly earnest) messages.

Top Depression-Related Podcasts

• The Hilarious World of Depression. Stand-up comedy meets a psych appointment when actors and comedians struggling with depression tell their (surprisingly funny) mental health stories to “professionally depressed” host John Moe.
• Terrible, Thanks for Asking. Author Nora McInerny, who has dealt with depression, isn’t afraid to ask the awkward questions, as real listeners share their own tales of coping with grief, despair, and anxiety.
• Jen Gotch is OK…Sometimes. Ladyboss CEO and ban.do founder Jen Gotch gets vulnerable and real every week, sharing her struggles with mental health.
• Happier with Gretchen Rubin. It’s no surprise that the author of The New York Times bestseller The Happiness Project has tons of suggestions to help you emerge from your sad cave, build positive habits, and create a happier outlook. Her slightly skeptical sister Elizabeth Craft keeps all that sunshine in check.
• Anthologies of Hope. You’re here, and you’re reading this, so that in itself proves that you haven’t given up hope. But it’s not just that you are here—it’s why you’re here. This podcast dives even deeper into that “why” and tries to bring that to the forefront of your mind instead of the other garbage trying to pull you down. Host Rick Osowski, who has battled depression, brings a variety of guests into the fold to talk about their why.

Top Depression Support Groups and Non-Profits

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). This nonprofit is dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders. Come here for new research, monthly webinars from mental health experts, educational infographics and stats, and a Find-a-Therapist database you can search by disorder. You can always find (free) support on the ADAA Online Peer-to-Peer Support Group or support group iOS app for iPhone.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This nonprofit mental health advocacy group offering free education and support programs such as NAMI Peer-to-Peer (eight free sessions for adults with specific mental health conditions). You can also connect with other folks who have depression on this org’s online message boards and via NAMI Connection (use the site to find a weekly or monthly recovery group near you).
• Reddit, r/depression. Reddit is the hideously under-designed social website for anonymous users with a bad rep for attracting “incels” and “neckbeards.” The self-proclaimed “Front Page of the Internet” has memes, conspiracy theories, and thousands of communities called subreddits—and some of them are quite lovely. For example, the r/depression subreddit is over a decade old with more than half a million subscribers. In here, the vibe is all about empathy, support, and helpful feedback. (A recent study even found that visiting the subreddit caused a “positive emotion change” in users.)
• Talkspace. More like “safe space.” It’s online, it’s private, and it’s “open” 24/7. Over 1 million people use Talkspace to get matched up with one of their 5,000+ licensed therapists and then message them…as much and as often as they’d like. There are different packages depending on your needs, but the instant feedback and comfort is pretty much priceless.
• Sad Girls Club. This is a nonprofit, an online community, and an Instagram handle (see above) focused on the millennial and Gen Z experience of mental illness (depression, anxiety, or something undiagnosed all count). They host meetups IRL where you can connect with similar people and try a cool twist on art therapy like a poetry slam or embroidery class.
• To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA). It’s not just a nonprofit — it’s a movement. Online, at in-person events, through social media and blogs, TWLOHA creates a place for hope and healing through depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. People who attend their events and join this community have said they’ve felt transformed. Worth a try, yea?

• We are in this Together!

  -People Start to Heal The Moment They Are Heard-

  Health and Wellness Associates

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  DR MARK WILLIAMS MD  BC-PSYCH

  

BREAST CANCER IN YOUNG WOMEN IN ON THE RISE

BREAST CANCER IN YOUNG WOMEN IS ON THE RISE

Breast cancer death rates are inching up in American women under age 40 again, after more than two decades of decline, researchers say.

The study authors said they hoped their new report would lead to a deeper look at reasons for the change.

“Our hope is that these findings focus more attention and research on breast cancer in younger women and what is behind this rapid increase in late-stage cancers,” said lead author R. Edward Hendrick. He’s a clinical professor of radiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, in Aurora.

Hendrick’s team used data from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics to examine breast cancer death rates in 10-year age subgroups.

Between 2010 and 2017, breast cancer death rates for 40- to 79-year-old women fell between 1.2% and 2.2%, depending on age, the analysis found. While the rates rose for younger women, the 0.5% per year increase for women between 20 and 39 years of age was not considered statistically significant.

But it is, nonetheless, worrisome, Hendrick said in a news release from the Radiological Society of North America.

He projected that the death rate among younger women would increase significantly over the next two to three years.

The researchers attributed the changing death rate to an increase in cancers that have spread beyond the breast, also known as “distant-spread” or metastatic cancer.

Since 2000, rates of distant-spread breast cancer rose more than 4% per year in 20- to 39-year-old women. That was much higher than for women over 40.

Overall, breast cancer death rates dropped by 40% between 1989 and 2017, according to the study. The researchers attributed that decline to better treatment and increased use of screening mammograms.

While screening is offered to women aged 40 and older for early breast cancer detection, it is not done for women younger than 40 unless they are known to be at high risk.

Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in U.S. women. Most invasive breast cancer occurs in women aged 40 and older, but 4% to 5% of cases happen in younger women, according to the study authors.

How to prevent most breast cancers.   Stop eating dairy products, especially yogurt.  Also, remove your microwave from above the stove.  

 

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SOURCE: Radiological Society of North America, news release, Feb. 9, 2021- JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY

 

 

 

HWA – TALC PRODUCTS CONTAIN ASBESTOS

Nearly 15% of talc-based cosmetic products analyzed in a recent study contained asbestos.

Environmental Working Group (EWG)

an American advocacy nonprofit that commissioned the tests and did the analysis — said methods used by the cosmetics industry to screen talc supplies are inadequate. The voluntary testing method developed by industry is not sensitive enough to screen for asbestos when compared to electron microscopy, the group said.

“Many well-known brands use talc in body and facial powders that can be inhaled,” said Nneka Leiba, an EWG vice president.

She noted that EWG’s online database has identified more than 2,000 personal care products that contain talc, including more than 1,000 loose or pressed powders that could pose an inhalation risk.

“It’s troubling to think how many Americans have been using talc-based cosmetics products potentially contaminated with asbestos,” Leiba said in an EWG news release.

The analysis was published Nov. 25 in the journal Environmental Health Insights.

The Scientific Analytical Institute conducted the tests, using electron microscopy to analyze samples. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require testing talc supplies.

“It is critical that the FDA develop a rigorous screening method for talc used in personal care products,” said Sean Fitzgerald, head of the Greensboro, N.C.-based institute. “The lab repeatedly finds asbestos in products made with talc, including cosmetics marketed to children. It’s outrageous that a precise method for testing personal care products for the presence of asbestos exists, but the cosmetics industry isn’t required to use it.”

Fitzgerald’s lab tested 21 samples of powder cosmetics, including eye shadow, foundation, blush, face and body powders.

Talc is often used in cosmetics as a filler or to improve texture or absorb moisture. Talc and asbestos can be formed in the same rocks that are mined for both cosmetics use and industrial use. The federal government does not require that cosmetics be tested for asbestos, instead encouraging companies to select talc mines carefully to avoid asbestos contamination, according to the study.

In May, Johnson & Johnson announced it would end the sale of its talc-based baby powder in the United States and Canada. Thousands of people have filed lawsuits against the company, claiming the product caused cancer, the study said.

“Inhaling even the tiniest amount of asbestos in talc can cause mesothelioma and other deadly diseases, many years after exposure,” Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at EWG, said in the release. “How much talc is inhaled — and how much is contaminated with asbestos — is hard to know, but it only takes one asbestos fiber, lodged in the lungs, to cause mesothelioma decades later.”

EWG reports that exposure to asbestos is linked to asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung and ovarian cancer.

Based on federal data, the EWG Action Fund estimates that up to 15,000 Americans die each year from asbestos-triggered disease.

In March 2019, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), introduced legislation that would require warning labels on cosmetics that could contain asbestos and are marketed to children.

EWG called for Congress to pass legislation mandating rigorous testing of talc-based personal care products.

 

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COVID 19 PANDEMIC IS HARMING KIDS MENTAL HEALTH

Since last April, hospital emergency rooms across the United States have seen a sustained surge in visits related to the mental health of school-aged kids, a new report reveals.

The findings suggest the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on children because of disruptions to their everyday life, anxiety about illness and social isolation. That conclusion comes from a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention review of data on hospitals in 47 states. Those hospitals account for nearly three-quarters of emergency department visits nationwide.

The study tracked emergency visits involving children under age 18 who sought care for a mental health issue between Jan. 1 and Oct. 17, 2020.

“Our study looked at a composite group of mental health concerns that included conditions that are likely to increase during and after a public health emergency, such as stress, anxiety, acute post-traumatic stress disorder and panic,” said lead author Rebecca Leeb, a health scientist at the CDC in Atlanta who is part of its COVID-19 Response Team.

“We found that from March through October, the proportion of mental health-related emergency department visits increased 24% for children aged 5 to 11, and 31% among teenagers aged 12 to 17 years, compared to 2019,” Leeb said.

Pediatric mental health visits actually dropped off dramatically from mid-March to mid-April, when stay-at-home orders were in effect in much of the country. Since then, however, such visits have steadily increased, according to the report.

But Leeb said interpreting the numbers is not straightforward.

On the one hand, she said even the large jumps seen in the report likely underestimate the total number of pediatric mental health emergencies. “Many mental health care encounters occur outside of emergency departments,” Leeb explained.

But additional research indicates emergency department visits as a whole dropped significantly between January and October. And that, Leeb said, might mean that “the relative proportion of emergency department visits for children’s mental health-related concerns may be inflated.”

Regardless, Leeb said the findings show that many kids’ mental health was sufficiently concerning to prompt ER visits at a time when the public was being discouraged from using emergency departments for anything but the most critical care.

As such, the findings “highlight the importance of continuing to monitor children’s mental health during the pandemic to ensure access to mental health services during public health crises,” Leeb said.

The study did not set out to identify specific reasons for emergency visits and Leeb said figuring that out requires more study.

But past research shows that the lost sense of safety and disruption to daily living that often accompanies disasters is a common trigger for stress. And that stress, in turn, can lead to isolation and trigger mental health emergencies, Leeb said.

This is not surprising, according to psychologist Lynn Bufka, senior director for practice, research and policy at the American Psychological Association.

“These are stressful times for many and stress can exacerbate mental health concerns,” Bufka noted. “Previous research indicates that a portion of children do have adverse outcomes from traumatic events, and this pandemic is no different.”

Bufka pointed to the wholesale uprooting of kids’ routines and structure, both in terms of school and socializing.

“Children’s play is one way children explore and understand their world, so not being able to play with friends gives them fewer outlets for fun, but also just fewer general opportunities to cope and explore,” she explained.

Kids may also pick up on parents’ stress, which can magnify their own fears.

“All of this has an impact on children and how they understand their world and interpret the events around them,” Bufka said. Some kids adapt more easily; others will struggle. For youngsters with existing mental health problems, the current stresses will add to them.

But parents and other adults can do a lot to support kids and help those who are struggling.

On that front, Leeb advised parents to foster a supportive environment and learn about behavior that signals kids are under mounting stress. The CDC has a number of helpful resources, she said, including an online primer on talking with your child about the coronavirus.

Leeb and her colleagues published their findings in the Nov. 13 issue of the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

 

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HWA – ECZEMA

ECZEMA

 

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or worry that you could have eczema, you’re probably nervous, confused, or just plain uncomfortable. That’s normal, and everyone featured on Health and Wellness Associates with this condition felt like you do now. You know what they say, though: knowledge is power. On this page alone, you’ll discover the realities and challenges of the condition, but also the best treatments, helpful lifestyle changes, where to find your eczema community, and all the crucial information to help you not just manage—but thrive. We’re sure you’ve got a lot of questions…and we’re here to answer them.

What Is Eczema, Exactly?

Let’s start with the 30-second trailer version: Eczema—a chronic inflammatory skin condition—is red, raw, and itchy. In some cases, ridiculously so; it’s an itch that begs to be scratched. Maybe you’ve scratched until your skin swelled. Or bled. Or maybe your child is the one suffering and itching. Odds are strong on the latter as eczema is more likely to impact infants and young kids. In fact, nine million children in the U.S. have it.

And like a movie sequel that nobody wanted, the condition can return. Eczema affects more than seven percent of adults, according to the National Eczema Society. And one in four people report adult-onset of symptoms, having never experienced them as a child.

 

Nikki Cagle

Experts say the prevalence of eczema is like a U-shaped curve: high in children and teens, low in young and middle-aged adults, and high again in those in their 70s, per a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Eczema is frequently referred to as atopic dermatitis, the most common form that starts in children. There is a possibility that it will go away in adulthood. “Eczema” and “atopic dermatitis” are used interchangeably by physicians.

 

But there are other types of eczema:

• Contact dermatitis: A red, itchy skin reaction to something you touch: say, nickel in jewelry or laundry detergent.
• Dyshidrotic eczema: More common in women, this type forms small blisters and bumps on hands and feet.
• Hand eczema: Just what it sounds like—this version only affects the hands.
• Neurodermatitis: Like atopic dermatitis, this forms scaly patches on skin. Only difference is that the patches here are noticeably thicker.
• Nummular eczema: With this type, round coin-sized spots pop up on skin, and they itch even more than other types of eczema.
• Stasis dermatitis: This appears when fluid seeps out of veins into skin, leading to painful swelling.
• Congenital dermatitis: Mother may be the carrier.  Allergens while pregnant can cause babies to have eczema at birth, or shortly after birth.   This is the most serious condition of dermatitis that must be treated immediately, and there are two patients.

While there is no cure for eczema, there are periods when symptoms worsen (flares), and periods where they disappear entirely (remission).

What Causes Eczema in the First Place?

Researchers don’t know the exact cause of eczema, but they know what drives it—a getaway car-combo of genes and environmental factors. If you have a family history of eczema, you’re more likely to develop the condition. One study published in Nature Genetics found that some people with eczema lack the proper proteins to build a strong barrier on the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis.

This allows critical moisture to escape and rolls out a welcome mat for allergens, aka triggers. When people with eczema are exposed to these triggers (be it certain soaps or emotional stress), their bodies produce inflammatory signals to their immune system. Enter: flares.

If you have been diagnosed with eczema, then your symptoms can worsen if you’re exposed to triggers, including:

• Too-cold or too-dry environments. These can strip your skin of moisture, causing it to become brittle and scaly and leading to an eczema flare. But there can also be the wrong kind of moisture….
• Excessive sweating. This can irritate your skin, especially when you’re in the middle of a flare and in areas where sweat can get trapped, like in the crooks of your elbows, knees, and neck.
• Stress or anxiety. When you’re tense, your nervous system takes the pilot’s seat (hello, “fight or flight”), instructing your body to shield itself by pumping out stress hormones, including cortisol. Cortisol regulates the immune system, but when it whooshes out during stressful situations, an imbalance occurs—inflammation-promoting cells and allergic antibodies produce at a rapid clip. Plus, when we’re in freak-out mode, white blood cells release itch-inducing histamines and our blood vessels dilate, adding a little more histamine to the mix. In a nutshell: A bad, no-good party.
• Airborne allergens. Allergens and allergies are not one in the same and eczema is not an allergy. Allergens are essentially triggers, and eczema flares when those triggers—dust mites, pollen, and pet dander—enter the skin and your immune system plays defense. You might itch, swell, or get hives. Again, this is not an “allergic” reaction; it is an immune system response. Removing the allergen is a must! Children with eczema are more likely to develop severe cases of Asthma if not treated correctly. 
• What about food allergies and eczema? There’s still plenty of research to be done, but the general consensus is that kids—less so for adults—with eczema are more likely to be allergic to foods (peanuts, milk, and eggs are the big ones), but food allergies don’t necessarily cause eczema or flares. In other words, a food allergy might make an eczema symptom worse, but it’s not likely going to directly make you flare like an airborne allergen can. That said, because eczema is an inflammatory condition, many people find relief when they monitor their diets and eat anti-inflammatory foods like fish and vegetables.
• Other irritants. Exposure to certain chemicals, including fragrance and sulfates found in soaps, detergents, perfumes, and cosmetics, can irritate already sensitive skin, opening the door for an inflammatory response. Look for the National Eczema Association seal on everything from lotion to laundry detergent labels.

 

Do I Have Eczema Symptoms?

 

• Babies tend to get eczema on places they can reach and scratch like their cheeks, belly or scalp.
• Young kids, as they become more mobile, get it in areas of the body that come into contact with surfaces.
• Adults are more likely than kids to develop a ring of eczema around their eyes when they’re exposed to allergens or irritants, or in the nooks and crannies of their bodies, such as the back of their knees and elbows. If you’ve had eczema for many years, your skin can also be thicker, more leathery and darker, due to longtime scratching.

No matter the age, many eczema sufferers experience intense itching. Unfortunately, this can cause something known as the “itch-scratch cycle,” where the itching leads to scratching, resulting in the release of more inflammatory chemicals that worsen eczema by initiating the cascade that leads to inflammation and dry skin. If you don’t treat it, and keep scratching, you can get a bacterial skin infection.

Other symptoms of eczema include:

• Thick, scaly skin
• A darkening of the skin around your eyes. You may also see an extra fold of skin under them.

Self-care is critical. If you have eczema—any kind—get yourself a ceramide-rich moisturizer. We can’t underscore this enough. It’s a thirst trap for eczema, creating a barrier that helps prevent water loss and keeps out germs that could infect raw, inflamed skin, and it also replenishes lost moisture. Apply it immediately after a bath or shower.

Speaking of that shower, as amazing as hot water feels (it might even temporarily quell some of the itching), you want to stick with lukewarm water (too hot and you’ll dry out skin) and bathe for under 15 minutes. Use a gentle, unscented cleanser, not a sudsy bar of soap. The National Eczema Society also recommends either a ten-minute bleach bath—yes, bleach! Use a half-cup of household bleach for a full tub of water to kill bacteria and reduce the risk of infections or inflammation. Another expert-approved way to indulge your skin is to use a store-bought oatmeal bath product two to three times a week to help with the itching.

Does Eczema Have Serious Complications?

When we talk about eczema, we talk about the surface—raw, itchy, inflamed skin. But eczema’s impact can reach deep into the bones—literally. Some of the risks:

Staph infections:  Since your skin may lack infection-fighting proteins, you’re more at risk of bacterial infections like staph. If the areas of eczema on your skin begin to appear swollen and red, or on dark skin, appear swollen and grey, call your doctor right away.

Bone fractures: Recent research has also linked severe eczema to a higher risk of fractures—hip, back, and spine. Experts say this is in part due to chronic inflammation linked to eczema.

Heart disease: People with severe eczema have up to a 50 percent greater risk of heart attack and death from heart disease than those without the condition, according to a May 2018 study published in the British Medical Journal. Researchers don’t yet know if the conditions are directly linked, or if eczema treatments might play a role. But if you have severe eczema it’s yet another good reason to get screened for heart disease and its risk factors like hypertension and high cholesterol.

Congenital Eczema:  People who are born with eczema will have a shorter life span if not treated.  Mothers of these people must be treated also, as they are a carrier.  Again, there is no pill one can take, it takes a lifestyle change.  Conditions to watch for are Juvenile Arthritis, diabetes, retinal problems, muscular and tendon problems to name a few.   Important to have an appropriate doctor : pediatric infectious control physician.  

What’s Life Like for People With Eczema?

 

Is it a life-threatening disease? In most cases, no, unless left untreated correctly.  Is it a life-restricting disease? If not treated or controlled, yes. Adults with eczema are up to three times more likely to experience depression or anxiety than those who don’t have the disease, with about half going undiagnosed, perhaps because these emotions are new and not immediately connected to skin. And there are other ways eczema can dampen a person’s life:

Social life/dating: Almost a fifth of those with even just mild eczema say they avoid socializing because of it, while almost a quarter of eczema patients limit anything that might involve face-to-face interactions, according to a September 2018 study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Work: Eczema is not career-friendly: 20 percent of people say it’s hard to hold down a job because of it, with some saying that they’ve actually switched careers so they didn’t have to interface with people.

Sleep: Nearly half people with the condition say that their zzz time has been negatively impacted by their eczema. If you’re really itchy, you may have trouble sleeping, which can impact your mood and also make it harder for you to concentrate during the day.

Sex: An October 2017 French study discovered that more than 80 percent of people living with the condition found it hurt their libido. Eczema’s physical manifestations—red, itchy rash—may be hard to ignore. And if that rash appears in creases around your genital region, under breasts, or the folds between the backs of thighs and bum, sex may actually be an unpleasant experience.

Even if your libido is fine, your sex life may suffer due to your self-consciousness about your eczema. The best way to deal with this is to be up front. Let your partner know that you have eczema and that it’s not contagious. That simple exchange can help relieve your or someone else’s anxiety. And if you feel confident, but the act itself is uncomfortable, talk to your partner about possible tweaks to make you feel better physically—if sweat during sex is an issue, crack a window; if your skin is thin and sensitive in spots from treatments point them out to your S.O; or switch up positions to avoid skin-irritating chaffing.

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HWA – MASKS ARE CAUSING IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE

MASKS ARE CAUSING IRREVERSIBLE DAMAGE

The rebreathing of our exhaled air will, without a doubt create oxygen deficiency and a flooding of carbon dioxide. We know that the human brain is very sensitive to oxygen deprivation. There are nerve cells for example in the hippocampus, that can’t be longer than 3 minutes without oxygen – they cannot survive.

The acute warning symptoms are – headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, issues in concentration, slowing down of the reaction time – reactions of the cognitive system.

However, when you have chronic oxygen deprivation, all of those symptoms disappear, because you get used to it. But your efficiency will remain impaired and the undersupply of oxygen in your brain continues to progress.

We know that neurodegenerative diseases take years to decades to develop. If today you forget your phone number, the breakdown in your brain would have already started 20 or 30 years ago.

While you’re thinking, that you have gotten used to wearing your mask and rebreathing your own exhaled air, the degenerative processes in your brain are getting amplified as your oxygen deprivation continues.

The second problem is that the nerve cells in your brain are unable to divide themselves normally. So in case our governments will generously allow us to get rid of the masks and go back to breathing oxygen freely again in a few months, the lost nerve cells will no longer be regenerated. What is gone is gone.

I do not wear a mask in the car or at home or when I am alone. I need my brain to think. I want to have a clear head when I deal with my patients, and not be in a carbon dioxide induced anesthesia.

There is no unfounded medical exemption from face masks because oxygen deprivation is dangerous for every single brain. It must be the free decision of every human being whether they want to wear a mask that is absolutely ineffective to protect themselves from a virus.

For children and adolescents, masks are an absolute no-no. Children and adolescents have an extremely active and adaptive immune system and they need a constant interaction with the microbiome of the Earth.

Their brain is also incredibly active, as it is has so much to learn. The child’s brain, or the youth’s brain is thirsting for oxygen. The more metabolically active the organ is, the more oxygen it requires. In children and adolescents every organ is metabolically active.

To deprive a child’s or an adolescent’s brain from oxygen, or to restrict it in any way, is not only dangerous to their health, it is absolutely criminal.

Oxygen deficiency inhibits the development of the brain, and the damage that has taken place as a result CANNOT be reversed.
The child needs the brain to learn, and the brain needs oxygen to function. We don’t need a clinical study for that. This is simple, indisputable physiology.

Conscious and purposely induced oxygen deficiency is an absolutely deliberate health hazard, and an absolute medical contraindication.

An absolute medical contraindication in medicine means that this drug, this therapy, this method or measure should not be used – is not allowed to be used.

To coerce an entire population to use an absolute medical contraindication by force, there must be definite and serious reasons for this, and the reasons must be presented to competent interdisciplinary and independent bodies to be verified and authorized. Never in any clinical setting does a healthcare worker wear a mask for any length of time. Standard practice even in the surgical arena is no longer than 30 minutes.

When in ten years, dementia is going to increase exponentially, and the younger generations couldn’t reach their god-given potential, it won’t help to say “we didn’t need the masks”.

How can a veterinarian, a software distributer, a business man, an electrical car manufacturer and a physicist decide on matters regarding the health of the entire population? Please dear colleagues, we all have to wake up.
I know how damaging oxygen deprivation is for the brain, a cardiologist knows it for the heart, the pulmonologist knows it for the lungs. Oxygen deprivation damages every single organ.

Where are our health departments, our health insurance, our medical associations? It would have been their duty to be vehemently against the lockdown and to stop it and stop it from the very beginning.

Why do the medical boards give punishments to doctors who give people exemptions? Does the person or the doctor seriously have to prove that oxygen deprivation harms people? What kind of medicine are our doctors and medical associations representing?

Who is responsible for this crime? The ones who want to enforce it? The ones who let it happen and play along, or the ones who don’t prevent it?

It’s not about masks, it’s not about viruses, it’s certainly not about your health. It is about much much more. I am not participating. I am not afraid.

You can notice, they are already taking our air to breathe. The imperative of the hour is personal responsibility. We are responsible for what we think, not the media. We are responsible for what we do, not our superiors. We are responsible for our health, not the World Health Organisation. And we are responsible for what happens in our country, not the government.”

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• DR P Carrothers

•                                                                  DR  A SULLIVAN     Oncologist
•  
•                                                                 Dr. Margarite Griesz-Brisson  Neurologist

•