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Digestive and gastrointestinal disorders are very common but are rarely talked about. People don’t like to admit that they are suffering from any digestive disorders annapolis. They get embarrassed and choose to suffer in silence. These kinds of disorders are extremely discomforting to a person. Some digestive disease examples are constipation, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), colitis, among many. Let’s have a look at some major causes that might be contributing to your ailing digestive health. What Causes Digestive and GI Disorders? Digestive condition illustration, Credit: Pixabay The unhealthy lifestyle that is followed by most people today is one of the main reasons behind any kind of digestive issue. The following are some factors that contribute to the development of digestive and intestinal disorders. Eating food low in fiber. Not indulging in regular physical sport or activities. Sudden change in daily routine. Consuming more dairy as part of daily diet. Dealing with stress. Consuming certain medications. Digestive Disorders Annapolis – List of Major Treatment Services Doctor and patient, Credit: Pixabay The following list of digestive disease Annapolis treatment will put all your worries to rest. Annapolis has several medical specialists who are dedicated to providing you with high quality care. Take a look at the areas where you can get yourself treated if you’re suffering from any kind of digestive disorder. The medical experts thoroughly examine your symptoms to arrive at a well-informed diagnosis. The subsequent treatment provided by them is sure to get you rid of any digestive discomfort.S.No.Name AddressSpeciality 1.Digestive Disorders Associates621, Ridgely Ave, Annapolis, 21401The team of gastroenterologists are experts in treating various disorders like acid reflux, IBS, ulcerative colitis, swallowing disorder, etc.2.    AAnne Arundel Gastroenterology AssociatesBestgate Medical Clinic, Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD, 21401Have a long experience in curing and analyzing patients with digestive tract disorders. Their specialisation spans across various disorders affecting intestines. Colon, liver, pancreas, etc.3.Annapolis Pediatric Gastroenterology and NutritionLubrano Dr #212 130, Annapolis, MD 21401They specialise in a range of digestive conditions pertaining to abdominal pain, constipation, celiac disease, crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, GI reflux disease, etc. Digestive Disease Disorders Annapolis – Get the Best Help You Need Doctor with patient, Credit: Pixabay All the healthcare providers present in the facilities listed above are committed to serving their patients with the best care to alleviate their symptoms. We all know the importance of getting the right treatment at the right time when it comes to digestive health disorders. Fortunately, the cost-effective services offered by the physicians here help us do just that. The personalized care that you will receive in these centres will go a long way in preventing you from falling prey to any other digestive disorders. A careful analysis of your symptoms and a subsequent treatment plan will make your visit truly worthwhile. Clinics like Anne Arundel Gastroenterology Associates and Digestive Disorders Associates are well-known for the range of treatment that they provide to their patients. The best prevention from falling prey to any digestive issue is to always ensure that you’re consuming a healthy diet which is fiber rich and contains balanced amounts of all the three macronutrients. Always stay hydrated and don’t forget to exercise daily. But if you’re finding yourself unable to deal with your digestive health, then its never too late to reach out for help.

Depression, a kind of mood disorder, is characterised by persistent feelings of unhappiness, worthlessness, hopelessness, pessimism, and remorse. Approximately 300 million people suffer from this mental health condition worldwide. It can arise suddenly on its own or can come about after facing a heartbreaking loss or defeat. The mental condition called depression has been a subject of intensive research by both psychologists and medical professionals. Sigmund Freud, the noted psychoanalyst of the 20th century, presented a view that depression is anger turned inward. People who suffer from depression always feel a lack of energy to do daily tasks. Freud says that it is because depression turn anger inwards. These people’s lack of energy is because they have shifted all of their anger and rage into themselves. What Is the Link between Anger and Depression Man feeling depression, Credit: Pixabay The emotion of anger is associated with several mental disorders, of which depression is one. Anger contributes to a majority of depression’s symptoms. A study from the UK from 2013 concluded that in depression anger turns within. It further worsens this condition in its patients. Instead of releasing their anger outside through various means and getting rid of it, those suffering from depression direct it inside themselves. Anger occurs in people with depression because of their extreme sensitiveness to their loss. They do not resort to healthy means to take it out. Their angry reactions give them feelings of fear and guilt of disrupting their existing relationships. It further makes them annoyed with themselves. It can be seen in feelings of low self-esteem, low self-worth. Thus, in a way, we can say that depression is anger turned inside out. Is Depression Just Anger Turned Inwards? Man feeling depressed, Credit: Pixabay It is often seen that people who have depression complain that they feel a voice inside them that forces them to believe that they are worthless, trivial, and whatever they do is fruitless. They need to recognize that whatever they are feeling is because of the anger they have diverted inside themselves, and that is what is making them think in this way. Indeed, depression is anger turned inwards. Psychologists have repeatedly recounted how various patients they have dealt with told about their struggle of directing their anger towards themselves. They become more critical of themselves and start treating themselves in evil ways. Psychologists always advise patients of depression to release their anger, instead of keeping it hoarded inside. In response, they always hear from their patients how hard it is for them to change this process of self-directed anger and break this vicious cycle. How the Feeling of Shame Triggers Anger? Feeling shameful, Credit: Pixabay Shame is also linked prominently to depression and the anger that one repeatedly feels in it. Many psychologists have said that shame occurs in the absence of positive emotions. People often hide it and keep it within themselves, consequently feeling inadequate. When the shame accumulates over time, it leads to anger with oneself and a chronic depressive episode. Shame causes more distress and regrets that prompt negative emotions to gather and take hold within the patient. Thus, we see that anger plays a significant role in exacerbating the condition of people with depression. It is the one factor that contributes to the severity of it. There is a need for people to acknowledge and talk about what makes them angry and irritated with themselves and find out how they can manage the situation in a better manner.

Everyone desires to live a happy life. But that does not mean that we don’t feel down at any point in our lives. On the contrary, everyone experiences some or the other form of sadness or grief. Depression affects emotions you get over it with time. Problems come and go in phases, but with the help of your mental strength, you are able to deal with them effectively. However, when feelings of despair, self-doubt, and hopelessness refuse to leave your mind, you may be suffering from depression. This mental health disorder interrupts your daily life and routines. Simple things like eating, sleeping, or working become challenging to accomplish. In short, you simply stop enjoying life and struggle to get over each day. Depression affects approximately a million people every year. It has become very common nowadays due to the rising stress, underlying medical conditions, and early life trauma faced by many individuals. In the absence of suitable treatment, depression increases the risk of becoming a significant health condition that can be fatal. Some Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression Woman feeling depressed, Credit: Pixabay The onset of depression manifests itself in different ways in different people. No two people suffering from depression exhibit similar symptoms. On the whole, however, if you find yourself exhibiting five or more of the symptoms listed below, it’s time to seek professional help. Always feeling hopeless about yourself. You feel angry, annoyed, and frustrated more often. A feeling of exhaustion and tiredness always haunts you. You find it difficult to sleep at night. You don’t enjoy doing the activities that you earlier did. You are troubled by consistent headaches, back pains or muscle pain in your body. Your appetite and weight suddenly increases or decreases. Does Depression Affect Your Emotions? Emoticons, Credit: Pixabay Undoubtedly, depression turns you into a completely different person than who you were earlier. You’re not your old happy self anymore. Instead, you are always plagued by feelings of low self-esteem, self-worth, and hopelessness. Contrary to what many may think, the feelings of despair, sadness, and worthlessness does not go away in a few weeks. On the other hand, they become stronger and worsen with time. Depression indeed has a strong effect on the emotions of a person. It wreaks havoc with them and changes your attitude towards yourself and others completely. Some emotional and behavioral symptoms of depression that you should never ignore are: Feeling anxious, lack of mental clarity, and consequently difficulty in making decisions. Avoidance of social activities. Loss of happy emotions as they get replaced with numb emotions. A majority of your thoughts deviate towards self-harm and death. You start talking more about death than other things in life. Since you’re always tired and exhausted you wean away from doing work and exhibit an irresponsible behaviour. Emotional feelings of guilt, regret, and shame are felt more often throughout the day. When To Seek Help? Two persons holding hands, Credit: Pixabay Many people associate the early symptoms of depression with stress, or other medical health conditions that will go away in a while. It is because all the early signs and symptoms of depression are similar to what are experienced by most people at some difficult points in their life. So they overlook the thought of seeking help. But it is only at this stage that if detected and diagnosed, depression can be effectively treated before it worsens any further. When depression begins to take hold in your mind and body, it becomes very difficult to get rid of it. Symptoms like slow thinking process, lack of concentration, poor memory, and sudden changes in sleeping patterns and body weight are the red flags of your depression having reached an advanced stage. So reach out for help before it is too late. At the same time, certain non-medical treatments include maintaining a healthy lifestyle with plenty of physical exercise and a balanced diet. If you’re older, you should always exercise under the guidance of a medical specialist. Diet and exercise play a crucial role in your mental wellness. Other treatments include talk therapy to help you freely talk about what’s bothering you. There is also a psychodynamic therapy to enable you to interpret your thoughts, fears, and other emotions. Keep in mind that all these treatments and lifestyle changes will only be possible when you first begin to admit that something is wrong with you. Remember, depression is not incurable. Countless people have recovered from it with proper guidance and counselling. It’s time you took the necessary action towards preserving your long term health, too.

Did you know that almost 70% of your body is made of water? Naturally, drinking enough water throughout the day is essential to your optimal health. Most people make the mistake of not drinking enough water. They take only a few swigs of water and that too when they feel thirsty. Over the long term, this habit dehydrates their body. Dehydration is a significant health ailment. Dehydration and lower back pain or pain in the abdominal are just a few of the health issues that those not drinking enough water face. Some of the prevalent symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, dry mouth and skin, and fatigue. These are just some warning signs that should make you realize that your body is indeed running low on water, and you should start hydrating it. How Can Dehydration Cause Lower Back and Abdominal Pain A woman feeling back pain, Credit: Pixabay You might be wondering, how can dehydration cause lower back pain? The answer is simple. Your spinal cord consists of a string of vertebrates. Between every two vertebrates lies a disc. Its function is to support you and facilitate the mobility of the spine. On the outside, these discs are composed of fiber, but they have a gelatinous substance on the inside. This substance is primarily made of water and mainly supports your spine. Your daily activities cause wear and tear to your spinal cord. It leads to the discs losing their water levels as water leaks out from them. Water is pulled down your spine through gravity in normal circumstances, and your discs can rehydrate themselves. But in the absence of enough water in your body, the discs cannot rehydrate themselves. So they begin to shrink. When your discs are dehydrated, all the pressure is put on the outer ring of the disc. That part cannot take so much load. It begins to collapse under pressure. As this collapse starts, the spinal nerves begin to receive the pressure, causing you to wince in pain. Thus, dehydration and lower back ache are intimately related to each other. Dehydration and abdominal pain There are many water receptors in your large intestine. They take water from the body to soften the stools. One of the most prominent signs of dehydration is constipation, along with cramps and abdominal pain. Along with abdominal pain, severe dehydration can also lead to a buildup of wastes in your kidney. They lose the ability to excrete the waste products, which in the long term, is extremely harmful to their health. Thus, a symptom of dehydration lower back pain kidney is a persistent pain on the side of your back. How To Address Lower Back Pain Caused By Dehydration? Drink adequate water Drink more water if you’re active Take a look at your urine 1.  Drink Adequate Water A glass of water, Credit: Pixabay Ensure that you drink at least 6-8 glasses of water every day. This quantity should be increased in the summer season. You sweat more when the weather is humid. So you have to double your water intake. 2.  Drink More Water If You’re Active Man drinking water, Credit: Pixabay When you’re more active or working out, you lose more water than the average person in the form of sweat. You need to make sure that you’re compensating for the amount of water lost by drinking enough of it afterward. Drink water 2-3 hours before you exercise and 30 minutes after you finish working out. 3.  Take a Look at Your Urine Urine samples, Credit: Pixabay Just looking at the color of your urine can help you know whether you’re dehydrated or not. Dark-colored urine indicates that your body is not receiving enough water. On the other hand, light-colored urine is proof that you’re well hydrated. Thus, you see how important water is to the maintenance of your overall health. You need to make a habit of consciously drinking enough water if you’re not already doing so. It may take some time in the beginning, but it will be worth the effort.

PCOS affects one in ten women. It is an endocrine disorder characterized by highly unbalanced hormone levels. Some of its major symptoms include unwanted facial hair and weight gain, difficulty in losing weight, acne, and hair loss. Pcos irregular periods is one of the hallmarks of this condition. However, the condition can happen to those women who are regularly menstruating too. Among the painful side-effects of this condition that women face, they find it most difficult to deal with the loss of their periods. Since period loss directly relates to infertility issues, women in such conditions wonder how to get pregnant with irregular periods and pcos? Irregular periods and pcos pose a severe problem to those women who desire to build a family. It can consequently lead to long term mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Hence there is a need to manage PCOS effectively. PCOS Why Periods Are Irregular? A woman thinking, Credit: Pixabay Before the ovulation period, the lutein hormone spikes. This spike is essential to trigger ovulation. But in women with PCOS, this hormone continues to spike throughout their cycle. There is no sudden spike in the lutein hormone, so no ovulation is triggered. Also, the absence of progesterone hormone prevents the bleeding to occur. Apart from this, women with PCOS also have high levels of the male hormone, i.e., testosterone. They severely impact ovulation, and in their presence, the egg is not released, and thus ovulation fails to occur. This leaves women confused and wondering how to get pregnant with pcos and irregular periods? Are there any ways by which you can regain your menstrual cycle? Yes, you can. Here’s how: How To Bring Back Your PCOS Induced Lost Periods? Practice patience Use food as your medicine Eliminate gluten Include some supplements Eat healthy, lose weight 1.  Practice Patience A women sitting on bed, Credit: Pixabay Your hormones cannot be balanced in a single day. It takes time for them to regulate themselves. Likewise, it takes time for the egg to develop and you to have your period. All this demands patience on your part. The more anxious or stressed over the periods you are, the more likely the stress of getting them faster will hinder their arrival. 2.  Use Food As Your Medicine A plate of healthy food, Credit: Pixabay Do you know that by making good dietary choices, you can manage your PCOS and bring back your periods? A diet rich in fats, proteins, and moderate amounts of carbohydrates will work wonders for your endocrine system and will facilitate a speedy arrival of your periods. Eat lots of whole grains and unprocessed foods. Foods with low glycemic index and high fiber like fruits, vegetables, and seeds will prove highly beneficial to you. 3.  Eliminate Gluten Gluten foods, Credit: Pixabay Eliminate all gluten foods like wheat products like bread, cakes, pies, cookies, and crackers. It is because gluten causes inflammation in your body. This inflammation increases the amount of the hormone insulin in your body. The more the amount of insulin, the more testosterone will be produced in your ovaries. Thus, your ovulation will not happen. 4.  Include Some Supplements Woman taking a supplement, Credit: Pixabay Women with PCOS who are suffering from irregular periods can take supplements to bring back their periods. Some common supplements are ovasitol and vitamin D supplements. Ovasitol is effective in regulating ovulation and lowering testosterone levels. Lack of vitamin D has been shown to cause an irregular menstrual cycle. It’s no wonder that women with PCOS are usually found vitamin D deficient. 5.  Eat Healthy, Lose Weight Woman stepping on a scale, Credit: Pixabay Losing weight can work wonders to regulate your menstrual cycle. A weight loss of 3-4 kgs will help you to bring back your menstrual cycle. You need to distribute your meals properly throughout the day. Ideally, it would be best if you consumed more in breakfast and less at dinner. Eating healthy and losing weight through a combination of diet and exercise will prove very effective in regulating your menstrual cycle. Following the tips mentioned above will help you to kickstart your menstrual cycle in no time. Just being mindful of your meals, managing your stress, and being patient by trusting in the whole process will enable you to win the battle with PCOS.

The world of health and fitness is rife with various myths and food stigmas that can easily make anyone confused as to what to eat and what happens when you start eating carbs after keto. Our diet culture has always promoted a low carb, high protein diet as the ultimate miracle solution to both weight loss and muscle building. It has led many people to blindly follow highly restrictive diet norms and eliminate one food group in favor of another. Carbohydrates have always been the target of health gurus as something that can never help people lose weight and achieve the body of their dreams. But recent studies have concluded that this carb stigma is unnecessary. Many people have started eating carbs and lost weight, and their numbers are bound to increase. It is because more and more people realize that instead of being their enemy, carbohydrates food groups can help them overcome many health challenges in the future. Why Do You Gain Weight? junk food, Credit: Pixabay Before you follow a strict diet and an intense workout routine of your favorite celebrity, it is important to know why you have gained weight in the first place. Weight gain usually happens when you eat more than your body needs and do not burn excess calories through physical activity. You might be thinking that you’re not eating much. But the truth is that most people snack mindlessly, eat big portions of food, and exercise sparingly throughout the week. The effects of these habits can be seen over time in the form of weight gain. People who go on low carb diets eat mainly cheese, eggs, dairy products, butter, etc. All these food items are high in calories. Eating big portion sizes of these items will inevitably lead you to gain weight. How To Lose Weight by Eating More Carbs? Choose healthy carbs Eat fibre rich carbs Maintain a calorie deficit Follow the 50 50 rule 1.  Choose Healthy Carbs A woman choosing healthy food, Credit: Pixabay Carbs can be made healthy or unhealthy. Take the example of potatoes. Boiled or roasted potatoes fill you up very quickly. The complex carbohydrates present in them take time to digest and keep you full for longer times. They also contain lots of micronutrients to nourish your body. On the other hand, frying these potatoes and making fries or chips out of them will make them a nutritionally deficient, unhealthy food. They will not fill you up and instead will leave you hungrier than before. Thus, choosing the right carbohydrates like potatoes, oatmeal, cereals, whole grains, etc. is essential to maintaining better health and losing weight. 2.  Eat Fibre Rich Carbs woman eating fiber-rich food, Credit: Pixabay Healthy carbs like buckwheat, quinoa, sweet potato, brown rice, and beans contain tons of fiber in them. Fiber is crucial for a healthy gut and prevents you from developing bowel conditions like constipation. It also gives you more energy and is good for your digestive system. A serving of all these fibre-rich carbohydrates in every meal will keep you full of energy instead of a low carb diet. 3.  Maintain a Calorie Deficit Woman making food, Credit: Pixabay Losing weight ultimately boils down to a simple equation. Calories in should be less than calories out. If you eat large quantities of carbohydrates rich food, you will definitely gain weight. But the same is the situation with protein-rich or fat-rich foods. Ensure that you always eat in a calorie deficit when trying to lose weight. Throw in some physical activity in your daily routine, and in no time, you will start observing changes in your body. 4.  Follow the 50 50 Rule A balanced diet, Credit: Pixabay The 50 50 rule is very simple to follow. Just fill alf of your plate with carbohydrate rich food items like potatoes, rice, quinoa, etc. Fill the other half with green vegetables lie cabbage, spinach, broccoli, etc. It will ensure that you get full at a high volume of food. Moreover, you’ll not feel like you’re dieting. Instead, this huge volume of food will keep you satiated and brimming with energy till the time of your next meal. By now you must have gotten a clear idea about what happens when you start eating carbs after keto. You don’t gain weight or become bloated. Instead, you become the healthiest version of yourself!

Approximately a million people have diabetes. This health condition, characterized by elevated glucose levels or sugar in the body, can prove life-threatening if not dealt with properly. Most people view people with All You Need To Know About The stress induced disorders as overweight individuals following a sedentary lifestyle and eating junk food all the time. But there is more than meets the eye. A person with a normal weight, healthy eating habits can also have type 2 diabetes. It is because diabetes is not associated with hereditary factors alone. It is one of the major stress induced disorders that not many sufferers know. What Is the Link between Stress and Diabetes? Woman stressed with her blood sugar levels, Credit: Pixabay Diabetes is one of the most critical types of stress related disorders. In simple words, stress is physical and mental tension. Unfortunately, in today’s world, stress has become very common. Work, health concerns, parenting, relationships, etc. are a few of the many causes of stress and anxiety that can worsen diabetes in an individual. Two types of hormones regulate the blood sugar of a person. The first type, i.e., insulin, reduces blood sugar. The second type includes several hormones like cortisol, adrenalin, glucagon, and growth hormone, which increases the level of sugar in the blood. High levels of stress increase the number of second type of hormones. Over time, they may result in diabetes in an individual already at risk of it or deteriorate this existing condition. How To Know If Stress Is Affecting Your Blood Sugar Levels Person measuring blood sugar levels, Credit: Pixabay Stress induced disorders like diabetes can be controlled considerably by managing stress levels through a healthy lifestyle. You need to detect your stress levels to manage diabetes effectively. One of the major red flags that stress is behind your diabetes is finding yourself consuming all your medicines on time, eating a healthy diet, yet noticing no improvement in your glucose levels. Thus, if you’re stressed, no matter what you do, your blood sugar levels will not budge or come down. Another method is to rate your stress levels on a scale of 1-10. Do this whenever you’re testing your blood glucose levels. It will easily help you find out the connection between stress and diabetes. You will find that whenever your blood sugar is on the higher side, so is your stress. On the other hand, when you’re calm and peaceful without any undue tension or stress, your blood glucose levels will automatically come down. But it does not mean that consuming a healthy diet has no impact on your blood sugar levels. When combined with a healthy diet, stress management can work wonders for managing diseases caused by stress like diabetes. How to Combat Diabetes by Managing Stress Woman relaxing with music, Credit: Pixabay You cannot eliminate stress from your life. In fact, small amounts of stress is essential for being alive. What you can do is prevent your stress from getting out of control. It is especially important for people dealing with diabetes. Many people have successfully controlled their diabetes by just managing their stress levels. You can also do it. Just follow the above-mentioned tips. Follow a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise daily. Consume a well-balanced diet rich in all the major micro and macro nutrients. Practice time management skills. Start organizing your time for various tasks and chores in a better manner. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises. Maintain a proper sleeping schedule so that you get adequate rest. Hence, we see that managing stress ultimately is all about changing your lifestyle for the better. People with diabetes can effectively manage their stress by inculcating healthy living habits. Reach out for help if you feel unable to control something in your life.

Having completed your hair transplant procedure, you might be thinking about what foods to avoid consume to promote your hair growth. Diet plays a crucial role in the post-transplantation part. Why Diet Is Important? The newly implanted hair follicles require the necessary nutrients for its growth. If there is a lack of vitamins, minerals, and proteins in your diet, it can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss because there is an interruption in the normal hair cycling and the follicles may not produce new hair. A diet that is deficient in nutrients can cause bald spots and hair thinning. Consumption of iron and zinc-rich foods helps in the production of healthy hair follicles. What to Eat After A Hair Transplant? Incorporate the following nutrients into your diet to achieve the best results after your hair transplantation. Zinc Iron Vitamin A B complex vitamins Vitamin C Vitamin E Copper Proteins Zinc Chickpeas, Credits: pixabay Zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, and adding zinc to your diet helps support your hair growth. Zinc is important in tissue repair and it helps in collagen production, cell proliferation, and maintenance of hormone levels, synthesis of proteins, and absorption of vitamins and other minerals. The foods that are rich in zinc include Chickpeas, Lamb, Shrimps, whole grains, fish, eggs, Oysters, Beef, Cashews, Spinach, and pumpkin seeds. Iron Spinach, Credits: pixabay Iron helps improve hair texture, helps the oxygen and nutrients to reach the roots and scalp of the hair. Iron enhances immunity that is very much necessary for the healing process after the hair transplant or Robotic hair Transplant system procedure. The foods rich in iron includespinach, beef, beans, clams, and beef liver. Vitamin A Sweet Potato, Credits: pixabay The cells of hair follicles require vitamin A for hair growth. It aids in sebum production which moisturizes the scalp and keeps hair healthy. Any deficiency in vitamin A can lead to hair loss and a dry and itchy scalp. Some foods that are rich in Vitamin A are green apple, milk, eggs, cheese, carrots, sweet potato, beef liver, kale, spinach, and winter squash. B Complex Vitamins Bananas, Credits: pixabay B complex vitamins like B7 and B12 are necessary for hair structure, quality, and healthy growth of hair strands. It aids in the clotting process during the wound healing process. Doctors usually prescribe B complex vitamin supplements to support hair growth. The foods that are enriched with B complex vitamins includeChicken, meat, bananas, avocados, brunette rice, nuts, and eggs. Vitamin C Lime, Credits: pixabay Vitamin C is an antioxidant that speeds the healing process after a hair transplant. It also helps in the production of collagen and elastin. This vitamin fights oxidative stress and thus prevents hair greying and hair loss. Some foods that are rich in Vitamin C are cabbage, peppers, kale, kiwi, broccoli, berries, and citrus fruits. Vitamin E Hazelnuts, Credits: pixabay Vitamin E helps in the healing process by preventing scar formation. It is important to use vitamin E oil in the donor and recipient area to help promote wound healing, improve tissue quality, and repair damaged hair follicles. Some foods that are rich in Vitamin E are cabbage, almonds, spinach, avocado, hazelnut, sunflower seeds, and olive oil. Copper Beetroot, Credits: pixabay Copper is involved in melanin production. Copper influences the hair color. Copperdeficiencycan cause hair loss and affects red blood cell production. Foods rich in copper include green vegetables, olive, beet, black pepper, and pumpkin seeds. Proteins Eggs, Credits: pixabay As hair is composed of protein, it is important to have an adequate amount of proteins in your diet. They support the growth of new hair. The foods that are rich in proteins include chicken, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, and raw nuts. Foods to Avoid If you are a smoker, quit smoking. The supply of blood may be lowered in a smoker’s body, hair, and scalp when compared to a non-smoker. Also, there may be a delay in the healing process in smokers. Avoid alcohol for at least two weeks during the post-operative period Keeping your cholesterol levels appropriate can help in the recovery process and can also support the healthy growth of hair. Avoid processed and packaged foods. Stay away from stress. Have a good sleep. Practice deep breathing exercises.

Following hair transplantation, new hair growth may not happen all of a sudden. Learn the procedure involved in hair transplantation and the stages of the hair transplant. What Is Hair Transplantation? Hair transplantation is a procedure in which hair units are removed from the donor site (back of the scalp or elsewhere from the same person) and transplanted into the recipient site. It is a surgical replacement procedure that has been around since the 1950s. Modern hair transplantation was introduced in the 1950s by Dr. Orentreich. Due to the advent of technology, there have been lots of advances in the procedures. Methods Involved In Hair Transplantation Hair transplantation can be performed by Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT (strip procedure)) or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). Follicular Unit Transplantation(FUT) Hair follicle, Credits: pixabay This is a hair restoration technique and also known as the strip procedure. Here the patient’s hair is transplanted in naturally occurring groups of 1 to 4 hairs, called follicular units.Follicular units contain sebaceous (oil) glands, nerves, a small muscle, and occasional fine vellus hairs. This procedure allows the surgeon to transplant 1000s of grafts in a single session. This method is an advanced option compared to older hair transplantation procedures which used larger grafts that resulted in a pluggy and unnatural look. The hair growth that is restored this way mimics an original hair with hair replacement systems and does not look like a hair transplant. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) FUE is another procedure for hair restoration. Not all candidates will be suitable for this method, and a FOX test is done to determine eligibility. In the FOX test, the surgeon takes out a few (about 100) grafts from the donor area and then evaluates how many complete/incomplete follicular units are extracted. If the surgeon can extract complete units, he may carry the FUE procedure or shift to the strip technique. In FUE, only the method of extraction varies, but the implantation procedure is the same as FUT. This is a sutureless method of hair restoration. Here the hair follicles are extracted from the back of the head under local anesthesia with the help of special micropunches and implanted in the bald area. The grafts are extracted from the donor area with micropunches. Follicles extraction is done under 2.5 – 5× magnification. The procedure is as follows. Step 1 With the sharp side of the micro punch, the scoring of the scalp skin containing the follicular unit is done. Step 2 Then the dull side of the punch is introduced in the same area and is twisted to loosen the follicular unit. At the same time, the assistant applies counter traction to facilitate the penetration of the punch inside the dermis. Step 3 The graft is taken out with the help of forceps. The extracted grafts are preserved in saline solution. The extracted graft may consist of 1 to 4 or rarely even 5 or 6 hairs. The extraction part is considered to be the time consuming and tedious procedure. Once the extraction is over, the grafts are implanted in a similar way as in the rest of FUT. Advantages of FUE Method Equipment, Credits: pixabay This method requires less manpower. The procedure is less traumatic and no surgical experience is required. Graft preparation is minimal and only minimum equipment is required. The post-operative recovery time is very short. The scars are almost invisible. Limitations From a surgeon’s perspective, this is a tedious procedure. The protocol is a bit long and the patient needs to lie in a prone position for a long time which may cause discomfort. The cost is about 3 times more than a FUT. What to Expect After a Hair Transplant? Pain and discomfort in the area. A gentle scalp massage can help lessen the discomfort. Bleeding at the sites of transplant is common. Applying gentle pressure with a moistened, clean cloth for 5 – 10 minutes can help reduce the bleeding. Scalp and face swelling. Apply an ice pack to the area of facial swelling. Hair Transplant Growth Stages It takes time for the scalp to heal and new hair to grow and develop normally. Here is a timeline that gives you the details of the post-transplant hair growth stages. Days 1 to 5 During the first few days, patients experience swelling of the forehead and at the back of the head. At the place where tiny incisions were made, the skin appears dark. The redness diminishes after the first week or 2. Days 6 to 10 The swelling and redness may go off. For each follicular unit transplanted, a “crust” will form in which the attached skin layer is drying out. By day 10, the crusting disappears, and the transplanted hairs appear like a “crew-cut” haircut. Weeks 2 to 3 The transplanted hair shed and by the end of 3rd to 4th week, most will be gone. This is a part of the healing process and there is nothing to worry about. The actual follicular unit and bulb remain intact and a new hair shaft begins to grow. Month 1 to 2 The hair follicles enter into a resting stage. Patients appear how they were before the surgery. Months 2 to 4 New hair, Credits: pixabay The new hair starts emerging out. The growth may vary from person to person. Most of the native hair will grow back at this time. Month 6 Transplanted hair has entered into the anagen phase. Months 6-9 Patients can notice a considerable amount of hair emerging from the scalp. The donor area is completely healed. 1 year About 80% of hair growth is achieved. The density and thickness of hair growth may vary. What Is The Cost Of Hair Transplantation? The cost of hair transplantation may be around $4,000 to $15,000.

Types of Scars Scars are a natural part of the healing process. Scars can happen in the internal site or outside the body. Scar tissue formation is usually classified as Keloid scars Hypertrophic Scar Contracture scar KeloidScars A keloid is usually formed on the tissues after an injury. It is a red-skin colored plaque of scar tissue. Keloids are usually seen on the upper chest, shoulders, breastbone, earlobes, and upper back. Keloids are sometimes painful and require appropriate treatment. Hypertrophic Scar This is the most common form of scar tissue and usually fades over time. Hypertrophic scars are usually red, raised scars that form along a wound and can remain for up to five years. Contracture Scar This type of scar happens in tissues that had a burn injury. They happen because of the skin tightening and shrinking and these scars usually impair the movement of the affected area. How Do Scars Form? When the skin is wounded, there is a disruption in the body tissues. The body produces a protein called collagen as a part of the healing process. Collagen accumulates in the area where there is tissue damage and this helps and strengthens the wound. For approximately three months, collagen production continues to form and the production of blood supply increases, which causes the scar to become raised, lumpy, and red. After some point in time, collagen breaks down, the supply of blood reduces and the scar may turn out to be smoother, softer, and paler. 10 Causes of Scar Tissue Acne scars, Credits: pixabay The exact causes of scar tissue formation remain unknown. However, hypertrophic scars and keloids usually result from burns, insect bites, acne, chickenpox, piercings, tattoos, and surgery. Keloids develop more often in people with darker skin. Keloids and hypertrophic scars occur more frequently in younger people between 10 and 30 years old. Scars happen after there is tissue damage. The reasons for the tissue damage are as follows. Accidental injuries (falling off) Deliberate harm from a weapon or self-harm Cuts following a surgery, like a Caesarean section birth Bites and scratches from animals or people Burns and scalds that results from hot objects or liquids Body piercings like ear or nose piercings BCG vaccination Tattoos Acne scars Keloid and hypertrophic scars may run in families. Ways to Treat Scars Lasers, Credits: pixabay Scars are treated in the following ways. Applying vitamin E lotion to the scar Massage therapy Over-the-counter medicines Laser surgery Corticosteroid creams Compression techniques

Skin is the organ that protects your body from infections. It is more prone to physical injuries. Injuries can result in a scar tissue treatment. When you have an injury, your body tries to repair the damaged tissue. During this, scar tissue is created. Scar tissue is nothing but a collection of cells and collagen that covers the site of an injury. Scar tissues are thick fibrous tissue that replaces the healthy ones that are damaged. Scar tissue can be seen as a result of acne, injury, or surgery. Scar tissue can also be seen after a heart attack in the heart muscle. During the initial stages, the scar tissue may not be very painful. But over time, as nerve endings try to regenerate, the scar tissue may turn out to be painful. The intensity of the pain can vary depending on the severity of the initial wound and the location of the wound in the body. Scars will never disappear. What Are The Symptoms Of Scar Tissue? The area where scar tissue is formed has a thicker texture compared to the rest of your body. Exterior scar tissue is mostly painful. The symptoms of scar tissue pain are as follows. Skin itchiness, Credits: pixabay Swelling Redness Itchiness Throbbing Sensitivity (to the touch) Limited range of motion “Creaky” sounds or sensations Sometimes scar tissue can be due to internal wounds, surgeries, or any underlying diseases. If the scar tissue is affecting the joints, there may be pain and stiffness. This especially happens following surgeries on the face, or as a result of medical procedures like hysterectomies. Treatment of Scar Tissue The treatment of scar tissue is as follows. Over The Counter Medications Surgery Injections Laser Surgery Compression Techniques Massage OverThe Counter Medications Medicines, Credits: pixabay Over-the-counter prescription creams, ointments, and gels can help reduce the scars that are caused by surgical incisions (cuts) or other injuries or wounds. Corticosteroids and anti-histamine creams are usually prescribed. Sometimes intralesional steroid injections are prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain. To help prevent acne scars a silicone gel sheet can be used. To treat minor scars, topical creams that are rich in vitamin C are used. Surgery The surgical options include skin grafts, removal of scars, or laser surgery. If you recently underwent a plastic like Nose job, cosmetic, or other surgery, it is ideal to wait for one year before opting for a scar removal treatment. Some types of scars may fade or become unnoticeable over time. If you are planning to opt for a scar revision surgery, remember the area should be moist, so that the sutures can come off easily. Petroleum jelly, silicone scar creams, gels, or sheets can help to keep the area moist. Injections Injections, Credits: pixabay Steroid injections can help to treat protruding scars like keloids or hypertrophic scars. This can be a stand-alone treatment or combined with other treatments. Commonly used injections are botulinum toxin (Botox) injections. They decrease pain and discomfort by relaxing muscles in the targeted area. These injections may help in reducing the pain that happens due to scar tissue, but the appearance of the scar may remain the same. Laser Surgery Vascular specific lasers are available to treat raised scars that are pink to purple. A carbon dioxide ablative laser can also be used to treat different types of scars. Compression Techniques To help manage the pain and inflammation that results from scar tissue, doctors recommend compression treatment. Compression wraps are available that can help relieve the pain and the size of the scar tissue can also subside over time. Massage Massage therapy, Credits: pixabay Massage therapy for scar tissue includes a series of deep tissue mobilization and myofascial release techniques. This reduces inflammation and encourages movement in the affected area.

We have commonly heard that “This is a ligament tear”. Do you know what it means? Continue reading to know the causes, symptoms, and treatment of ligament tears. What Are Ligaments? A ligament is a band of fibrous tissue that connects bone to bone or bone to cartilage. Ligaments are considered to be extremely strong and can be stretched or even torn, which can result in different grades of sprains. The function of ligaments is to support and strengthen the joints. They help in keeping the bones of the skeleton in proper alignment and prevent abnormal movements of the joints. A ligament tear usually happens due to extreme force to a joint such as a fall or any high-impact event. The common ligament tears are seen in the regions of the ankle, knee, wrist, thumb, neck, or back ligaments. What Are The Symptoms Of A Ligament Tear? The symptoms of a ligament tear include Swelling and bruising Difficulty in moving the joint normally Sometimes during an injury, you may feel a tearing sensation Muscle spasms Who Are Prone To Ligament Tear? Wrestlers, Credits: pixabay Young boys and men, athletes, and wrestlers are prone to ligament tears as their joints are consistently in action. Location of Ligament Tear Ligament tear usually happens during a fall, sudden twisting, or a blow to the body. Ligament tears more commonly happen in the ankles, knees, and wrist. Some of the more common ligament tears include: Knee Ligament Injuries Knee ligament tear, Credits: pixabay ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament): ACL is the most common ligament to be injured MCL (medial collateral ligament) or LCL (lateral collateral ligament) sprain Patella (knee cap) dislocation Ankle Ligament Injuries An ankle sprain usually happens in competitive athletes. Ankle sprain Achilles tear or rupture Shoulder Ligament Injuries Shoulder dislocation AC joint injury Rotator cuff tear Wrist and hand ligament injuries- Finger sprain or thumb sprain Spinal Ligament Injuries Neck sprain Back ligament sprain Whiplash Text neck Sometimes the ligaments in the back can be torn by lifting something heavy. How Ligament Tears Are Diagnosed? x rays, Credits: pixabay Ligament tears are identified by a physical examination and medical history. Your doctor examines the site of the injury and asks you what you were doing when you were experiencing the injury. The extent of the injury is identified by moving the joint. An X-ray examination helps them reveal if the bones are fractured or broken. An MRI may be necessary to check if there is a partial or complete ligament tear. Based on the physical examination and imaging, sprains are gradedlike grade 1 (there is ligament damage but no significant tearing), grade 2 (partial ligament tear), and grade 3 (severe pain with a complete tear of the ligament). Treatment of Ligament Tears RICE treatment, Credits: pixabay The initial treatment plan for a ligament injury is Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Rest The injured area must not be stressed for one or two days.Do not lift anything with an injured wrist, elbow, or shoulder. Ice A short term relief to the injured area is possible by applying cold, which can limit swelling. Place an ice pack on the injured area for 10 minutes every two hours for the first two to three days. Do not place ice directly on the skin and use a thin cloth to wrap the ice. Compression To ease the pain, the injured area is wrapped with an elastic band to limit and reduce the overall swelling. Sometimes a compression sleeve can also be used for the specific type of injury. Elevation This helps control blood flow to the area and, thus, reduces swelling. Try keeping the injured area above the level of your heart by elevating your leg or arm slightly above you. The treatment protocol can vary according to the grades of the sprain. A grade 2 sprain may require bracing to allow healing of the partial ligament tear that has happened. Surgery may be required to treat a grade 3 sprain. Once the pain and swelling are under control, your doctor may advise you to have physical therapy or home exercises. This helps restore the function of the ligament and joint. Depending on the severity of the ligament tear, the recovery time can vary from a few weeks to few months.