#like yes it's the struggles with blood sugar disorder but it also can include things like nerve damage causing vision loss and nerve pain

[lilalilan]

Putting this in it's own post to not detract but like. There is no such thing as sugar addiction.

If you aren't eating carbs/sugars, your body craves those things because it needs them. Your body depends on sugar for energy, and if you aren't consuming enough you're going to crave it so that you eat and correct the deficiency, just like with anything else your body needs.

If you are eating carbs/sugars regularly, especially if it feels like you can never get enough of them and it feels like you're addicted, please get checked out for diabetes mellitus.

What diabetes mellitus boils down to is the body being unable to process sugar, either because it doesn't make insulin (type 1) or because it can't use the insulin it makes (type 2). Insulin is a hormone the body needs in order to use the sugar in your blood. This leads to high blood sugar levels, weight gain, being thirsty often/drinking a lot of water, and frequent urination, because the body can't get the sugar out of the bloodstream so either stores it as fat or gets rid of it in urine (and has you drink a lot of water to make that happen).

Diabetics don't crave sugar because they're addicts who can't get control of themselves, they crave sugar because their body desperately needs it but is struggling to use what they're giving it, because it's having issues with insulin.

Going in for a diabetes diagnosis can be scary and stressful, usually due to the stigma and fatphobia/fatshaming diabetes patients often have to deal with. A lot of people are uneducated about diabetes and see it as a punishment for eating unhealthily, and if you have or have had this view in the past it can be really upsetting and scary to think that you might be diabetic. Despite what the stigma may have led you to believe, diabetes is often in large part genetic, and people who are predisposed to it can have it triggered by anything from stress to covid to seemingly nothing at all. But even if you did cause your diabetes or make it worse by eating a lot of sugar/carbs, you deserve compassion and you deserve care, you deserve accurate information about how your body does/doesn't work, and you deserve treatment free from judgement and blame.

Diabetes is manageable, it is something you can live with. Diet and exercise can help, but in the long term even folks who've made lifestyle changes usually need medication, because lifestyle changes don't change the fact that your body is struggling to make/use insulin.

For something relatively common, diabetes isn't well understood by most people, and the actual symptoms of it are often overlooked because of that. Hunger even after eating, especially after eating carbs/sugar, and constantly craving carbs/sugars, was what led my doctor to assess me for diabetes, so if that's something you struggle with please consider looking into diabetes.

[ryiafaye]

Eating disorder questions

I got these from someone else on tumblr but didn’t reblog and can’t find the original

1. One of your safe foods?

Spinach

2. One of your fear foods?

Reese’s

3. How long have you had an ED?

Nine years

4. Pro recovery?

Yes, I’ve been in recovery before and know it can be amazing, but I hate feeling fat and am currently relapsing.

5. Thoughts on proana?

There are definitely some toxic things out there that can fuel someone’s ED, but a lot of the things in the community are positive. A lot of people just need to feel they aren’t alone and actually encourage each other to practice harm reduction and/or recovery.

6. Are you in recovery?

Kind of, I really was for a while but now I’m slipping back into my ED.

7. Longest fast?

41hrs

8. Fave ED song?

Not sure, maybe courage by superchick

9. Most embarrassing ED moment?

Getting nauseous while drunk with friends, telling them “don’t worry I used to be bulimic”, then purging in front of everyone.

10. Average calories a day?

Right now 1,200-1,400 but want to go lower.

11. Usually junk food or clean food?

A mix of both, though lately more junk food as long as it’s within my calorie limit.

12. Biggest triggers?

Other people talking about weight loss, diets, exercise. Other people eating less than me when we’re together. Looking at old pictures of myself when I weighed less.

13. Safe foods?

Most fresh fruits/vegetables, non fat yogurt, almond milk, black tea/coffee or zero cal drinks, plain Cheerios, plant based “meat” and tofu, rice cakes, egg whites, low cal soup, low cal popsicles.

14. Fear foods?

Anything calorie dense or that will trigger a binge (icecream, peanut butter, pastries, cookies, candy, nuts, dried fruit).

15. Most hated side effects of your ED?

Low blood sugar symptoms (shaky, weak, nauseous). GI upset (stomach aches, constipation, bloating). Sore/swollen throat from purging.

16. Thoughts on fasting?

It’s not usually healthy, but I know it can give someone (including myself) a very large feeling of control.

17. ED community pet peeve?

I find people posting their stats far more triggering than descriptions of behaviors. Being able to relate to struggles/symptoms rather than body size is far more productive in my opinion. Also the stupid one like = one hour of fasting type things. No matter how sick you are you should never blatantly encourage someone to hurt themselves.

[comradelionheart]

This is where I feel safest.

In the blueness of this site, held in comfort as if under my blanket of soft fur.

No one here will ever know who I am or the people I speak of. No one can find me here. I have a questionable habit of running off to avoid being witnessed when I fail or am in pain, and this is where I run to. It is luckily not a boy this time. Well, it’s sort of that too, but not predominantly.

I haven’t shut G out this time. When I thought I’d lost my shot at the job I deleted my WhatsApp and all other social media, and refused to surface until I was willing to face people again. This isn’t unlike when I graduated college uncertain of what to do with life next and just... vanished. I’d a pretty promising presence on Facebook that could potentially have introduced him and I sooner, but I guess life unravels at its own pace and nothing can force it to go sooner or slower. I’ve grown rather accepting of failures because I have unfortunately grown accustomed to them. It’s almost like I expect to meet with resistance or failure each time something nearly works out and in this case I can’t say I willed it upon myself. I literally tested positive for TB. Which is amusing since those are my ex’s initials, and is yet another TB which seems to be hampering my progress. 

Dry humour is what I’m best at if I’m being my authentic self. I must unfortunately smile and wave because I’m a woman and need to be likeable to get anywhere in my line of work. That isn’t to say I’m a sociopath or hate people. I just wish I didn’t have to pretend to be interested in their lives and feign amusement at their not so novel ideas. Pretty sure I’ve not so novel ideas too, but I don’t need to be indulged for the sake of my (not) fragile ego. Anyhow.

I applied for this job early in the year and didn't expect to hear from them (because the first few years of my work life had me flailing and coping with depression instead of steering my career, and I know I shouldn’t grudge her for this but I do). But I did hear from them. And everything went through. Including 3 rounds of aptitude tests and a personal interview (which I thought I bombed but didn't somehow). Until I tested positive on a skin patch test for TB. Why do these stupid standard sets of tests get prescribed world over? Honestly, if I’m ever supreme leader of anywhere I will ban standardised tests. Not in the way that I say medicine is a sham, not at all, but in the way that WE LIVE IN THE THIRD WORLD AND WILL OF COURSE HAVE TAKEN THE BCG OR HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE BACTERIA AT SOME POINT BUT IT’S NOT NECESSARILY EVER GOING TO BE ACTIVE SO USE A BETTER AND MORE CONTEXT SPECIFIC TEST INSTEAD OF GIVING ME ANXIETY AND EXISTENTIAL CRISES LIKE THESE, JFC. 😭😭😭

But I’ve taken the other test and that’s also got the drawback of being unable to differentiate between inert and active TB. So I took an HRCT scan. I’m so sick of running around hospitals, there’s a literal virus in the air. But Monday is when I’ll know the medical verdict. And then there’s the whole security check process. I hate when this happens but I’ve lost so much time to grief, I simply cannot sit around moping any longer. 

Earlier this year I interviewed with the **. I was given a verbal confirmation and had a text message implying an offer was made to me, because I received an acknowledgement to my acceptance of an offer. If I was the person I was in 2014, I’d have kicked up a fuss and made sure that offer was honoured, but 2021 me knows that working with bosses who go back on their word slyly and cave to nepotism usually need their cocks sucked. And I’m not only incapable of that, but have also dealt with enough workplace harassment elsewhere to be adamant about a brand at the risk of my mental health. But really, he can go suck it because I have confirmation from staff that he is EVERYTHING I read him to be. I’m not intuitive or anything, I just read people very well because I was hurt so bad by them (repeatedly since childhood) that reading people became a thing I did for survival. My sharp instincts serve me well, but are a trauma response. I am very self aware too, yes.

I then interviewed and got through an NGO that was willing to pay me 24L. I turned it down because the founders were running around like headless chicken with their inability to distinguish PR from Marketing Comms (me) from Marketing for business development. I know I was being paid a lot of money, but I will not kill myself performing all three functions while being acknowledged for just the one on my offer letter. I’ve learned to value my labour capacity and assert myself in the economic and political spheres. 

Personally though? I sometimes still think I’m a romantic pushover.

But this is about work because I need to weep a little before being calm about how this year has treated me. Especially since I’m maintaining a cool demeanour in public and literally hate sharing things I’m burdened with. Idk man, it makes me feel vulnerable and I don’t like feeling like I’ll get a knife twisted in the spot that's most sore. I AM SCREAMING BECAUSE I HAVE LET G WITNESS ME IN PAIN THIS TIME INSTEAD OF RUNNING AWAY and will someday file copyright over An Enduring Romantic because that’s very honestly me. But ofc it isn’t going to be the legal Copyright, just the sham notice like the one I’d sent him to up his Instagram game. Or he could just operate my Twitter and I’ll run his gram. It’ll even feel natural.

Sometime around May an environmental journal asked me to come on board. Work from the office at the height of the pandemic with no travel compensation and very little money. I turned them down. Then came II**. Which I again turned down because they wouldn’t pay market rate for skills I’ve perfected in 4 years just because they wanted 8 years experience on paper for my quotation. I will do a lot for causes I love, but I also really enjoy being paid fairly and acknowledged for the value I bring to the table.

Then came the start up in Del. Which I turned down because the uncle running it in his wife’s name expected 24*7 labour availability for 12L with no health insurance.

The latest in my list of things I’ve turned down is the ** Gov. Which I can obviously go back to since my reason for turning it down was another job, but 14 days of leave all year? 7 day work week if needed? Hell no. I enjoy having labour rights. But also when I told the dude I’d be reporting to if I accepted that I cant accept due to covid concerns his reaction was “sure, send me an email so we can start looking for someone else immediately.” Like.... we just had a second wave, what if something was wrong? I wouldn’t risk losing my job because they expect work even if I were hypothetically coughing up blood. So best not to touch with a bargepole. Now I’m less sad, but also really hope the TB results are negative. This job I want and have said yes to ticks off all of the boxes in my head and I will truly be disappointed if I lose it to disease paranoia despite being completely suited and picked for the role 😞

Just to be on the safer side, I have taken one last shot at achieving my goal of ‘learn how political systems work so you know what you’re talking about first hand in that PhD.’ I hope my Plan A works out instead, though.

Since I’ve brought him up in this, it will be interesting to note that a year ago I did the erstwhile unthinkable act of cutting a friend of for attempting to steal a man I love. A year ago to the date, literally. Funny how this year is more calm, but I was maxed out on endorphins from him last year. Until this March even, if I’m being truthful. I don’t regret cutting her off.She crossed a vvvv red line. ALL my other friends are celebrating. They detested her. 

Another thing that happened last year was me letting him know that I only get hotter with time, but along with this work drama I have also had a run in with intense grief which I thought was a mood disorder (because it was intense, I mentioned?), cholesterol, thyroid, sugar addiction and now, le TB (PLEASE BE A FALSE POSITIVE YESU KRISTU HALP). So needless to say, I haven’t been most fabulous and undergone my physical transformation and these mental health struggles (are getting better now) strapped me to my couch along with the pandemic and its many lockdowns. I have also not studied for the GRE because I’m stimulus seeking via social media and fear of sucking at math has kept me locked in place. I still have a lot to work through on this front and would really like to make his cover right too, but my creativity isn't working and I keep fucking it up. I am not as spectacular as I was last year. The separation has also weathered my dazzle out a little and while I’m living with it, I still have small waves of sadness that show up once in a while.

I might have also accidentally flirted with someone into falling for me. It was all fun and games and for my pride, but now I’ve to gently let them down since I’ve cold feet and am chicken. Because I’m as emotionally unavailable as a streetlamp. Is this why they call me a Gurgaoni fuckboi?

[salemrising666]

my depression and health battle

DEPRESSION

IS A BATTLE THAT CAN BE WON

as I pull the petals of this beautiful flower I noticed I had reached the last petal as I muttered to myself im lucky and tore it away from its steam I noticed one small underdeveloped petal hanging on for dear life and I muttered im not lucky and with my bad luck streak in life I thought it was some kind of omen was this a sign that my bad luck streak would never end or was I bein stupid overthinking things yet again I guess we can only find out as I battle my demons.

I sat there for a few minutes trying to talk myself out of this sign that everything would be fine it had to be my luck had to turn at some point hadnt it?

When I was 15 I started having eye trouble and my thirst for sugar had increased dramatically my parents had noticed this more than I had and suggested I go see a eye specialist to sort my eye troubles out when we got there my parents mentioned the sugar intake and they tested my blood sugars which were off the charts high I had further blood tests to soon discover that I was a type one diabetic and because of all the sugar in my bloodstream had temporarily changed my eye shape hence the blurred vision,i was sent to a hospital for two weeks to earn the ins and outs of how to take care of myself with this new disease it was scary and so hard I had never had a phobia of needles but to learn that I would here on out have to stick a needle into my stomach with each meal snack and drink was scary and take my sugars before each meal which would mean also stabbing my fingers scared the hell out of me and I thought why me why now anda lot of damage had already been done as I could have been diabetic for wuite a while before they had found it

I was to face some debhilitating challenges almost dying and permenant damage that would change my life forever things I would have to learn to live with and adapt to such as permenant eye damage agonizing diabetic neuropathy the loss of my left small toe then a further amputation of the joint including multiple procedures like laser eye surgery eye injections eye surgery two amputations the removal of all my teeth due to gastro peresis stages where I couldnt stomach any food throwing it all up losing weight to where my organs were failing and me on my death bed and not knowing why I have neer given up in all these struggles even though I knew oh well eating will end up with me bent over the toilet for hours being labelled as having a eating disorder and trying to convince doctors no this is medical and something was wrong having a feeding tube forced down your throat becausee of these labels and watched while I showered and used the toilet was horrible being in hospital for three months fighting for my life as I never realised how important food was for your body till I was striken with gatsro peresis and not being able to consume it and practically starving to deathi thought this was it this would kill me as nobody could find what was wrong and trying to tell me I was doing this to myself on purpose I refused to leave myhouse as I was ashamed of how thin I was I got down to 31 kilos and there was nothing left of me I was stuck in mental health and was forced to talk to psychiatrists about my so called eating disorder as they tried to help me but how can you fix something that doesnt exist they finally realised months later after leaving the hospital that it was medical from all of the tests I was made to do im still battling these issues today truing to gain weight I have also lost a large portion of my eyesight due to diabetic neuropathy when the blood vessels overgrow and cause permenant damage and the obly way to stop th further damage is to have laser ee surgery to try stop the vessels from growing which worked for a while then I was told they were growing again

so the next step was to have multiple injections over months into the eye to try shrink them which I am still having today as they have flared up again I now have to wear glasses but I can never drive as my vision is that impaired.

Another thing I battle wth is diabetic neuropathy which Is where your nerves send misfired pain signals to your brain when nothing is actually wrong you feel shock like pains hot pins and needles aches and some feeling losswhich contributed to me losing my small left toe I had gotten a blister that I didnt know I had which turned into a foot ulcer got infected and ate its way down to my bones I then got na serious bone infection called ostemyelitis which eats away at your bones they tried a long course of iv antibiotics to get rid of it but it falled and the only way to stop me from losing my whole leg was to amputate the small toe I was terrified as I lay in hospital and the doctors came in to wheel me ito surgery next thing I knew I was waking back up in my ward and my foot was being unwrapped I was in shock seeing my little toe missing they put something called a vac seal on it which helped fill the giant hole I now had in my foot and healed it three times faster than without it because of my compromised immune system from the auto immune disease they think I have that hasnt been even named yet I struggled to heal fully allowing infection bac into the amputation site which meant round two but they were to tell me I was going to loose my whole leg and had two weeks until surgery so as I went home and tried to prepare one day post surgery checkin they told me we are just going to amputate the remaning joint I had a sigh of relief but it was still loosing more of my foot I have had a rough life health wise as there has always been something wrong I have had the worst luck possible so many long hospital trips and now being 27 I just want to be as healthy as possible and live the life I know I deserve after all this grief and I have learnt to appreciate even the smallest of things and especially all the people who never left me in all my struggles and mood swings I am forever grateful for them as I know I wouldnt be here without them although they tell me they understand what im going through they couldnt possibly but I hate that ive had to go through all this and more I hate more the people I love have had to watch me gp through this amd I am usually a happy bright bubbly person but I mean I have my bad days where im depressed and wished all these afflictions didnt plague me everyday and it is also hard as I cant just forget I have these things as they impair everything I do I cant just turn around and be like I dont feel like being type 1 diabetic for a day as I would face horrible repurccusions .

In all this hardship I know there is people suffering out there more than I am I just wish I didnt have to fight everyday with all of this and fight to keep my life I want to just live it and be happy and I know I will get there I will never give up no matter how bloody hard this is or will get but I just wnted to tell a small portion of what I have gone through in my life in the hopes it may inspire of help somebody suffering with anny of these issues and yes depression is a hard thing to overcome but there are always things to help I find art and writing in a journal helps and venting all it takes is that one special person to listen and have your back if anybody reading this wants to chat I will always lend a ear to you so dont be afraid I may look odd and be odd but I am friendly and have a massive heart thank you for reading.

[royalpains-roleplay]

Hey lovelies! Just some friendly reminders about roleplaying triggers. If you need any resources to help you play them please let me know. Possible trigger warning as it goes into some details and symptoms.

Addiction - A big one I see a lot in roleplay - I don’t mean in this group but I haven’t seen a lot of addiction storylines played all the same - is people who claim their characters are addicted to something but then they get ‘help’ and are able to casually do so afterwards. The things is, say your character is an alcohol dependent character, they can’t just get treatment and be able to have a glass of champagne. Once an addict, even when you’ve recovered, you will always have addiction thoughts and won’t be able to just casually drink without relapsing. Same goes for drugs, gambling, etc. Any addiction you cover, follow through with the storyline, don’t just drop off half way because it bores you. If you don’t think you’re ready to take on a big storyline of the sort, don’t take the character. You’re not a bad person because you can’t do the storyline, it’s just not your style.

Sickness (Cancer, etc) - If your character has a severe illness of some sort, like cancer for example, or they had cancer, there are going to be things to be included. Your character is going through treatments? Maybe they lost their hair, or are seeing thinning in it. They’re probably feeling weaker than they usually are, maybe you just kinda make it so they’re out of breath and need a minute to sit down. Maybe they wear a certain makeup to hide paleness. Small things like this are easy to include in your writing. A character suffering from a debilitating illness will probably not be perfectly capable of looking super model ready every five minutes and being able to just get up and run. Again, most people do an excellent job but even I, myself as a writer forget that sometimes that Ana is in remission but her body is still permanently affected. Things to remember is say like alcohol might hit the character quickly, or depending on how long it’s been since the treatment, the character might be struggling with fertility, all things to take into account. Think about the kind of treatment they’re receiving, don’t be scared of details. 

PTSD - It is so, so easy to stick this claim on your character. I’ve seen it done a hundred times (I’m a dinosaur whose been roleplaying for like 12 years now, don’t mind me). It’s fashionable at this rate, all those television characters. But in reality, it’s not fashionable. It’s not just a breakdown that fits the storyline, it’s inconvenience. It’s anger you can’t control, flashbacks, nightmares, irritability. You can personally come to me and I can give you a whole list of things to attempt including into your storyline if you need it. But don’t just claim your character has this and don’t go anywhere with it. Follow through is so so important for everyone. It’s not just a fashion, many people know this, so don’t treat it as such. It’s important to think about whether they would display symptoms as CPTSD, PTSD or even Borderline Personality Disorder.

Mental Illness - This is not a fashion. Any illness you put on a character of the sort is going to affect themselves in one way or another. Maybe they’re having a hard time socializing, maybe they can’t get out of the bed in the morning. Or maybe they are really bottling it so it comes out physically. Nausea, headaches, vision problems, etc. Make sure you find a way to include the diagnosis of your character. (Not as detailed because there are so many of them. If you need more info on a particular character’s illness, inbox for more info).

Miscarriage - This is a really hard topic for a lot of people. It’s painful, brutal and can shake an entire family. Don’t take the topic lightly. There’s nothing wrong with covering this particular topic, what’s wrong is addressing it once and then calling it the end of the storyline. It doesn’t mean you have to constantly have your character be a mess. It can be a lot of ways. Anger, irritability, losing sleep, over-productivity, under-productivity, dissociation. Or maybe your character is okay with it, but always make sure you say why. The why is so important in those cases. You can never just sweep this storyline under the rug. 

Sexual Assault - Another storyline that has really made a dramatic spike over the years. Which isn’t a bad thing. The more people who write about it, the more awareness that is spread that this is real and it happens. Maybe your storyline encourages someone to do some research, to study and look it up. Maybe someday that means it helps a person. However, this storyline is not something to be taken lightly. It’s not something you just write once and never ever address at all again. This sticks with you. This is not something you can just kind of sweep under the rug. Surface wise, your character can seem well adjusted, but as a writer you have the ability to show it in the little ways. Yes, you might get the few people who have recovered perfectly fine without therapy. But this is rare. So remember not to ditch the storyline without finding closure for it. 

ED’s - This is a really common one. Especially in the media. For example in Gossip Girl where they addressed Blair’s eating disorder for about three episodes and never really showed any big struggles afterward. A lot of people can do that with characters. One thing to remember with severe eating disorders is that it’s not just something that’ll make you thin. It’s not just some increased diet, it’s about psychology. Control, etc. And it’s not just presenting by thinness. Characters with severe eating disorders are going to show signs. Some things that are small to add in would be yellowing teeth. Purging strips a lot of the protective layers from your teeth and can make them yellow and in severe cases can rot them. So if you’re wanting to address this, maybe your character is buying white strips to counteract? Maybe they’re buying dentures. There’s also like callousing of the fingers, sores, scabs on the knuckles, etc. Sore throats are also common as a mix of stomach acid burn and scratching of nails. Maybe the character has a raspy voice because of it. Maybe they have cracked nails so they wear fake ones. Always find ways to include this in your storyline, because if you’re making it purely that your character is just dramatically losing weight, you may be accidentally “romanticizing bulimia”. This is not to say all bulimics purge in that way, but there’s always some kind of sign or symptom you can incorporate. Anorexia is a lot harder to hide visibly. In drastic cases you’re going to see sunken faces and eyes, yellowing of the skin and eyes, dramatic hair loss and so much more. Low blood sugar would cause passing out. Not eating would cause weakening of muscles. Blueish fingers and toes because the blood is all going to your body core, linugo. Even calloused knuckles and worn teeth from purging. Anorexia can cause excessive bruising as well. Again, this is all very very important to include. Maybe your character is wearing a wig, maybe they use filling make up to hide the sunken face and yellowing skin, maybe they’re wearing dentures, or they see regular manicures. Maybe they carry glucose tablets to bring their sugar up in a pinch. This is all very very important to include. Because an eating disorder isn’t pretty. And it’s not just being thin. Now it’s not to say you have to include everything, but try to include some. Just like with illness/cancer, you’re probably looking at more easily affected by alcohol, more prone to alcohol poisoning, and it’s very commonly known that anorexia patients tend to struggle fertility wise. All things you can include. (This one was so long because I wanted to cover the two commonly known ED’s in length because I know they’re very different. Though if anyone starts to take on a Binge Eating Disorder or the ARFID I will also do research and come back with more info. ) 

Abuse - Abuse storylines can be quite common. Especially things like abuse from parents and what not. I’ve seen it a lot in my time. In roleplay, books, movies, television. Things to remember is that sometimes, abuse victims don’t actually know that what they’re going through isn’t normal. Some do, others don’t. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be symptoms. Some might have wet the bed as children, some are more violent. Some flinch when others are approaching, some suffer from perhaps substance abuse. Others who are aware of what they’re going through being wrong could probably be better at keeping secrets, more paranoid, etc. There are a lot of things to think about in regards to abuse storylines.

I know there are a few triggering storylines I left out. It’s not to say they don’t exist and if you want me to cover another topic, just let me know and I definitely will go over it. This isn’t calling anyone out, it’s not criticizing anyone’s writing, it’s just some things to take note of, and think about when travelling down roads for your characters.

[drlaurynlax]

Should You Really Eat if You’re Not Hungry And Have Constipation?

Constipation usually happens most often due to changes in diet or routine, or due to inadequate intake of fiber.

It’s 8 p.m. and you haven’t eaten since 12 p.m.

You know it’s dinnertime time, but the thing is…you’re not all that hungry. Couple this with the fact that you haven’t really gone to the bathroom since yesterday morning, and the last thing your body is telling you is, “I am hungry.” 

To make yourself eat or not eat when you’re constipated?—That is the question. 

THE (CONSTIPATION & APPETITE) STRUGGLE IS REAL

Constipation induced loss of appetite is real. 

Your regular poop patterns are backed up and it feels like there’s a lot less room in your stomach to eat. 

You wonder if eating another meal will just make things worse, overcrowding your gut even more.

Also, you get hungry, but get full just as fast—as if your body is playing tricks on you (and fights back) when you do eat.

You WANT to eat, but the whole gamble of whether or not you WILL have a golden poo that day is downright exhausting.

Maybe you should just snack? 

Or eat prunes? 

Maybe, sip a smoothie? 

Or eat as normal—and pretend and hope it will all go away?

Aye, aye, aye!

You hate having to think so hard about it. 

You are not alone.

GET THE FACTS

In an ideal world, we’d poop two to three times per day,30 to 60 minutes after every main meal, and move approximately a total of 12-inches of feces out of our body daily *without the use of coffee, supplements, laxatives, colonics, or any other methods). 

However, this is not the case.  

Approximately 99% of people will experience constipation at some time in their life—technically defined as a condition in which you have fewer than three bowel movements a week, or you experience hard, dry and small bowel movements that are painful or difficult to pass.

Constipation can lead to other symptoms as well, including bloating after meals, painful stomach cramps, low energy (1, 2), anxiety, low mood and…loss of appetite. 

Constipation typically doesn’t just come from out of nowhere—like something you’re born with. Outside stressors that contribute include:

Poorly chewed food

Eating too fast or on the go

Low-fat or low-carb diets

Artificial sweeteners

Travel (“traveler’s constipation”)

Eating higher amounts of dry foods (nuts, bars, jerky, gluten-free products)

Antibiotics, birth control, NSAIDS and other medications

Bacterial overgrowth in your GI tract

Low water intake (dehydration) or poor quality water

Not eating enough

Chronic stress (high-intensity workouts, low sleep, anxiety and mental stress)

Sedentary lifestyle or overtraining

Poor or slow GI motility (transit time)

Hormonal imbalances

Food intolerances

Eating too many raw vegetables or dietary fiber at once

  —Just some examples.

With such a wide array of triggers, it’s no wonder that constipation has become a “norm” for many people.

Leaving you with the same dilemma.

Will experiencing “normal” appetite, eating and bowel patterns EVER be in the cards for you?

The short answer: Yes, they can be. 

Just like eating Big Macs and Dortio chips are not technically normal for humans (but have become “normal”), constipation does not have to be your normal either. 

Before we talk about a few ways to help you address your constipation, what should you do when you’re constipated and not hungry?

EATING & CONSTIPATION

The reason why loss of appetite often strikes with constipation is often due to slowed GI-motility—it’s as if food is sitting there, undigested and taking it’s pretty (sweet) time moving through your system.

What causes slow GI-motility?

Multiple factors!

An overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria, low stomach acid, restrictive eating  and/or an irritated intestinal wall can often lead to “sluggish digestion” and consequently, the appetite loss often experienced with constipation. 

When the gut is imbalanced to any degree, this often sets the stage for other imbalances as well—both digestively (i.e. constipation) and nutritionally (i.e. nutrient deficiencies). 

For instance, bacterial overgrowth in your small intestine may find your gut bugs completely happy campers, left feasting and eating residual, fermenting (undigested) food particles in your gut. This signals to your brain that something inside is getting fed, suppressing the hunger signals of otherwise hungry organs and cells, simply because these unhealthy bacteria have put a cap on the “norm” delivery of nutrients throughout your body.

Nutrient imbalances are another side-effect of poor digestion and a trigger for loss of appetite. 

Particularly, those nutrients associated with energy, appetite and metabolism, including: Zinc, low Vitamin B-12 and lowered hormone levels (ghrelin—the “hunger hormone”).

In fact, a 2017 study in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology Motility (Monsinka et al, 2017) found that patients who were given gherlin treatment experienced improved GI symptoms and elimination. 

Another study (Skrovanek et al, 2014), on the effectiveness of zinc for patients with Ulcerative Colitis (i.e. intense IBS), found that healing was positively connected to adequate zinc levels. Zinc is a mineral responsible for appetite regulation. 

Cortisol levels (stress hormones) are another “elephant in the room” that must be addressed with constipation. 

Simply put: When your body is stressed, cortisol gets out of whack.

Imbalanced cortisol not only can trigger constipation itself, but also perpetuate the lack of appetite you may experience with constipation since your body is in the midst of “running from a bear” (for dear life). (And the last thing your body wants to do when it’s stresses is eat while it’s running—Even though you may need to eat). 

INSATIABLE APPETITE & CONSTIPATION

While lack of appetite is the common symptom we’re addressing here, others with constipation experience the opposite—

Regular hunger levels, numerous times throughout the day—only to feel bloated or more constipated shortly after eating, then dipping in energy again two to three hours later, hungry again, eating and perpetuating the cycle.

The hunger is there—but the ability to digest or “handle” the food is not. 

Insatiable or frequent hunger followed by energy dips, fatigue, shakiness, bloating and/or constipation between meals is another direct sign, for some, that your blood sugar is imbalanced and something else is going on underneath the hood (malabsorption, bacterial overgrowth, fungal infection, low stomach acid).

Often times in this case, we are eating, but still starving—our cells and organs are not getting the nourishment they need simply due to the underlying gut imbalance—missing the mark every time.

Additionally, when we eat, we not only eat for one, but for trillions of gut bugs—both healthy and unhealthy.

If we are feeding more unhealthy gut bugs, rather than healthy balanced gut bugs, then our energy supply quickly runs dry—leaving you needing food within a matter of hours, even though you are still constipated. 

SO, SHOULD YOU EAT IF YOU’RE CONSTIPATED?

The short answer: Yes.

Regular, balanced meals (in conjunction with a gut healing approach to your “gut issues”) is the best bet for helping your body heal from GI “issues” over time.

Although you may not always feel like eating—i.e. a growling or an empty stomach—it’s also important to recognize other signs of hunger that can help point you to nourishing your body (even if you’re apathetic to the thought of food).

Feelings like: Fatigue or sleepiness, increased thoughts about food around meal times, sluggishness, difficulty focusing or concentrating, shakiness, headaches, weepiness, and anxious thoughts can be other signs of hunger, and helpful evidence to motivate you to eat enough.

Interestingly, not eating enough food or nourishment for our bodies itself can also perpetuate constipation. 

A study (Chun et al, 1997) of patients with anorexia and severe IBS found that, due to their lack of nourishment, they had a slower colonic transit time. However, when they started eating regular, balanced meals, their colonic transit time increased (i.e. their poop patterns improved).

However, this is not to say that being mindful of and addressing underlying gut issues is still critical.

Other studies of patients with eating disorders—both those with anorexia (lack of appetite) and bulimia (often associated with binge episodes and insatiable appetite)—have found that both populations have a higher incidence of constipation, bloating and other gut symptoms (both pre-and post recovery). 

What this means for you, me and any of the average population? Whether you’re under-eating, over-eating or have ongoing “gut issues” yourself, there is often more to the story of healing from your gut issues than just “eating enough” or “eating the right foods.”

IBS, constipation, and frequent bloating can often stem to several of the GI imbalances we’ve already discussed (bacterial overgrowth, low stomach acid, nutrient deficiencies), and in order to heal, not just have “some relief,” the bigger piece of the puzzle may need to be addressed. 

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

Healing from chronic constipation is no one-size-fits-all-approach, but here are a few starting points, and tips for eating enough—even when you’re constipated.

1. Address Stress.

The elephant in the room. Do a gut-check with yourself. What stressors are present in your life right now potentially contributing to constipation? Not just mental stress either. The big areas of influence to consider include:How much sleep are you getting? (Ideal: 7-9 hours)How much water are you drinking? (Ideal: Half your bodyweight in ounces of water)

What environmental toxins do you use or come into contact with daily? (Ideal: Least amount as possible. Glassware containers, stainless steel waterbottles, non-toxic beauty and cleaning supplies)?

How much are you moving your body?

(Ideal: Daily movement encouraged, and everyone’s threshold is different, but incorporating balance is essential—strength, conditioning, low-intensity aerobic work-walking, play, and flexibility—not doing the same thing every day)

How do you let it out or connect? (Ideal: Open communication and connection with people close to you in life; meaningful relationships; feeling of belonging)

Where is your fun? (Ideal: Not all work and NO PLAY; Taking time for YOU each week to do things that are fun and enjoyable).

2. Identify YOUR Food Intolerances.

Just because it’s healthy doesn’t mean it’s “good” for your body (right now). You can be intolerant to broccoli, apples, chicken or kale for all that it matters. Keep a mindful food log for the next 3 days to note how you feel around, before and after meals. (Fun fact: We often crave or think about foods we are intolerant to. This is your gut bug’s way of signaling to you: “Feed me!”)

3. Basics.

Basic gut health is like taking a multi-vitamin or fish oil tablet you’ve been told to take for years (actually BETTER than those). Seeking to support a healthy baseline of gut health may be a missing link if you’re just trying to eat healthy foods alone. This includes:

Drinking enough water.

Chewing your food well.

Taking a quality probiotic supplement

Eating fermented foods and pre-biotic foods.

Bonus: Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tbsp. in water before meals).

4. In-the-Moment Relief.

For those days constipation has ya down, try one of these arsenals:

Yoga sun salutations, moving or going on a walk.

Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tbsp. in water beforemeals)

Ginger tea or kombucha

Sauerkraut—2-3 forkfuls

Squatting—and hanging out there for a minute (or a Squatty Potty)

Mindfully drinking water throughout the day

5. Dig Deep.

Assess and address what else is going on. Make a functional medicine appointment (Austin and Distance appointments available) to figure out whats going on “under the hood” through an assessment and potential lab testing if needed to address the underlying gut issues that have been unresolved

The post Should You Really Eat if You’re Not Hungry And Have Constipation? appeared first on Meet Dr. Lauryn.

Source/Repost=> https://drlauryn.com/gut-health/not-hungry-constipation/ ** Dr. Lauryn Lax __Nutrition. Therapy. Functional Medicine ** https://drlauryn.com/

[willowlark369]

Relationship Status: Complicated

There’s no other way to say this.

I am fat. I haven’t always been that way. As a child, I was waif-thin, a fact that didn’t help my mother any when DFS began investigating her for neglect or potential abuse because my brother was rapidly dropping off the bottom of the weight chart. It looked particularly damning next to my other two siblings who were rather thick (not fat but certainly fatter than many felt appropriate for female children). Both my brother and I were small and thin, though, and often covered in bruises and bumps. It wasn’t from abuse (though looking back now, I can understand why DFS might have thought that, beyond the bruises). It was just the curse of active children who had very little padding to protect them when they inevitably fell or crashed.

My brother’s problem was actually relatively simple. He had hyperthyroidism. Once they realized the problem (which was made complicated by no one initially listening to my mother that yes, she was actually feeding him and could they please focus now because something’s clearly wrong) and worked out how to counter it long enough to get him to puberty where it straightened itself out, he stopped being so weedy. He grew up to be a very respectable 6′4″ with a linebacker’s build.

My problem wasn’t so simple. I would go through periods of time when I refused to eat foods that I had been obsessed with and wouldn’t eat anything else the week before. Most children hated trying new things, but I would seek out new flavors or textures and would tell everyone about the subtle differences in amounts of ingredients. I would go through periods of time when I was very sick with GI issues, for seemingly no reason, and my family’s home cure (crackers crumbled in milk) would only make it worse until I had spent a day or two just drinking jello water or Pedisure.

None of this was treated as something understandable. The explanations were things like picky eater and active imagination and stomach flu. It was only later, as an adult raising a child with similar issues, that I came across things like hyposensitivity, hyperesthesia, and lactose intolerance. It helped both Bug and I to know those words, and to understand that there were others with the same issue out there. I’m rather proud of Bug’s relationship with food, even with previous problem periods.

But I’m skipping parts.

When I was eight, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. I was put on medication, of course, and that did help with the mood swings and the more obviously related symptoms. But the med had another effect, as meds often do. It suppressed my appetite. I wasn’t very good at remembering to eat anyway and had problems keeping food down a lot, and now I didn’t seem to have a hunger signal.

My body thought I was starving, which yeah, I probably was (again, looking back with the clarity of hindsight). So it did what humans are so fucking great at: it adapted to survive. It stored everything it could, everything not immediately necessary for biological functions. This was probably made very difficult by my habit of preferring vegetables and fruits to things that had easily made-into-fat parts like meats and dairy. Grains were the closest that I came, and even those, I tended to avoid because they tended to make me itchy or sick. (Later, I would learn about gluten and its effect on autoimmune disorders.)

By the time I was thirteen, I was 5′4″, the same height I am now in my thirties, and I had a stomach that made me look four to five months pregnant. My limbs were still waif-like, with very little padding, though. My body was storing the fat predominantly in the hardest place to get rid of it.

I started getting the comments. You probably know the ones.

Are you sure you should eat that?

Maybe you could do with skipping a few meals.

Have you tried exercising? Or X diet?

I was thirteen, and people, complete strangers, were making judgements. Even worse was when family members made similar comments. So I became self-conscious about eating in front of others, preferring to simply not, and I started trying to change the topic whenever it came up. Being prone to research anyway, I started looking up diets and exercises with what could only be termed as obsessive compulsion.

And I grew thicker around the middle, while doctors and nurse tisked over my risking BMI and blamed the worsening health issues on overeating and simply eating the wrong things. Trying so hard to be healthy, I tried to follow their advice. I kept a food journal, only to be constantly reminded that I needed to include everything I ate or drank, not just what I thought they wanted to see. I cut portions and even skipped meals. I gave up sauces and dressings.

I stayed fat and got fatter. My body and I were at war with each other, both trying to do the best thing to keep me alive.

I got pregnant, complicating things further as hormones, morning sickness, and food cravings got added to the mix. Oh, and stress, as I failed to skip periods and nearly had a panic attack every single time I started, not even able to be comforted by movement most of the time because of the fat I carried around my middle having a “muffling” effect.

Things didn’t get better. For a long time, everything kept getting worse. Medical personnel would treat whatever health issues I had as a symptom of being overweight and their advice was always the same: cut portions, don’t eat X, and exercise more. If they had me keep a food journal, I would always face the accusation, both direct and not, of not recording everything or not doing so correctly. As I became the primary income as well caregiver for my daughters, I didn’t have time to exercise, but no one asked about the miles I walked back and forth to work or to run errands or chasing the girls around the park.

I was fat, so fat must be the problem.

Then my insurance stopped covering my med, and I had to switch. The new one had an even worse effect than merely suppressing hunger. It still did that, but it also caused weight gain. I gained sixty pounds in under three months. Already stressed as it was, my body couldn’t handle pushing 300 pounds, and my pancreas started having issues producing insulin.

I became diabetic. Only the diet they suggested didn’t help and in fact seemed to make everything even worse, with “weird” reactions like starches making my blood sugar plummet while “safe” foods like carrots or tomatoes making it skyrocket. The nutritionist I was assigned to scratched her head and assigned a food journal, and suggested a step monitor with daily recording but no set goal.

Then she did what no one else had ever done: she believed me when I said that I was recording everything, and doing so correctly. Do you know what looking at the data provided without assumption did? It revealed that I was routinely struggling to go over 1000 calories a day while I was routinely burning over 3500 calories in the same time frame. There was often days were I had caloric intakes of less than 500 because I had simply forgot to eat.

Disordered eating is what she called it, not deliberate enough to be anorexia, but still a problem. She pulled a Remus Lupin and instead of telling me to cut portions, she said eat and you’ll feel better. She recommended telling my psychiatrist to find another med and to not take ‘no’ for answer this time. This can’t continue, she said, or you’ll die.

She brought up that there were two types of diabetics: starch and sugar. Most diabetics are starch diabetics who benefit from avoiding things like bread, pasta, and potatoes while heaping on veggies indiscriminately. But sugar diabetics were different and really efficient at digesting simple sugars like those found in fruit and certain veggies which made their blood sugar spike just the same as candy but they benefited from ingesting more complex carbs like starches.

She brought up how studies had been showing that more than just celiacs needed to avoid gluten, that it caused flare-ups in everyone with autoimmune disorders which psoriasis had been discovered to be. She pointed out that I was likely lactose intolerant just like my Bug and how the same sources of dairy that were safe for her would be safe for me.

Don’t listen to them, she said, when they assume what makes fat. And she pointed me in the direction of nutritional (not diet) research. She gave me a list of tips on how to eat and things to discuss with my therapist, who was less enthused with the nutritionist’s conclusion about the importance of eating more instead of less, because I was fat so obviously couldn’t have any kind of eating disorder unless it was binging or overeating.

The therapist wasn’t the only one who didn’t understand. Family members continued to suggest whatever diet they were on or had heard about or just to not eat. But now I was armed with knowledge and the voice of a tiny redhead saying eat to get well or you’ll die, because you’ve been dying for a long time.

It’s not a magical fix. I still struggle. I still don’t like eating in front of others, preferring to either not or to get that part of things done as quickly as possible. I have mixed reactions to being asked if I should be eating things or if I think I should cut back. I still forget to eat sometimes, even though I’m getting better about remembering and most days now I remember at least one meal.

At 246 pounds and 5′4″, I’m fat and overweight, obese. People still judge me when I discuss having health issues, both mental and physical, and they still assume that it’s the fault of the weight instead of the weight just being a part of it. They still assume it’s my fault, a choice I made instead of a reaction to things.

My relationship with food is complicated and difficult to explain.

I just thought I would share, in case there is someone else out there in a similar situation, someone dying without knowing it and haven’t met their own tiny redhead to tell them to eat to get better.

You are not alone.

It’s okay to have a complicated relationship with food.

Eat.

[healthbetold]

‘Obesity is highly misunderstood; people usually equate food with weight gain’: Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker

Since obesity is a silent killer and a precursor to many diseases like that of the heart, PCOD, joint-related problems and more, bariatric surgery has increased worldwide, said Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker, bariatric surgeon. And just like any other surgery, bariatric surgery – a type of weight loss surgery – requires certain diet and lifestyle changes. But that doesn’t mean you have to go without your favorite foods, and that’s exactly what the expert shared in her new book Bariatric Recipes – A Global Cookbook from India, co-authored with her team and by nutritionist Mariam. written by Lakdawala and Miloni Shah Sancheti.

“Diet and nutrition are an integral part of any culture and the goal of bariatric surgery shouldn’t take the pleasure of dieting, “said Dr. Aparna and announced that you can find 85 recipes in the book, including for grams of dal and cabbage pancakes, ragi tikkis, healthy sliders.

“When it comes to nutrition after bariatric surgery, there are many recipe books in the western world that can help patients. Until now, no such food source has been available to Indian patients. Indian diet is unique and different from its western counterpart. So the recipes in this book will go a long way in helping patients cope with post-surgery demands, ”she added.

Excerpts:

What led to the conception of the book?

This book is a great resource for patients who have had bariatric surgery. There is a major dietary change after surgery and nutritional progression includes a liquid diet for 15 days, followed by a semi-solid diet for an additional 15 days, and then a normal solid diet. With over 15 years of experience, we’ve seen our patients struggle to find interesting meal options for each stage of the diet. So we considered creating a resource that would make post-bariatric care easier and more enjoyable. These recipes are healthy and can be tried by anyone, including those who have not had an operation.

There is a common misconception that you cannot enjoy food after having bariatric surgery. The surgery leads the patient to a healthier diet and lifestyle. Eating is an integral part of our culture and the purpose of this book was to provide guidance on how to eat healthily and yet not take away the joy of eating. It is possible to cook and eat with joy even after bariatric surgery Weight loss.

On what basis were the recipes for the book selected?

All recipes were contributed by qualified dietitians from around the world. The recipes are divided into three types – liquid, semi-solid and solid recipes. They were because of her nutritionally Composition. The focus of every recipe is on high protein and fewer fat and calories per serving.

Obesity is known as the “silent killer”; can you explain?

Obesity is mistakenly perceived as self-inflicted, and often a person with obesity is viewed as responsible. It still doesn’t evoke the same level of sympathy as other diseases like heart disease or cancer. obesity has a negative effect on the body – from head to toe. People with obesity are at higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, fat metabolism, lung and liver diseases, joint problems, PCOD, infertility, gout and so on. Obesity leads to a poor quality of life and is also associated with many psychological problems. There is a huge void when it comes to a deeper understanding of obesity. People still don’t consider it a disease, so they usually delay finding treatment. As with any other disease, early treatment is key and delayed treatment is denied, resulting in poorer outcomes.

Here’s why obesity is the leading cause of other diseases. (Source: Getty Images / Thinkstock)

What is bariatric surgery all about?

Bariatric surgery is currently the only effective therapy for weight loss in people with severe obesity. It also leads to a significant improvement in all obesity-related comorbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, PCOD, joint problems, and liver disease.

The mere mention of the word “surgery” is enough to instill fear in people. However, the operation is much more advanced and safer in the 21st century. Bariatric surgery is now performed laparoscopically, which involves 4 to 5 tiny incisions in the sub-centimeter range. laparoscopy is one of the friendliest innovations in surgery, resulting in less pain and earlier recovery. Most patients are discharged within 48 hours of surgery and can return to work within a week. Bariatric surgery is just as safe as any other operation. In fact, the complication rate of bariatric surgery is lower than that of other major surgeries.

What role does diet play in treating lifestyle disorders such as obesity?

Obesity is multifactorial. An unhealthy diet is one of the factors that contribute to weight gain in people predisposed to obesity. Of the 12 or so factors known to cause obesity, there are only a few that we can modify. We cannot change genetic factors. However, diet, physical activity, stress management and sleep hygiene are, to a certain extent, in our hands. Hence, a healthy diet and lifestyle is an important part of the treatment Strategy in dealing with obesity.

How important is it to lose weight under expert guidance?

Obesity needs to be treated early. But please do not be fooled by all the information on the Internet and turn to qualified weight loss professionals. Expert guidance is required for effective treatment.

How is diet after bariatric surgery different from normal home-cooked meals? Is it possible for everyone to hug?

After bariatric surgery, diet progression includes liquid food for 15 days, semi-solid food for the next 15 days, followed by normal solid food. However, patients cannot consume large amounts at once. The portions are limited and therefore the recipes included in the diet should be more nutritious and at the same time lower in calories. In this recipe collection, we have made sure that these requirements are met.

What are the most important points in post-bariatric nutrition?

Some important rules of a post-bariatric diet are: * The diet must consist of nutrient-rich foods. * Foods high in protein and fiber must be added to every meal. * The hydration must be maintained. * Healthy eating habits must be encouraged – eat slowly, chew well, avoid drinking liquids with meals, do not skip meals or take long breaks between meals. * Mindful eating must be encouraged.

Can people who want to lose weight also try these recipes?

Yes, these recipes can be included in the diet of those looking to lose or maintain weight. But a healthy diet alone is not enough. It definitely needs to be accompanied by physical activity, good quality sleep, and stress management techniques to keep any lifestyle-related illnesses at bay.

What are the myths about obesity in India?

Myth 1: Obesity is not a disease Obesity has emerged as one of the biggest killers of this century and urgent action is needed to contain this pandemic. Myth 2: Eating less is the only solution to weight loss Obesity is widely misunderstood and people typically equate food with weight gain. That is only partially true. In recent years we have moved away from this doctrine and we now know that obesity is multifactorial and that food is only one factor responsible for the disease process. Therefore, the solution cannot focus on food and nutrition alone. The obesity treatment strategy must be multi-pronged.

Myth 3: Those who weigh more are well nourished Obesity is the other end of the malnutrition spectrum and most of them have several Nutritional deficiencies. Excessive fat accumulation can lead to multiple deficiencies such as vitamin D, iron and also has an undesirable impact on bone health. Myth 4: A big belly is a sign of happiness and prosperity A big belly actually means poor health. People with big belly have higher levels of visceral fat, which can make them more prone to metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes. Myth 5: Obesity is the result of lack of willpower and lethargy This is one of the biggest myths and in the current scenario I would say that it shows the lack of understanding of the disease. Obesity has nothing to do with willpower or lethargy. Mostly these are the aftereffects of obesity and not the other way around.

It is important that your diet is high in fiber after bariatric surgery. (Source: Getty Images / Thinkstock)

What are other precautions a post-bariatric patient should take?

Patients after bariatric surgery have a very rewarding journey ahead of them. Some of the things to take care of are- * Focus on healthy eating * Have small portion sizes, chew well, and eat slowly. * You are not allowed to combine food and liquid * You need to stay away from sugar and high calorie Food * Avoid carbonated drinks whenever possible * You need to try to get 40-45 minutes of moderate exercise 4 to 5 times a week * Be regular with nutritional supplements * Maintain regular follow-up care with the bariatric team

For more lifestyle news, follow us: Twitter: lifestyle_ie | Facebook: IE Lifestyle | Instagram: ie_lifestyle

The post ‘Obesity is highly misunderstood; people usually equate food with weight gain’: Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker first appeared on Health be Told.

source https://healthbetold.com/obesity-is-highly-misunderstood-people-usually-equate-food-with-weight-gain-dr-aparna-govil-bhasker/

[livehealthynewsusa]

‘Obesity is highly misunderstood; people usually equate food with weight gain’: Dr Aparna Govil Bhasker

Since obesity is a silent killer and a precursor to many diseases like that of the heart, PCOD, joint-related problems and more, bariatric surgery has increased worldwide, said Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker, bariatric surgeon. And just like any other surgery, bariatric surgery – a type of weight loss surgery – requires certain diet and lifestyle changes. But that doesn’t mean you have to go without your favorite foods, and that’s exactly what the expert shared in her new book Bariatric Recipes – A Global Cookbook from India, co-authored with her team and by nutritionist Mariam. written by Lakdawala and Miloni Shah Sancheti.

“Diet and nutrition are an integral part of any culture and the goal of bariatric surgery shouldn’t take the pleasure of dieting, “said Dr. Aparna and announced that you can find 85 recipes in the book, including for grams of dal and cabbage pancakes, ragi tikkis, healthy sliders.

“When it comes to nutrition after bariatric surgery, there are many recipe books in the western world that can help patients. Until now, no such food source has been available to Indian patients. Indian diet is unique and different from its western counterpart. So the recipes in this book will go a long way in helping patients cope with post-surgery demands, ”she added.

Excerpts:

What led to the conception of the book?

This book is a great resource for patients who have had bariatric surgery. There is a major dietary change after surgery and nutritional progression includes a liquid diet for 15 days, followed by a semi-solid diet for an additional 15 days, and then a normal solid diet. With over 15 years of experience, we’ve seen our patients struggle to find interesting meal options for each stage of the diet. So we considered creating a resource that would make post-bariatric care easier and more enjoyable. These recipes are healthy and can be tried by anyone, including those who have not had an operation.

There is a common misconception that you cannot enjoy food after having bariatric surgery. The surgery leads the patient to a healthier diet and lifestyle. Eating is an integral part of our culture and the purpose of this book was to provide guidance on how to eat healthily and yet not take away the joy of eating. It is possible to cook and eat with joy even after bariatric surgery Weight loss.

On what basis were the recipes for the book selected?

All recipes were contributed by qualified dietitians from around the world. The recipes are divided into three types – liquid, semi-solid and solid recipes. They were because of her nutritionally Composition. The focus of every recipe is on high protein and fewer fat and calories per serving.

Obesity is known as the “silent killer”; can you explain?

Obesity is mistakenly perceived as self-inflicted, and often a person with obesity is viewed as responsible. It still doesn’t evoke the same level of sympathy as other diseases like heart disease or cancer. obesity has a negative effect on the body – from head to toe. People with obesity are at higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, fat metabolism, lung and liver diseases, joint problems, PCOD, infertility, gout and so on. Obesity leads to a poor quality of life and is also associated with many psychological problems. There is a huge void when it comes to a deeper understanding of obesity. People still don’t consider it a disease, so they usually delay finding treatment. As with any other disease, early treatment is key and delayed treatment is denied, resulting in poorer outcomes.

Here’s why obesity is the leading cause of other diseases. (Source: Getty Images / Thinkstock)

What is bariatric surgery all about?

Bariatric surgery is currently the only effective therapy for weight loss in people with severe obesity. It also leads to a significant improvement in all obesity-related comorbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, PCOD, joint problems, and liver disease.

The mere mention of the word “surgery” is enough to instill fear in people. However, the operation is much more advanced and safer in the 21st century. Bariatric surgery is now performed laparoscopically, which involves 4 to 5 tiny incisions in the sub-centimeter range. laparoscopy is one of the friendliest innovations in surgery, resulting in less pain and earlier recovery. Most patients are discharged within 48 hours of surgery and can return to work within a week. Bariatric surgery is just as safe as any other operation. In fact, the complication rate of bariatric surgery is lower than that of other major surgeries.

What role does diet play in treating lifestyle disorders such as obesity?

Obesity is multifactorial. An unhealthy diet is one of the factors that contribute to weight gain in people predisposed to obesity. Of the 12 or so factors known to cause obesity, there are only a few that we can modify. We cannot change genetic factors. However, diet, physical activity, stress management and sleep hygiene are, to a certain extent, in our hands. Hence, a healthy diet and lifestyle is an important part of the treatment Strategy in dealing with obesity.

How important is it to lose weight under expert guidance?

Obesity needs to be treated early. But please do not be fooled by all the information on the Internet and turn to qualified weight loss professionals. Expert guidance is required for effective treatment.

How is diet after bariatric surgery different from normal home-cooked meals? Is it possible for everyone to hug?

After bariatric surgery, diet progression includes liquid food for 15 days, semi-solid food for the next 15 days, followed by normal solid food. However, patients cannot consume large amounts at once. The portions are limited and therefore the recipes included in the diet should be more nutritious and at the same time lower in calories. In this recipe collection, we have made sure that these requirements are met.

What are the most important points in post-bariatric nutrition?

Some important rules of a post-bariatric diet are: * The diet must consist of nutrient-rich foods. * Foods high in protein and fiber must be added to every meal. * The hydration must be maintained. * Healthy eating habits must be encouraged – eat slowly, chew well, avoid drinking liquids with meals, do not skip meals or take long breaks between meals. * Mindful eating must be encouraged.

Can people who want to lose weight also try these recipes?

Yes, these recipes can be included in the diet of those looking to lose or maintain weight. But a healthy diet alone is not enough. It definitely needs to be accompanied by physical activity, good quality sleep, and stress management techniques to keep any lifestyle-related illnesses at bay.

What are the myths about obesity in India?

Myth 1: Obesity is not a disease Obesity has emerged as one of the biggest killers of this century and urgent action is needed to contain this pandemic. Myth 2: Eating less is the only solution to weight loss Obesity is widely misunderstood and people typically equate food with weight gain. That is only partially true. In recent years we have moved away from this doctrine and we now know that obesity is multifactorial and that food is only one factor responsible for the disease process. Therefore, the solution cannot focus on food and nutrition alone. The obesity treatment strategy must be multi-pronged.

Myth 3: Those who weigh more are well nourished Obesity is the other end of the malnutrition spectrum and most of them have several Nutritional deficiencies. Excessive fat accumulation can lead to multiple deficiencies such as vitamin D, iron and also has an undesirable impact on bone health. Myth 4: A big belly is a sign of happiness and prosperity A big belly actually means poor health. People with big belly have higher levels of visceral fat, which can make them more prone to metabolic diseases, particularly type 2 diabetes. Myth 5: Obesity is the result of lack of willpower and lethargy This is one of the biggest myths and in the current scenario I would say that it shows the lack of understanding of the disease. Obesity has nothing to do with willpower or lethargy. Mostly these are the aftereffects of obesity and not the other way around.

It is important that your diet is high in fiber after bariatric surgery. (Source: Getty Images / Thinkstock)

What are other precautions a post-bariatric patient should take?

Patients after bariatric surgery have a very rewarding journey ahead of them. Some of the things to take care of are- * Focus on healthy eating * Have small portion sizes, chew well, and eat slowly. * You are not allowed to combine food and liquid * You need to stay away from sugar and high calorie Food * Avoid carbonated drinks whenever possible * You need to try to get 40-45 minutes of moderate exercise 4 to 5 times a week * Be regular with nutritional supplements * Maintain regular follow-up care with the bariatric team

For more lifestyle news, follow us: Twitter: lifestyle_ie | Facebook: IE Lifestyle | Instagram: ie_lifestyle

source https://livehealthynews.com/obesity-is-highly-misunderstood-people-usually-equate-food-with-weight-gain-dr-aparna-govil-bhasker/

[jenniferjlearnv]

Laser Hair Removal and Hirsutism

Unwanted hair growth is a common aesthetic problem, but when it becomes an abnormal symptom of an underlying condition like Hirsutism, traditional techniques like waxing, shaving, and plucking only serve as temporary solutions. 

So does laser hair removal work for Hirsutism? Yes, laser hair removal is a viable treatment option for hirsutism patients, on top of PCOS medications and anti-androgens. In this article, we discuss how exactly laser hair removal can help with Hirsutism, and why it might be a better option compared to medical treatments. 

Hirsutism: Everything You Need To Know

Hirsutism is one of the most distressing symptoms of underlying medical conditions, causing severe anxiety and self-consciousness particularly in women. 

What Hirsutism Is and Its Common Symptoms

Hirsutism is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth in areas of the body that either normally grow fine and sparse hair or don’t grow hair at all. This can occur in both men and women, who each have specific patterns of hair growth according to their hormones. 

Hirsute female patients would grow a male type pattern of hair, which means thick facial hair, chest hair, back hair, and inner thighs. Male Hirsute patients also grow hair in these areas, but they are darker, thicker, and coarser almost to the point of extreme body oil production and hygiene problems.

What Causes Hirsutism

The first cause of Hirsutism is either an abnormal production of androgens or abnormal stimulation of the hair follicles. Androgens are the hormones responsible for the development of male reproductive characteristics, the most common one being testosterone. This would explain women diagnosed with Hirsutism growing beards and mustaches, or getting deeper voices than their female peers. 

Another cause is the intake of certain medications like estrogen, opium, and steroids. Some steroids are prescribed by doctors to treat hormonal issues like delayed menstrual cycles in women, but there have been recorded cases of Hirsutism as a side effect of the hormone-inducing compound. 

Other drugs that can cause Hirsutism include the following: 

DIAZOXIE is used to treat symptoms of hypertension and severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) following pancreatic cancer surgery. It can cause Hirsutism because it induces enzymes that make testosterone more active. 

DANAZOL is a synthetic androgen commonly used to treat fibrocystic breast disease in females and hereditary angioedema. It affects the ovaries and pituitary gland and prevents the release of certain hormones. Its androgenic effects have been known to cause Hirsutism as a side effect.

FLUOXETINE or PROZAC is a drug used for treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and panic attacks.

PHENYTOIN or DILANTIN  is often used as an anti-seizure medication, with Hirsutism as one of its many side effects.

CYCLOSPORIN is used to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as to prevent organ rejection following kidney, heart or liver transplant. It often causes unwanted hair growth because it stimulates hair epithelial cell proliferation. 

MINOXIDIL is used to treat male pattern baldness and promotes growth of hair for both men and women, but excess liquid that runs down on the face from the scalp may trigger unwanted facial hair growth. It has also been recorded to be absorbed by the blood and cause Hirsutism as a side effect.

ACITRETIN or SORIATANE is another drug for treating severe psoriasis with Hirsutism as one of its side effects

STREPTOMYCIN is an antibiotic anti-TB drug with Hirsutism as one of its side effects

The third cause of Hirsutism is likely to be any underlying medical condition that relies on androgen-stimulating medications. 

Among the most common are PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, compromised thyroid, and anorexia: 

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS): Hirsutism is perhaps one of the most distressing symptoms of  PCOS in women, adding to a list of other abnormalities like irregular periods, obesity, infertility and sometimes multiple cysts on the ovaries.

CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA: This is a genetic condition that causes abnormal production of steroid hormones, including androgen and cortisol, the hormones responsible for secondary sex hair growth. 

THYROID: Scientists are still struggling to prove how thyroid causes hair growth indirectly, but historically, there is a correlation between an under-active thyroid and abnormal hair growth.

ANOREXIA: Excessive hair growth is one of the body’s defense mechanisms against starvation, which is an effect of anorexia, along with other eating disorders like bulimia. 

Rare cases of abnormal hair growth between eyes or on the forehead is called hypertrichosis, and can be caused by any of the medical conditions mentioned above. 

There are still some rare cases of Hirsutism that up to now have no identifiable causes linked to them. Hormones are always tricky, but they’re not unsolvable.

What Treatments Are Available for Hirsutism 

Treatment for Hirsutism is not absolutely necessary if doctors find that it isn’t linked to severe conditions like endocrine malfunction or ovarian cysts. More often than not, treatment of the underlying medical conditions can also indirectly affect and inhibit the growth of hair, but there are other remedies that target hair growth specifically, with laser hair removal being one of them.

1) Medication 

Hirsutism medications usually take up to six months, which is the average life cycle of a hair follicle, before you can see any significant change. These include anti-androgens and oral contraceptives for androgen-caused Hirsutism; and Eflornithine (Vaniqa) cream for women with facial hair. 

2) Proper diet

Hirsutism in women has been associated with excess insulin in the bloodstream, leading to a spike in circulating androgen and insulin-like growth factor. Switching to foods like non-starchy vegetables, legumes, antioxidant foods, and fruit are good remedies to insulin imbalance. Avoiding fatty sugary foods can also help regulate the production of hormones, specifically androgens.

3) Vitamin e and B6 Supplements 

Yes, supplements can go a long way in tempering abnormal hair growth, especially given that it’s a hormone-induced condition. Vitamin E in particular normalizes the production of androgen in the body, while Vitamin B6 reduces prolactin, a hormone that stimulates testosterone. 

Some of the richest sources of these vitamins are fish, avocados, organ meats, soybeans, walnuts, peanuts, bananas, sunflower seeds, safflower oil, peanut butter, corn oil, wheat germ oil, and broccoli. 

4) Laser Hair Removal 

If all else fails, cosmetic treatment is the way to go. Laser Hair Removal uses pulsed light to target hair at the follicles and significantly reduce hair regrowth by 90%. With laser hair removal, Hirsutism patients can easily manage overgrown hair without consistent upkeep. With regular use, laser hair removal may also diminish hair regrowth over time. 

Laser Hair Removal: Does It Work For Hirsutism?

Laser hair removal is the perfect resort for Hirsute patients who aren’t fully satisfied with the results of medical therapy. This is especially true for cases that aren’t particularly caused  conditions that cause hormone imbalance, or cases that have no identified causes at all. 

It’s one thing to know that your prescribed medication can help lessen excessive hair growth, and another thing when the cause is unclear and therefore difficult to target. Luckily, laser hair removal doesn’t need to know the cause to get its work done. 

How Laser Hair Removal Works 

The technology used in hair removal by lasers is based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, a very precise microsurgery technique that matches specific wavelengths of light to damage the hair follicles. The “selective” part here means that it cannot affect the epidermis, or the outermost layer of the skin. 

During treatment, melanin (the pigment in the hair) absorbs the light emitted from the lasers, and converts that light energy into heat, effectively damaging the hair follicles and inhibiting hair growth. 

For this to work and yield the best results, the following reminders are advised: 

1) Take precautions

The cardinal rule to any cosmetic procedure is to consult with a certified clinician first. Whether or not you are a Hirsute with an underlying medical condition, it’s important to make sure that you are eligible for laser hair removal before undergoing it. Certain skin conditions, medical prescriptions, and medical histories can give you higher health risks than potential benefits, so taking the effort to confirm will save you time and worry. 

2) Consider the skin type and hair type

Your skin and hair type will come into play because not all lasers work on all skins. Melanin, the pigment responsible for your hair color, is also what absorbs the light energy from laser therapy. This means that darker hair, or hair with more melanin are less prone to burning than red and blonde hair is. This also explains why there are different lasers and different treatment schedules for each patient. Generally, people with hair darker than their skin tone require less treatment time because the laser can easily detect the hair follicles to target. 

3) Know when to book an appointment

Your laser hair removal treatment is best scheduled when your hair is in its active growth cycle, or the anagen phase. At any given time, almost 10%–15% of your hair may be in the catagen or telogen stage, which is why sessions are often scheduled 4-6 weeks apart to allow all follicles to grow and restart the cycle. 

How Effective Is Laser Hair Removal VS Other Treatments? 

One of the main selling points of laser hair removal, with or without Hirsutism is the little to no risk of irritation or skin damage from shaving, and little discomfort from stubble growth. 

For Hirsute patients particularly, the promise of 80-90% of their hair losing regrowth ability may exactly be the result they need for easier maintenance and higher self-confidence.

Listed below are other treatment methods and how they compare to laser hair removal:

Effect on Hair:Longevity of Results:RisksShavingOnly targets the surface level of hair, causes rougher regrowth of hair2-3 days, depending on genesRazor burns, causes bumps and ingrown hairsWaxingWeakens the hair follicle, causing finer hair regrowth4-6 weeks, depending on frequency of treatmentPainful Burns the skin, causes irritationPluckingRemoves Hair from the roots just underneath the skin3-5 weeks, depending on frequencyPainful and time-consuming, Causes ingrown hairs, HyperpigmentationHair Removal CreamDissolves body hair 5-7 days, depending on amount of cream used and treated area First to second degree chemical burns, skin irritation, skin darkening, allergic reactionLaser Hair RemovalDamages hair follicles and inhibits hair growth About 80-90% of the hair never grow backRedness and irritation 

How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost For Hirsute Patients

The price of laser hair removal varies widely on the type of laser used, skin type, and medical well-being of a patient.

Patients with light hair and light skin or dark hair and dark skin will usually need a more elaborate and longer treatment plan due to the increased difficulty in detecting hair and hair follicles. Because the lasers need to be able to “see” the hair and selectively burn its roots, the most ideal candidates that need the least number of sessions are the fair to olive-skinned ones with darker hair.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, one session of laser removal can fall anywhere between $250 to $600, depending on the size of the area being treated. 

Collecting the estimates from this study will produce this list of price ranges per session:

half legs – $250 to $650

half arms – $250 to $650

bikini area (regular) – $150 to $450

bikini area (Brazilian) – $250 to $500

upper lip – $100 to 300

full face – $250 to 650

underarms – $150 to $250

chest – $150 to $450

back – $300 to $400

On average, most treatments are finished within 3-6 sessions, but patients with Hirsutism usually require more, especially when targeting larger areas like the back or areas with fine or wisps of hair like the cheeks and upper lip.

Things To Consider Before Booking An Appointment 

Hirsute Patients have many things to consider before booking an appointment for a laser hair removal service. Usually, med spas that do offer it are licensed to conduct various hormonal tests, especially for testosterone levels, as these may influence the patient’s response to laser therapy. 

Some of the underlying medical conditions behind Hirsutism like PCOS, thyroid dysfunctions, and adrenal hyperplasias may also affect the longevity of the results and therefore the total number of treatments needed, but not significantly. 

Finally, the price of a laser hair removal session largely depends on the lasers being used. More than 15 laser systems are FDA-approved and commercially available in most cosmetics clinics today. Each of them (ruby, alexandrite, diode, Q-switched and long-pulsed neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet, and intense pulsed light sources), with their own depth of penetration and wavelengths. People with Hirsutism usually need either alexandrite and diode laser systems, and in some cases, a combination of both. These are also the most expensive lasers in the market.

For those eligible for and interested in the treatment, you can expect to spend $300 per session and several thousand dollars in total. But because treatments are spread a number of weeks apart, usually payments can also be done in increments. Certain med spas even offer discounts for clients that can pay for several sessions at once, or opt for multiple areas in one session. 

When you consider the costs of minimizing hair growth and eliminating the need for routinely wax sessions or new blades, laser hair removal is right on par. 

We all have different relationships and levels of comfort with body hair, but those with Hirsutism consider removal to be a necessity for their hygiene, comfort, and confidence.

Say Goodbye to All Your Unwanted Hair With the Help of Ethos Spa

Whether you will undergo laser hair removal for cosmetic purposes or to address a medical condition, it is important to consult a professional that can customize a plan for you based on your needs. 

You can trust the doctors and staff at Ethos Spa to listen to your needs and light the path for the journey to your hair-free, worry-free, and happier self. 

The post Laser Hair Removal and Hirsutism appeared first on Ethos Spa.

source https://www.myethosspa.com/laser-hair-removal-and-hirsutism/ from Ethos Spa, Skin and Laser Center https://myethosspa1.blogspot.com/2020/12/laser-hair-removal-and-hirsutism.html

[melissahail]

Laser Hair Removal and Hirsutism

Unwanted hair growth is a common aesthetic problem, but when it becomes an abnormal symptom of an underlying condition like Hirsutism, traditional techniques like waxing, shaving, and plucking only serve as temporary solutions. 

So does laser hair removal work for Hirsutism? Yes, laser hair removal is a viable treatment option for hirsutism patients, on top of PCOS medications and anti-androgens. In this article, we discuss how exactly laser hair removal can help with Hirsutism, and why it might be a better option compared to medical treatments. 

Hirsutism: Everything You Need To Know

Hirsutism is one of the most distressing symptoms of underlying medical conditions, causing severe anxiety and self-consciousness particularly in women. 

What Hirsutism Is and Its Common Symptoms

Hirsutism is a condition characterized by excessive hair growth in areas of the body that either normally grow fine and sparse hair or don’t grow hair at all. This can occur in both men and women, who each have specific patterns of hair growth according to their hormones. 

Hirsute female patients would grow a male type pattern of hair, which means thick facial hair, chest hair, back hair, and inner thighs. Male Hirsute patients also grow hair in these areas, but they are darker, thicker, and coarser almost to the point of extreme body oil production and hygiene problems.

What Causes Hirsutism

The first cause of Hirsutism is either an abnormal production of androgens or abnormal stimulation of the hair follicles. Androgens are the hormones responsible for the development of male reproductive characteristics, the most common one being testosterone. This would explain women diagnosed with Hirsutism growing beards and mustaches, or getting deeper voices than their female peers. 

Another cause is the intake of certain medications like estrogen, opium, and steroids. Some steroids are prescribed by doctors to treat hormonal issues like delayed menstrual cycles in women, but there have been recorded cases of Hirsutism as a side effect of the hormone-inducing compound. 

Other drugs that can cause Hirsutism include the following: 

DIAZOXIE is used to treat symptoms of hypertension and severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) following pancreatic cancer surgery. It can cause Hirsutism because it induces enzymes that make testosterone more active. 

DANAZOL is a synthetic androgen commonly used to treat fibrocystic breast disease in females and hereditary angioedema. It affects the ovaries and pituitary gland and prevents the release of certain hormones. Its androgenic effects have been known to cause Hirsutism as a side effect.

FLUOXETINE or PROZAC is a drug used for treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and panic attacks.

PHENYTOIN or DILANTIN  is often used as an anti-seizure medication, with Hirsutism as one of its many side effects.

CYCLOSPORIN is used to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as to prevent organ rejection following kidney, heart or liver transplant. It often causes unwanted hair growth because it stimulates hair epithelial cell proliferation. 

MINOXIDIL is used to treat male pattern baldness and promotes growth of hair for both men and women, but excess liquid that runs down on the face from the scalp may trigger unwanted facial hair growth. It has also been recorded to be absorbed by the blood and cause Hirsutism as a side effect.

ACITRETIN or SORIATANE is another drug for treating severe psoriasis with Hirsutism as one of its side effects

STREPTOMYCIN is an antibiotic anti-TB drug with Hirsutism as one of its side effects

The third cause of Hirsutism is likely to be any underlying medical condition that relies on androgen-stimulating medications. 

Among the most common are PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, compromised thyroid, and anorexia: 

POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS): Hirsutism is perhaps one of the most distressing symptoms of  PCOS in women, adding to a list of other abnormalities like irregular periods, obesity, infertility and sometimes multiple cysts on the ovaries.

CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA: This is a genetic condition that causes abnormal production of steroid hormones, including androgen and cortisol, the hormones responsible for secondary sex hair growth. 

THYROID: Scientists are still struggling to prove how thyroid causes hair growth indirectly, but historically, there is a correlation between an under-active thyroid and abnormal hair growth.

ANOREXIA: Excessive hair growth is one of the body’s defense mechanisms against starvation, which is an effect of anorexia, along with other eating disorders like bulimia. 

Rare cases of abnormal hair growth between eyes or on the forehead is called hypertrichosis, and can be caused by any of the medical conditions mentioned above. 

There are still some rare cases of Hirsutism that up to now have no identifiable causes linked to them. Hormones are always tricky, but they’re not unsolvable.

What Treatments Are Available for Hirsutism 

Treatment for Hirsutism is not absolutely necessary if doctors find that it isn’t linked to severe conditions like endocrine malfunction or ovarian cysts. More often than not, treatment of the underlying medical conditions can also indirectly affect and inhibit the growth of hair, but there are other remedies that target hair growth specifically, with laser hair removal being one of them.

1) Medication 

Hirsutism medications usually take up to six months, which is the average life cycle of a hair follicle, before you can see any significant change. These include anti-androgens and oral contraceptives for androgen-caused Hirsutism; and Eflornithine (Vaniqa) cream for women with facial hair. 

2) Proper diet

Hirsutism in women has been associated with excess insulin in the bloodstream, leading to a spike in circulating androgen and insulin-like growth factor. Switching to foods like non-starchy vegetables, legumes, antioxidant foods, and fruit are good remedies to insulin imbalance. Avoiding fatty sugary foods can also help regulate the production of hormones, specifically androgens.

3) Vitamin e and B6 Supplements 

Yes, supplements can go a long way in tempering abnormal hair growth, especially given that it’s a hormone-induced condition. Vitamin E in particular normalizes the production of androgen in the body, while Vitamin B6 reduces prolactin, a hormone that stimulates testosterone. 

Some of the richest sources of these vitamins are fish, avocados, organ meats, soybeans, walnuts, peanuts, bananas, sunflower seeds, safflower oil, peanut butter, corn oil, wheat germ oil, and broccoli. 

4) Laser Hair Removal 

If all else fails, cosmetic treatment is the way to go. Laser Hair Removal uses pulsed light to target hair at the follicles and significantly reduce hair regrowth by 90%. With laser hair removal, Hirsutism patients can easily manage overgrown hair without consistent upkeep. With regular use, laser hair removal may also diminish hair regrowth over time. 

Laser Hair Removal: Does It Work For Hirsutism?

Laser hair removal is the perfect resort for Hirsute patients who aren’t fully satisfied with the results of medical therapy. This is especially true for cases that aren’t particularly caused  conditions that cause hormone imbalance, or cases that have no identified causes at all. 

It’s one thing to know that your prescribed medication can help lessen excessive hair growth, and another thing when the cause is unclear and therefore difficult to target. Luckily, laser hair removal doesn’t need to know the cause to get its work done. 

How Laser Hair Removal Works 

The technology used in hair removal by lasers is based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, a very precise microsurgery technique that matches specific wavelengths of light to damage the hair follicles. The “selective” part here means that it cannot affect the epidermis, or the outermost layer of the skin. 

During treatment, melanin (the pigment in the hair) absorbs the light emitted from the lasers, and converts that light energy into heat, effectively damaging the hair follicles and inhibiting hair growth. 

For this to work and yield the best results, the following reminders are advised: 

1) Take precautions

The cardinal rule to any cosmetic procedure is to consult with a certified clinician first. Whether or not you are a Hirsute with an underlying medical condition, it’s important to make sure that you are eligible for laser hair removal before undergoing it. Certain skin conditions, medical prescriptions, and medical histories can give you higher health risks than potential benefits, so taking the effort to confirm will save you time and worry. 

2) Consider the skin type and hair type

Your skin and hair type will come into play because not all lasers work on all skins. Melanin, the pigment responsible for your hair color, is also what absorbs the light energy from laser therapy. This means that darker hair, or hair with more melanin are less prone to burning than red and blonde hair is. This also explains why there are different lasers and different treatment schedules for each patient. Generally, people with hair darker than their skin tone require less treatment time because the laser can easily detect the hair follicles to target. 

3) Know when to book an appointment

Your laser hair removal treatment is best scheduled when your hair is in its active growth cycle, or the anagen phase. At any given time, almost 10%–15% of your hair may be in the catagen or telogen stage, which is why sessions are often scheduled 4-6 weeks apart to allow all follicles to grow and restart the cycle. 

How Effective Is Laser Hair Removal VS Other Treatments? 

One of the main selling points of laser hair removal, with or without Hirsutism is the little to no risk of irritation or skin damage from shaving, and little discomfort from stubble growth. 

For Hirsute patients particularly, the promise of 80-90% of their hair losing regrowth ability may exactly be the result they need for easier maintenance and higher self-confidence.

Listed below are other treatment methods and how they compare to laser hair removal:

Effect on Hair:Longevity of Results:RisksShavingOnly targets the surface level of hair, causes rougher regrowth of hair2-3 days, depending on genesRazor burns, causes bumps and ingrown hairsWaxingWeakens the hair follicle, causing finer hair regrowth4-6 weeks, depending on frequency of treatmentPainful Burns the skin, causes irritationPluckingRemoves Hair from the roots just underneath the skin3-5 weeks, depending on frequencyPainful and time-consuming, Causes ingrown hairs, HyperpigmentationHair Removal CreamDissolves body hair 5-7 days, depending on amount of cream used and treated area First to second degree chemical burns, skin irritation, skin darkening, allergic reactionLaser Hair RemovalDamages hair follicles and inhibits hair growth About 80-90% of the hair never grow backRedness and irritation 

How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost For Hirsute Patients

The price of laser hair removal varies widely on the type of laser used, skin type, and medical well-being of a patient.

Patients with light hair and light skin or dark hair and dark skin will usually need a more elaborate and longer treatment plan due to the increased difficulty in detecting hair and hair follicles. Because the lasers need to be able to “see” the hair and selectively burn its roots, the most ideal candidates that need the least number of sessions are the fair to olive-skinned ones with darker hair.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, one session of laser removal can fall anywhere between $250 to $600, depending on the size of the area being treated. 

Collecting the estimates from this study will produce this list of price ranges per session:

half legs – $250 to $650

half arms – $250 to $650

bikini area (regular) – $150 to $450

bikini area (Brazilian) – $250 to $500

upper lip – $100 to 300

full face – $250 to 650

underarms – $150 to $250

chest – $150 to $450

back – $300 to $400

On average, most treatments are finished within 3-6 sessions, but patients with Hirsutism usually require more, especially when targeting larger areas like the back or areas with fine or wisps of hair like the cheeks and upper lip.

Things To Consider Before Booking An Appointment 

Hirsute Patients have many things to consider before booking an appointment for a laser hair removal service. Usually, med spas that do offer it are licensed to conduct various hormonal tests, especially for testosterone levels, as these may influence the patient’s response to laser therapy. 

Some of the underlying medical conditions behind Hirsutism like PCOS, thyroid dysfunctions, and adrenal hyperplasias may also affect the longevity of the results and therefore the total number of treatments needed, but not significantly. 

Finally, the price of a laser hair removal session largely depends on the lasers being used. More than 15 laser systems are FDA-approved and commercially available in most cosmetics clinics today. Each of them (ruby, alexandrite, diode, Q-switched and long-pulsed neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet, and intense pulsed light sources), with their own depth of penetration and wavelengths. People with Hirsutism usually need either alexandrite and diode laser systems, and in some cases, a combination of both. These are also the most expensive lasers in the market.

For those eligible for and interested in the treatment, you can expect to spend $300 per session and several thousand dollars in total. But because treatments are spread a number of weeks apart, usually payments can also be done in increments. Certain med spas even offer discounts for clients that can pay for several sessions at once, or opt for multiple areas in one session. 

When you consider the costs of minimizing hair growth and eliminating the need for routinely wax sessions or new blades, laser hair removal is right on par. 

We all have different relationships and levels of comfort with body hair, but those with Hirsutism consider removal to be a necessity for their hygiene, comfort, and confidence.

Say Goodbye to All Your Unwanted Hair With the Help of Ethos Spa

Whether you will undergo laser hair removal for cosmetic purposes or to address a medical condition, it is important to consult a professional that can customize a plan for you based on your needs. 

You can trust the doctors and staff at Ethos Spa to listen to your needs and light the path for the journey to your hair-free, worry-free, and happier self. 

The post Laser Hair Removal and Hirsutism appeared first on Ethos Spa.

source https://www.myethosspa.com/laser-hair-removal-and-hirsutism/ from Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center http://myethosspacom.blogspot.com/2020/12/laser-hair-removal-and-hirsutism.html

[paleorecipecookbook]

6 Ways to Naturally Beat Anxiety (Plus the 7 Best Foods to Eat)

An expected rush of energy or tension than manifests from a future or potentially looming situation can be a good thing—your body is telling you to focus and pay attention. But it can also be extremely stressful for people who are prone to regular anxiety problems. (1) When the proportion of anxiety for a situation is distorted or magnified, or your symptoms overrun your life, it’s time to find better ways to address it instead of just passing it off as temporary or a form of excitement.

What Causes Anxiety?

The symptoms of nervousness, anxiety, and excitement can all be quite similar:

Racing heart and increased pulse

Sleeplessness

Tension

Confusion

Cold sweats

Stomach upset or “flip-flops”

Dry mouth

The causes for anxiety disorders are not pinned down officially but are most likely caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, physiological, and developmental factors. (2)

Can Anxiety Be Naturally Improved?

If you are privy to this special high-anxiety club, you know where I am coming from when I say that I will try just about anything to alleviate stress when and where I can. High anxiety is terrible.

As an instant gratification nation, we are always up for the quickest fix when it comes to losing weight, avoiding colds, and yes, even alleviating symptoms of anxiety and stress. A pill, a fad diet, a shot: often time these are very necessary, but like most things, when you are diligent, disciplined, researched, intentional, and thorough in your daily choices, you can have a healthy trickle-down effect throughout all of your bodily functions, systems, and even your psyche.

If you are already maintaining a clean diet, you may notice less of these ailments surfacing in your life. Eating clean means more than just keeping fit and physically in shape, it also means keeping your mood sound and stable as well! You may not see the quick-fix effects of the shortcuts, but when healthy practices become your lifestyle, the perks keep coming and have longer lasting results.

Not only is it important to avoid foods that may spike contributing symptoms of anxiety, but to also eat foods that promote well-being and mental fitness. Below are some mood supporting methods and tips for happy-mind boosting meals and preparations, as well as some things to avoid in your diet when it comes to irritability and stress. You may just need a few tweaks here and there to see massive results in the mind, mood, and mental health arena.

Please note: we aren’t saying that all anxiety can be eaten away. Anxiety and other mental health disorders can be serious, so if you’re struggling, make sure that you seek out help from a qualified professional immediately.

Cravings and Overeating

Cravings are like deficient little soldiers screaming, “You want crunchy, salty, sweets NOW, or this plane is going down!” It is easy to cave and grab processed and refined snacks when we are already feeling bad.

Anxiety and depression can be like parasites. They feed on refined empty carbs, growing and growing, taking over and developing more cravings and addictions. We crave processed foods and quick fixes like sugary snacks and caffeine because they falsify happiness feelings by spiking blood sugar and energy levels. The crash is hard and fast, causing your system to go into overdrive. Now your organs and your brain are both stressed out.

The habits of giving in to cravings associated with moods can quickly lead to binges or completely falling off the wagon. The guilt of eating processed foods alone is enough to give you feelings of anxiety. A too-full tummy disrupts healthy digestion and sleep, not to mention shame and discomfort.

Overeating can also be triggered by stress. Even if you are eating healthy foods, overeating is not good for your physical or mental health. Eating consistently and thoughtfully is the best way to avoid a two-hour binge marathon on either junky or healthy foods. Too much is too much.

6 Ways to Naturally Combat Anxiety

When you’re tired of the cycle of anxiety, over-eating, stress-eating, or falling into junk food cravings, there are some simple ways to start a pattern of healthiness. These six tips can not only lead to more balanced eating, but they can help to curb anxiety patterns or to help lead to better mental wellness.

1. Cut Out the Sugar

Break the blood sugar crashing cycle and eat regularly. This helps to avoid junk food cravings. Incorporating foods into your diet with natural sweetness like carrots and apples can help train your taste buds into appreciating natural flavors over caustic and artificial ones.

Avoid processed foods and pay attention to food additives that create spikes and affect your mood. If you are already maintaining a Paleo lifestyle, you may notice that cutting out sugar (even Paleo forms) and starchier carbohydrates can decrease your cravings even more. Sticking with very minimally processed and whole foods is the easiest way to be sure you aren’t eating refined sugars on a daily basis.

2. Eat Regularly

Most people are familiar with being ‘hangry,’ which is the more adorable way of communicating that you are so hungry that you are actually angry. You may have low blood sugar, which is causing this irritability, anxiety, and even panic.

Keeping your blood sugar steady means maintaining your serotonin production, which is a chemical that is naturally occurring in the human body that is said to contribute to mood stabilization. (3) Eating regularly, especially meals that are balanced by healthy fats and proteins, can provide balance.

3. Go Caffeine Free

Being over-caffeinated can cause dehydration, which can be linked with depression and other anxiety symptoms. (4) Coffee promotes alertness and awakeness, but can also cause irritability and major jitters as well as being disruptive of restful sleep patterns.

Quitting java cold turkey has similar effects so if you are interested in giving caffeination the boot, phase it out slowly by drinking bone broth or golden milk, or use bulletproof coffee for a more gentle and time-released caffeine fix.

If you’re like me and you love the ritual of hot coffee in the morning, you may need to find something else to replace it. Consider waking up and going into an immediate 10-minute meditation or morning stretch session, or switch your hot cup of morning brew to herbal tea.

4. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated can help with a plethora of anxiety-prompted ruts. (5) Your body runs more smoothly when it has plenty of water, not just from drinking it, but also from eating water-packed foods, like fruits and leafy greens.

Start your day, before you do anything else, by drinking a large glass of water. If you want to follow with a hot beverage of some kind afterward, that’s fine, too. But water is irreplaceable when it comes to being a healthy person, mentally and physically.

5. Manage Your PMS

If you are already maintaining a clean diet void of all the common triggers, take your eating a few steps further by focusing on hormone balancing. Menstrual irregularities, as well as reproductive hormones in general, can contribute to food cravings, anxiety, and mood imbalances.

Herbal tea preparations like red raspberry and supplements like chaste tree berry can help to naturally temper problematic cycles. Magnesium citrate can also aid in reducing cramping and other muscular discomforts, while promoting a calm nervous system and mind. (6,7,8)

Additionally, using a tracking method for your cycle can help to identify anxiety patterns related to hormones, which can better equip you to address them.

6. Avoid Junk foods

Foods that are riddled with sugar and additives, or are deep fried, packaged, and highly processed are void of nutrients and can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety. This is because they interfere with the normal bacterial balance in the gut. Your gut is important for not only your physical health but your mental health as well. (9)

The psychological and physical connection between the brain and the gut is a two-way street. Your brain sends signals to your gut, but your gut also sends signals to your brain. Anxiety or nervousness can be either a cause of or a product of poor digestion, or both.

Fried and processed foods are typically low in fiber and saturated with denatured and often rancid, low quality cooking oil. Foods like these will either move through your gastrointestinal tract quickly, causing diarrhea, or sit there too long, causing constipation or other digestive problems. If you want to keep your anxiety in check, avoid foods that do not nourish you and which also mess up your gut.

7 Best Nutrients to Eat for Anxiety

While you can improve anxiety by following the six tips above, there are also specific nutrients and foods that can effectively reduce anxiety and work toward bringing more balance and calm to the body.

1. Amino Acids

Amino acids are building blocks within the body. They are core components of proteins, but they also fulfill duties of creating neurotransmitters and producing hormones. Nine out of 20 amino acids are essential, eight of which we need to live and function. The only way to get these essential amino acids is from outside sources, like diet.

Amino acids like tyrosine and tryptophan make the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which regulate mood and ease symptoms of aggression. (10) Getting these essential amino acids is important for many reasons, some of which have everything to do with mental health and neurological development.

Foods that are naturally rich in essential amino acids include:

Eggs

Pineapple

Nuts and seeds

Turkey

Spirulina

Parsley

Figs

Leafy greens

Cacao

Avocados

2. Protein

Eating high quality protein will also supply your body with essential amino acids that are necessary for neurological health. (11) Not only will you feel fuller longer, but your body will be able to effectively build and repair muscle tissue, as well as maintain a steady production of neurotransmitters to combat anxiety.

Foods that are the best sources of clean protein include:

Eggs

Grass-fed beef

Pastured pork

Free range chicken

Wild caught tuna

Chia seeds

Hemp seeds

Pumpkin seeds

3. Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, best known for its sleep-inducing effects after gorging on Thanksgiving turkey. Eating foods rich in tryptophan can increase your production of serotonin, which can make you feel calm. (12)

Serotonin is a chemical produced by the brain to regulate mood, and tryptophan is key for the body’s production. Your body does not produce tryptophan on its own, so eating foods rich in this amino acid is essential.

Foods rich in tryptophan include:

Turkey

Nuts

Seeds

Red meat

Chicken

Seafood

Eggs

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are well-known for their effect on alleviating symptoms of depression as well as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (13)

Oily fish contain docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are the two primary amino acids found in omega-3s. Certain plants, seeds, and nuts are sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which converts into both DHA and EPA in the body.

A diet rich in omega-3s can alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, improve cognition, and even temper aggression. (14)

Foods rich in omega-3s include:

Sardines

Mackerel

Halibut

Salmon

Oysters

Flax seeds

Chia seeds

Sea vegetables

Walnuts

5. Folate

Folate refers to tetrahydrofolate derivatives, which are naturally found in foods, as opposed to folic acid which is a synthetic compound that is fully oxidized. Folic acid is a manmade nutrient usually found in fortified foods and supplements. The two terms used interchangeable quite often when it comes to talking about nutrients, but they aren’t at all the same thing.

Folate is required for numerous body processes, including mood balance and neurological development. Folate coenzymes are required for the metabolism of several important amino acids as well as other essential body processes and conversions. Because some people lack the ability to convert folic acid into usable folate, eating foods that have naturally occurring folate is essential for brain and body health.

Foods rich in natural folate include:

Eggs

Spinach

Collard greens

Mustard greens

Romaine

Asparagus

Broccoli

Citrus fruits

Berries

Sunflower seeds

6. Vitamin B

The B family of vitamins is broad, but most notably B6 and B12 have extensive benefits for energy metabolism and nervous system function. Research shows that B12 has a major impact on depression and neurotransmitters and that even a slight deficiency can produce significant symptoms. (15) B6, along with folate, help B12 to be properly absorbed and utilized, and a deficiency in one can result in symptoms of deficiency in others.

Foods naturally rich in B vitamins include:

Poultry products

Bananas

Clams

Oysters

Mussels

Crabs

Eggs

Beef and other red meats

Almonds

7. Vitamin D

Lack of vitamin D, particularly in the winter months, is a major contributor to the winter blues or seasonal affective disorder. Sunshine is the most potent source of vitamin D, thanks to the liver’s ability to use cholesterol to convert skin exposure into this usable nutrient, so in those gloomy months when there is next to none, it’s important to increase vitamin D in other ways. There aren’t many dietary sources that are high in vitamin D, so consulting a practitioner and using a high-quality vitamin D3 supplement may be beneficial.

Foods that contain some vitamin D include:

Liver

Egg yolks

Mushrooms

Fish eggs

Salmon

Bottom Line

Anxiety can range from being an irritation to a debilitating problem. When it impacts your personal and professional life, and natural wellness aids don’t seem to help, make sure that you consult a qualified practitioner to find answers for your health needs.

The post 6 Ways to Naturally Beat Anxiety (Plus the 7 Best Foods to Eat) appeared first on PaleoPlan.

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[flutterbyfairy]

yes to all of this!!

i have multiple physical disabilities, including fibromyalgia (professionally diagnosed) and probably ME/CFS (but the only doctor that's actually taken me seriously left so i haven't gotten an actual diagnosis) which requires me to use a wheelchair when i go anywhere. i'm also type one diabetic. and all of these are chronic illnesses and disabilities.

having type one diabetes is doing all the work for one of your organs; it's constant pricking your fingers to check your blood sugar, injecting yourself multiple times a day (for me it's usually about four), treating lows and highs even when they make you feel like you're half dead, and every moment of your life being a life or death situation. yes, when our blood sugar is in a good range we can function like an abled person for a while. but it's only for a while. like @exasperated-diabetic said, ableds tell us if we try hard enough, if we do everything "right" we can lead an apparently abled life. but the thing is, that's impossible. you can do everything "right" and still have blood sugars that make you feel so sick you can't think or walk or do anything but try to treat it and desperately hope you don't end up in hospital where condescending doctors will think you just weren't trying hard enough. almost everything effects blood sugar, not just food and insulin. exercise, hormones, emotions, the weather. to be type one diabetic is to deal with all of this, all day everyday, and never get a break.

to refer to the spoon theory, you use double the spoons an abled person would because you're constantly having to check your blood sugar and the carbs in what you eat, calculate how much insulin to take, then inject it, and proceed to worry about going low or high. and everytime one of the uncontrollable variables or just the fact that you're a frickin human who can't be a perfect pancreas constantly means that your blood sugar goes out of range, you lose a spoon. and then another trying to treat it. you're never gonna have as much energy or freedom as an abled person, but you also have to deal with the ableism of people making fatphobic jokes and dismissing your struggles as just some trivial punishment you earned for eating too much sugar (which, by the way, isn't how any type of diabetes works. i'm mostly talking about type one in this because that's what i have experience with but no diabetic is at fault for their condition, and anyone who has a chronic form of diabetes [e.g. type one or two, but not gestational] is chronically ill and disabled).

not sure how much sense i made cause ironically i was treating a low while writing this, but to summarise: type one diabetics deal with the same loss of energy, draining medical requirements, higher risk for comorbilities (other autoimmune conditions, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, just to name a few), and ableism that most chronically ill/disabled people do. we are chronically ill, we are disabled, and no amount of being a "good diabetic" will change that. diabetes is disabling. but that doesn't mean we aren't trying, and it doesn't make us worth any less.

Chronically ILL

Someone I respect pointed out that type 1 diabetics are often left out of the chronically ill conversation. Which is kind of hilarious seeing as there’s no cure and it affects every aspect of our existence. Are we not “sick enough”? Because let me tell you, diabetes can fucking kill you at any moment. It’s an exhausting disease that requires constant vigilance. I’ve been battling it for 22 years and it never, for a second, gets easier. It gets less overwhelming sometimes, but it sure does love to kick you when you’re down.

Everything affects it and it affects everything. For example, a cold is not just a cold when you’re diabetic. A cold is a balancing act. It forces your sugars up and you have to walk a very fine line between underreacting and overreacting. There are actual guidelines for sick days since getting sick can be so disastrous.

So I guess I’m just baffled as to why there are people gatekeeping illness. It’s deeply ingrained too, because it took me YEARS to realize that, yes, I am chronically ill. But how does it detract from your place at the table to allow diabetics in? Validate us, dammit. 

I guess I don’t really have a grand point here.

[rootindiahealthcare]

Foods to Help Fight Depression

One of the most overlooked aspects of mental health is nutrition. Food plays an important role in our physical health as well as our mental and emotional health. When you are struggling with depression, thinking about eating the right foods can seem a bit odd. However, some of these small changes in your diet can help reduce your symptoms; and have a positive effect on your daily life. Can foods help with depression? Whatever your dietary preferences, there are so many varieties with options that can provide mood-boosting results. Needless to say that you need to overcome your eating habits and only consume these foods, but be aware of which foods affect your mood, any symptoms of depression. Can help you manage symptoms better. Fish : Omega-3 There are no wild-caught fish to help fight depression, especially the more oily types such as salmon, mackerel, trout, sardines, and tuna (canned). Why? Because they are rich sources.

Omega-3 helps to make connections between fat brain cells as well as strengthen and strengthen receptor sites for neurotransmitters. So, increasing omega-3s in your diet can help improve serotonin production and mood. What's more, the researchers analyzed 26 previously published studies (involving more than 150,00 participants) that examined the link between fish consumption and the risk of depression. The study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, found that those who consumed the most fish were less likely to experience symptoms of depression. The findings proved that more clinical trials are needed to explore the role of omega-3 fatty acids in depression and mental health. Nuts Although other nuts such as cashews, brazil nuts, and hazelnuts are helpful in supplementing omega-3 fats, walnuts seem to be winners in this category. Walnuts are known to support overall brain health, one of the highest plant-based sources of omega-3s and a great source of protein to help maintain blood sugar levels in healthy balance .

One study found that those who consumed a quarter cup of walnuts daily had a depression score of 26 percent. The researchers examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which originates from a large sample of more than 26,000 American adults. They found that adults who ate nuts and especially walnuts were likely to have higher levels of optimism, energy, hope, concentration, and greater interest in activities. Beens

Beans are a great source of protein and fiber, both helping to maintain stable and consistent blood sugar levels. In addition to helping reduce blood sugar spikes and dips that can affect our mood, beans are also an excellent source of folate. Folate is a B vitamin that helps the body to use vitamin B12 and amino acids, helping the body to detox cells and create new cells. Forbate contains plenty of Garbanzo beans (also known as chickpeas), which provide more than 100 percent of the daily recommended value in just half a cup. Pinto beans are another great option, offering 37 percent folate of the daily recommended price with half a cup served. Seed If you struggle with depression then flaxseed and chia seeds are amazing additions to your diet. Along with some of the other foods mentioned, these two types of seeds are particularly great sources of omega-3 fats. Just one tablespoon of chia seeds provides about 61 percent of your daily recommended intake of omega-3 and one tablespoon of flaxseed provides about 39 percent of the daily recommendation. As you can see, these 2-seeds pack a powerful bunch if you are looking for small ways to improve your diet and your mood too.

Pumpkin and squash seeds are a great addition to tryptophan. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that produces niacin and helps to make serotonin. Although turkey is what most people think of when hearing the word tryptophan, there are many other food sources that provide high amounts of this essential amino acid. Pumpkin and squash seeds, near the top of the list, provide about 58 percent of the recommended daily intake of tryptophan with just one ounce. Poultry Chicken and turkey are both great sources of lean protein that can help stabilize blood sugar levels while keeping your mood well balanced during the day. In addition to being a reliable source of lean protein, turkey and chicken breasts are known to provide high amounts of tryptophan.

Again, it is beneficial because it helps to make serotonin, which helps us maintain healthy sleep and balanced mood. Just 3 ounces of roasted chicken breast provides 123 percent of the recommended daily intake of tryptophan. Many of us already eat chicken breasts on a regular basis, but do not eat more during our week. Many of us already eat chicken breast regularly, but including more lean protein such as turkey and chicken during your week can help you increase your intake of tryptophan. The vegetables Yes, you need to eat your vegetables! While this is important for everyone, eating vegetables can help a lot if you are struggling with depression. One reason is that low levels of folate have been found in people without depression in the diet. Folate, fiber, and other nutrients make vegetables, especially deep-leaf greens, an amazing choice when looking for foods to help improve food and stabilize mood. Leafy green vegetables are also a good source of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). ALA is one of the three main types of omega-3 fatty acids, the other two being DHA and EPA. When considering vegetables to help increase your omega-3s, powerful players are Brussels sprouts, spinach, kale, and watercress. Probiotics

More and more research is linking good gut health to good mental health. Numerous studies have found that microorganisms living in your stomach, including probiotics, can play an important role in mood by helping to reduce inflammation in your body, produce feel-good neurotransmitters, and affect your stress response. This may explain how high-to-average numbers of people with irritable bowel syndrome develop depression as well as anxiety. Foods with probiotics include Curd Tempeh Miso Tofu Sour cabbage An ingredient foods In general, it is best to allow your body the freedom to digest foods as close to its natural state as possible. Many processed foods or things that you might find in a convenience store are loaded with preservatives and offer very little to no nutritional benefits. Your body is trying to understand what to do with this type of food, and it can disrupt or rob your body (and mind) the vital nutrients and energy that it needs to function at its best Needed. Are foods not helpful for depression? If you are experiencing depression, it is important to know what not to eat. Unfortunately, many of these foods are people who often change when they have a rough day. Of course, nothing in moderation will harm you, but being aware of the negative effects of certain foods can help make better food choices on your mental health. Sugar We know that sugary foods and drinks are not good for our body. What you may not feel is that the way sugar can affect your waist, it can also affect your mood. There are food choices all around us that are filled with sugar such as cakes, cookies, cereals, drinks, and even spices such as barbecue sauce, salad dressings, and more.

You may be surprised how many foods are considered "healthy", yet contain extraordinary amounts of sugar. Examples of such tricky foods are granola bars, energy bars, trail mix and honey roasted nuts. Keep in mind that sugar will not always be labeled as "sugar" on the ingredient list. To be on the lookout for added sugar, you might also want to look at the following conditions: Corn syrup High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) Dextrose fructose honey lactose maltose sucrose Be conscious of your choice, and limit foods that are high in sugar, especially with added sugar. Keeping your blood sugar levels more evenly balanced through the day can help keep your mood more balanced, too. Why do you crave when you are sad Refined grains Just with sugar, we are surrounded by processed foods that use refined grains. The term refined refers to forms of sugars and starches that do not exist in nature, as psychiatrist and nutritionist Drs. Georgia is described by Ade, MD. She goes on to share that, "If you are looking at a sweet or starchy whole meal that you will absolutely get into nature, then you are seeing an unrefined carbohydrate."   Many of the foods we look for for convenience are things that can hijack your mood. Foods such as white rice, pasta, crackers, bread, chips, and leftover foods are loaded with refined carbohydrates that give little to no nutritional value and rob key B vitamins in the digestive process. Load your diet with these refined carbohydrate foods will take your blood sugar levels on a roller coaster ride throughout the day, which can also result in low mood and fatigue symptoms. Alcohol

If you are struggling with depression, it is in your best interest to limit alcohol. Alcohol is a depression and can cause impaired vision, judgment, and reaction time. Many alcoholic drinks can actually be quite sweet. Here, we are talking about, a way to sabotage your mood and cause blood sugar levels to rise and crash. Although some research has shown that small amounts of alcohol, such as red wine. That can be helpful. It is in your general interest to clarify this clearly if you are struggling with depression.  "Alcohol will not solve any of your health problems, as suggested by Ed; because none of the health problems are caused by alcohol deficiency." Co-recurring Disorders: Mental Health Issues and Addiction Caffeine Yes, caffeine can help you start your day with a boost. However, it can crash later in the day, and can make you feel like you need more to gain energy. Many Americans find themselves more caffeinated, as we drink coffee and energy drinks regularly. A moderate amount of caffeine; two to three cups per day, however, has been linked to a lower risk of suicide. A better option is green tea. In addition to the antioxidant benefits; green tea is also known to provide theanin. An amino acid that provides an anti-stress benefit that can be helpful for people struggling with depression. A word from RootIndia Our bodies interact with the foods we eat and the choices we make each day. That can affect our body's ability to function. While there is no specific diet, that has been proven to reduce depression. We can see that there are foods rich in nutrients that can help keep our minds healthy. It is a sensible idea to talk with your medical provider before making significant modification to your diet plan. Remember to be patient with yourself as you start trying new foods and give your body time to keep pace with the changes you are making. Making better food choices can help with your overall health and at the same time it can positively impact your emotional well-being. Read the full article

[healthyandfitness-diy]

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A lot of people struggle with weight loss as their attempts are often unsuccessful. This could be a consequence of a hormone, known as leptin, which prevents healthy weight loss. It is released by the cells and its function is to balance the levels of energy and the body weight. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and then binds to the receptors in the center for appetite in the brain and signalizes the brain to determine how much food the body needs.

HormonalImbalance, Leptin Resistance and Obesity

Furthermore, it improves the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and thus, it encourages the fat tissues to burn energy. However, in a lot of cases the body can develop leptin resistance. This may occur in situations when the blood doesn’t reach the targets for appetite control or when the receptors bound by leptin fail to function properly and don’t signal the cells to respond to the hormone. As a result, the person is overweight or obese and is unable to lose weight.

Leptin resistanceis also directly tied to insulin levels. Many people these days are Leptin resistant and there are many health problems tied to this problem. High leptin levels have been tied to high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease andstroke, as well as blood sugar related problems.

High levels of Leptin and the accompanying leptin resistance can also decrease fertility, age you more quickly and contribute to obesity.

Another important hormone whose excess level could lead to weight gain is ‘cortisol’.  Levels of "the stress hormone," cortisol, rise during tension-filled times. This can turn your overeating into a habit. Because increased levels of the hormone also help cause higher insulin levels, your blood sugar drops and you crave sugary, fatty foods.

Excess weight gain creates inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, leading to additional accumulation of fat, which in turn disrupts the hormonal balance in the body, and causes diseases and various conditions.

If the leptin levels have been high for a longer period of time, the individual could lose sensitivity to it, which further results in the brain failing to obey the signals for speeding up the metabolism and stop eating.

The following are the most common symptoms of leptin resistance:

v  Weight gain

v  Cravings

v  Stress eating

v  Late night eating

v  Highblood pressure

v  Difficulty falling and staying asleep

v  Inability to lose weight

v  Sugar cravings

v  Highlevel of triglycerides

v  Anxiety

v  Lack of motivation

v  Need for snacks after meals

v  Tiredness after meals

Factors that Contribute to Leptin Resistance

As with all hormone issues, Leptin resistance is a complex issue with no singular cause, but there are many factors that can negatively impact Leptin levels including:

Ø  Fructose consumption (especially in forms like High Fructose Corn Syrup)

Ø  High stress levels

Ø  Consumption of a lot of simple carbs

Ø  Lackof sleep

Ø  Highinsulin levels (vicious cycle here)

Ø  Overeating

Ø  Exercising too much, especially if your hormones are already damaged

Ø  Grain and lectin consumption

         How To Reverse Leptin Resistance And Maintain Hormonal Balance?

   Is the resistance treatable?

The answer is, yes. To burn belly fat, you need to balance hormones regulation your the belly fat — insulin, leptin, cortisol, growth hormone, and adiponectin.

Follow these 3 strategies to balance your hormones and lose weight:

WEIGHT LOSS STRATEGY NO 1: Foods you should stop consuming -

     1.      Limit Fructose

Fructose is the most metabolically dangerous sugar, as it does not signal the brain that you are full. It goes directly to the liver where it gets stored as fat and stimulates insulin and leptin resistance. This, in turn, causes inflammation, a stressed liver, and belly fat.

2.      Avoid Gluten and Dairy Products

Gluten and dairy products are the most common food intolerances, and their avoidance will help you lose weight, and treat inflammation, and insulin resistance. Before buying packed food check the label, if it contains gluten.

3.      Avoid Sugar craving

Give up those sugary drinks for just a few weeks and see the difference. Research also suggests that carbohydrate at breakfast is important to help guard against abdominal obesity. Quickly digested carbohydrate foods with a high glycemic index (GI) – e.g. white bread, refined cereals, pastries – are less effective at promoting weight loss because they spike blood sugar and insulin, which can trigger hunger and inhibit the breakdown of body fat. Stop consuming high-calorie beverages.

4.      Avoid Alcohol

Avoid alcohol if you intend to lose weight. Alcohol has also been shown to inhibit the secretion of leptin, which might explain why alcohol increases your appetite and subsequent calorie intake over 24 hours when consumed. Alcohol also increases insulin resistance. Alcohol interferes with your sleep cycle once you’re out. A disturbed sleep, change the hormonal balance in your body, which results to weight gain and increased belly fat.

WEIGHT LOSS STRATEGY NO 2: Foods you should consume -

     1.      Power up with protein

Adding protein to breakfast slows digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness throughout the morning. Studies suggest protein-rich solid foods curb appetite better than protein-rich drinks. Breakfast foods high in protein include egg whites, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, regular yogurt, low fat milk, turkey breast, smoked salmon and tofu.

2.      Add healthy carbohydrates

Eating carbohydrate-rich foods such as whole grains and fruit at the morning meal fuels your brain and muscles. Foods with a low GI release sugar more slowly into the bloodstream and don’t produce an outpouring of insulin. Low GI breakfast foods include grainy breads, steel cut and large flake oats, 100 per cent bran cereal, oat bran, apples, citrus fruit, grapes, pears, nuts, milk, yogurt and soy beverages.

3.      Have Omega 3 Fatty Acids:

Eat Foods Rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Omega 3 Fatty Acids can help which reverse the harmful effects of fructose, and is also high in other beneficial nutrients, so it helps you lose weight, and improve your memory and learning skills. Takeing more Omega-3s and minimize your Omega-6 consumption (vegetable oils, conventional meats, grains, etc) to get lower inflammation and help support healthy leptin levels.. Fishes like salmon, Mackerel and Herring are rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Also include walnuts, almonds and flaxseeds in your diet.

4.      Increase your Adiponectin levels

Adiponectin is a protein which is involved in regulating glucose levels as well as fatty acid breakdown. Adiponectin works between fat cells and the brain, so its low levels stimulate storage of fat in the body, and vice versa. If you raise its levels, your body will burn fat. Therefore, consume more pistachios and pumpkin seeds, and get at least 35 grams of fiber daily, to optimize its levels.

Vegetables like spinach have certain enzymes and antioxidants which stimulate the protein hormone. Pumpkins and pumpkin seeds also do the same.

Monounsaturated fats: Research has found that replacing saturated fat with monounsaturated fat caused increases in adiponectin levels. Even better monounsaturated fats seem to redistribute fat away from your belly.You can find monounsaturated fats in: Avocados, Olive oil, Macadamia nuts, Peanuts and Sesame Oil.

Exercise: Studies have shown that the more you move… the higher your adiponectin levels. Any exercise will do, just make sure to remain consistent. What I also like is that the fatter you are the more adiponectin is created through exercise

WEIGHT LOSS STRATEGY NO 3: Healthy Lifestyle Changes -

     1.      Practice High-intensity interval training

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) helps you burn body fat. This workout includes exercising at a high intensity for 30-75 seconds, with a 2-3 minute break in between, consisted of exercising at a lower intensity. Any exercise will do, just make sure to remain consistent. Further, more adiponectin is created through exercise.

2.      A Mini Fast

Intermittent fasting is an effective tool to lose weight. Intermittent fasting will help you reduce reducing visceral fat. It can help you eat fewer calories and optimize numerous hormones related to fat loss. Insulin: Insulin increases when we eat. When we fast, insulin decreases dramatically. Lower levels of insulin facilitate fat burning. Human growth hormone (HGH): Levels of growth hormone may skyrocket during a fast, increasing as much as 5-fold. Growth hormone is a hormone that can aid fat loss and muscle gain, among other things. Norepinephrine (noradrenaline): The nervous system sends norepinephrine to the fat cells, making them break down body fat into free fatty acids that can be burned for energy.

Research suggests an 18-hour window for women and a 16-hour window for men of intermittent fasting will help you reduce reducing visceral fat and lose weight.

3.      Get Enough Sleep

Leptin imbalance might also be a consequence of sleep deficiency and sleep disorders; therefore, you should get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily. All in all, if you have problems with weight loss, make sure you check your leptin levels first. Research in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism has shown that sleeping fewer than six hours reduces leptin and stimulates ghrelin: causing you to feel hungrier and less satiated! You need to sleep 7-8 hours every night in order to burn belly fat, as sleep controls cortisol and insulin levels in the body.  Within just four days of sleep deprivation, your body’s ability to properly respond to insulin signals begins to diminish (University of Chicago researchers found a 30% drop insulin sensitivity caused by lack of sleep). When you’re not responsive to insulin, fat cells are far less able to release fatty acids and lipids to produce energy, blood glucose remains higher, and any extra fats and sugars circulating in your blood cause you to pump out even more insulin. When you don’t sleep enough, your cortisol levels rise. Not only does cortisol up-regulate food reward centers in your brain that make you want to eat more food, but cortisol can also inhibit the breakdown of fat for energy and increase breakdown of muscle.

4.      ManageStress

Chronic stress boosts cortisol levels in the body, causing weight gain, storage of fat, and the breakdown of muscles. Levels of "the stress hormone," cortisol, rise during tension-filled times. This can turn your overeating into a habit. It is a must to find an activity that relaxes you, such as meditation, exercise, walking, yoga, essential oil baths, reading, etc. 

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How To Reverse The Number One Cause of Infertility - PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is responsible for as much as 70 percent of infertility issues in women. In fact, this disorder affects one out of every ten women of childbearing age, and yet, few women are aware of PCOS and its symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Before we explore why PCOS happens and how we can reverse it, we must first get familiar with it. Here are the most common symptoms of PCOS:

irregular periods

amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation)

trouble conceiving a child

infertility

fatigue

mood swings

low sex drive

weight gain

trouble losing weight

acne

hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the face, abdomen, chest, and back)

thinning hair

From fatigue to infertility to unsightly hair growth, these symptoms are a random assortment of things that no man or woman would ever want to experience. Could these all be a part of one disorder?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. However, there is a silver lining — all of the PCOS symptoms point to the same underlying cause.

Related Reading: Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones

What Causes Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

To understand how PCOS happens, we must understand the nature of this disease.

When we dig through the research the first evidence we come across is that women with PCOS have an increased risk for:

hypertension

dyslipidemia

insulin resistance

obesity

glucose intolerance

diabetes

These conditions are all a manifestation of poor lifestyle choices (overeating and inactivity), but we cannot draw the same conclusion about PCOS by looking only at its associated risks. Let’s look a bit deeper into the cells of a woman with PCOS (I know it sounds a bit creepy, but bear with me here.)

Must Read: The Top 10 Supplements You Can Use To Reverse Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The common consensus among PCOS researchers is that most women with PCOS have higher levels of insulin and insulin resistance than normal women. This is an important clue that points us to the cause of PCOS.

How Insulin and Insulin Resistance Cause PCOS

You probably already know by now that insulin resistance has something to do with diabetes and obesity, but did you know that it can also cause infertility and other PCOS symptoms? Let’s find out how.

When cells are consistently resistant to insulin, insulin levels continue to rise. High insulin levels trigger the ovaries to produce more androgens, including testosterone. Insulin also decreases the production of sex-hormone binding globulin — a glycoprotein that prevents testosterone from freely entering cells.

Related: Diabetes, Endocrine Functions of the Pancreas, and Natural Healing

With more androgen production and less sex-hormone binding globulin, free testosterone freely floats through the blood and interacts with cells. This is not a good thing for a woman’s health, leading to mood swings, fatigue, low sex drive, acne, and other PCOS symptoms.

As androgen levels continue to increase, they stimulate 5-alpha reductase activity — an enzyme that converts testosterone to a more potent metabolite called DHT. (You may be familiar with DHT as one of the instigators of male pattern baldness and thinning hair.)

Although genetics play a role in PCOS as well, the disorder will not progress without the presence of high insulin levels and insulin resistance. To create a chronic state of insulin resistance and elevated insulin levels, it takes a combination of poor lifestyle habits that contribute to many common diseases.

The Seven Lifestyle Factors That Cause PCOS

If you want to prevent PCOS or reverse it (or improve your health rapidly), avoid these things:

high sugar foods

excess calorie consumption

chronic stress

inactivity

too much exercise

exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (e.g., Bisphenol A, Methylparaben, Nicotine, Sodium Fluoride, PBDEs/PCBs, etc. )

having a high percentage of body fat (being overweight or obese)

having a low percentage of body fat due to unhealthy calorie restriction

Each one contributes to PCOS in some way. High sugar foods, excess calorie consumption, and inactivity increase insulin levels and insulin resistance, making PCOS worse. Chronic stress, over-exercising, and having a low body fat percentage will increase cortisol levels, creating more insulin resistance.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can also exacerbate PCOS symptoms. These chemicals can cause hormonal imbalances and cell damage, so it is important to avoid consuming them or putting them on your skin.

However, avoiding these PCOS contributors may not completely reverse the disorder. To get the best results, you need to follow a diet that addresses the underlying cause of PCOS — insulin resistance.

Is There a PCOS Diet?

The scientific literature on diets for PCOS is sparse. However, the researchers of a treatment review suggest that PCOS women will do best by eating complex carbohydrates and avoiding sugar. This suggestion was confirmed in one study on the effects of low-glycemic index diet in women with PCOS.

To find more convincing evidence for a PCOS diet, we must look at the diets that are most helpful for addressing the disorders underlying causes. After sifting through the research, the low-carbohydrate diet is the clear winner. It is more effective at reducing insulin levels and insulin resistance than every other diet it was put up against.

There is one important caveat. Carbohydrate restriction may cause stress and make PCOS worse for some women. This is why it is important for women with PCOS to follow the guidelines below.

Related: 80% Raw Food Diet

The New And Improved PCOS Diet

A low-carbohydrate diet can help many women reverse their PCOS. For some women, however, carbohydrate restriction may cause excess stress and keep them from getting results. This is why it is important to follow these guidelines to create the right PCOS diet for you:

1. Restrict Carbohydrate and Sugar Intake

Experts suggest that women should eat between 75 and 150 grams of carbohydrates to maintain fertility and improve insulin levels. It is important to avoid consuming refined sugar as well. The best way to do this is by sourcing your carbohydrates from whole plant foods like leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, root vegetables, and legumes.

Related: Are Low-Carbohydrate Diets Healthy for Women? How Do Carbs Affect Fertility and Pregnancy?

2. Eat High-Fiber Vegetables With Every Meal

High-fiber vegetables, like broccoli, kale, and spinach, can help combat insulin resistance and reduce inflammation. Have them with every meal for best results.

3. Eat Enough Calories to Achieve Your Ideal Weight

If you are overweight or unhealthily skinny, tracking your calories can help you reach a healthy weight. (I prefer to use MyFitnessPal to calculate calorie goals and increase my awareness of what I’m eating.) After about a month or so of tracking your calories, you’ll develop a greater intuitive sense of how to maintain a healthy weight.

By following these guidelines, you will be able to lower your insulin levels, balance your hormones, and reverse many of the PCOS symptoms. However, the wrong lifestyle can still get in the way of the right diet. This is why it is important to follow the lifestyle tips below to improve your health even further.

The Lifestyle That Helps Reverse PCOS

Combining a vegetable-rich sugar-free diet with exercise, sleep, and meditation is one of the most efficient ways to reverse PCOS.

1. Exercise

What kind of exercise should you do? It’s up to you. Many different types of exercise have been found to help women with PCOS including resistance training, aerobic exercise, and yoga.

Make sure you are getting at least 30 minutes of low to moderate intensity exercise, like yoga, cycling, or a brisk walk, every day. (Add in resistance training, three days a week, for even better results.)

It is also important to prioritize stress reduction as well. The more stressed you are, the more insulin resistant your cells will be. This will cause an increase in insulin levels and PCOS symptoms. The simplest way to reduce stress levels? Sleep and meditation.

2. Sleep

The most efficient way to reduce stress levels is with sleep. However, getting quality sleep may be more difficult for women with PCOS. In a review published in Human Reproduction, researchers found that “sleep disturbances were twice as common in women with PCOS,” and women with PCOS especially had difficulty falling asleep.

However, there is some good news for these women. Sleep disturbances will most likely be cleared up by the diet and lifestyle suggestions in this article so that they can finally get a restful sleep. For those that still struggle with sleep issues after following our suggestions, meditation will help tremendously.

3. Meditation

Studies have shown that meditation lowers cortisol levels and improves blood sugar levels, which creates a reduction in insulin resistance and insulin secretion. Meditating 30 minutes before you plan on going to sleep is a great way to improve sleep quality and reduce stress at the same time.

Putting it all Together — The Ideal Diet and Lifestyle for Women with PCOS

Here’s a simple breakdown of the diet and lifestyle that will help reverse PCOS:

Limit sugar and carbohydrate intake

Eat high-fiber, low-carbohydrate vegetables with each meal

Eat enough calories to achieve your ideal weight (use MyFitnessPal to assist you with that)

Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day

Meditate every night before sleep

Make sure you are getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night

and last but not least:

If you need more help, consider using the natural supplements that you will find in this article to reverse PCOS. 

Editor’s Note:

Eliminate wheat, eliminate candida, and consider progesterone (I particularly like this Progesterone Plus with black cohosh and chasteberry) – but if the wheat and candida are eliminated you shouldn’t need progesterone (or any of the other aforementioned supplements).

Best Supplements To Kill Candida and Everything Else You Ever Wanted To Know About Fungal Infections

Recommended Reading:

The Top 10 Supplements You Can Use To Reverse Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Are Low-Carbohydrate Diets Healthy for Women? How Do Carbs Affect Fertility and Pregnancy?

Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones

Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included

Sources:

Insulin Resistance and the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Mechanism and Implications for Pathogenesis — Oxford Academic

Polycystic ovary syndrome: etiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis — Nature

Can My Diet Relieve Symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? — Healthline

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) — Deep Dyve

The effects of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet on the polycystic ovary syndrome: A pilot study — BioMed Central

Dietary Composition in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review to Inform Evidence-Based Guidelines — Science Direct

No. 1 Cause of Infertility? Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome — Dr. Axe

Cortisol-Induced Insulin Resistance in Man: Impaired Suppression of Glucose Production and Stimulation of Glucose Utilization due to a Postreceptor Defect of Insulin Action — Oxford Academic

Abdominal fat and what to do about it — Harvard Health Publications

State of the science of endocrine disrupting chemicals – 2012 — World Health Organization

Effect of a low glycemic index compared with a conventional healthy diet on polycystic ovary syndrome — American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION IS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPROVED GLYCEMIC CONTROL IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: A PILOT STUDY — ProQuest

Effect of buddhist meditation on serum cortisol and total protein levels, blood pressure, pulse rate, lung volume and reaction time — Science Direct

The effect of flaxseed supplementation on body weight and body composition: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 45 randomized placebo-controlled trials — Wiley Online Library

The Effect of Flaxseed Supplementation on Hormonal Levels Associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Case Study — NCBI

Sleep Duration, Exercise, Shift Work and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome-Related Outcomes in a Healthy Population: A Cross-Sectional Study. — NCBI

Sleep disturbances in a community-based sample of women with polycystic ovary syndrome. — NCBI

Effect of a yoga program on glucose metabolism and blood lipid levels in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome. — NCBI

Effects of a holistic yoga program on endocrine parameters in adolescents with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. — NCBI

Effects of supervised aerobic training on the levels of anti-Mullerian hormone and adiposity measures in women with normo-ovulatory and polycystic ovary syndrome. — NCBI

Resistance Exercise Impacts Lean Muscle Mass in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. — NCBI

Systematic review and meta-analysis of dietary carbohydrate restriction in patients with type 2 diabetes — BMJ

How To Reverse The Number One Cause of Infertility – PCOS was originally published on Organic Lifestyle Magazine