Human beings on an average lose about hundred hairs a day from the scalp. Most of them grow back over a period of time. But due to some reasons which could be general health, hormonal imbalance, deficiencies, hairstyle changes, extreme climatic conditions, water contamination and many other internal and external factors, hair loss is more than the new hair which grows back. This results in baldness or scanty hair over a period of time.

The following are a few simple tips to prevent hair loss.

Everyday natural tips

� One hour before you go to bed, open a clove of garlic and rub the slices on the hairless area. Massage the scalp thoroughly with olive oil and then cover your head with a cap before going to bed.

� Massage the scalp everyday with a teaspoon of honey and half a cup of onion juice.

� Before going to bed every night, rub the scalp with sesame oil. Rinse with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and wash thoroughly with a good shampoo.

Periodical tips

� You can soak fenugreek in tepid water overnight and massage the liquid on your scalp. Cover your head with a cap and leave it for 3 hours. Rinse it thoroughly. You can repeat this process at least once in a month to promote good hair health and growth.

� Take half of raw onion and massage the scalp before going to bed. Cover your head with a cap and go to bed. Rinse it with mixture of warm water and apple cider the next morning and wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo.

� Massage corn oil on the scalp and wrap you head with a cloth soaked in warm water. Leave it for one hour. Rinse your hair with a mixture of tepid water and apple cider and wash it with shampoo.

� Massage your scalp at least for three nights in a week with olive oil and leave it overnight. Rinse with a mild shampoo the next morning. It removes the trapped dirt, grease and oil in the hair and clears the pores allowing the hair to grow. This also gives thicker hair.

Lifestyle tips

� Drink green tea every day. Target at least taking four cups on a daily basis. Some people may not like the taste or not have the time. In this case, it comes in the capsule form and can be consumed for hair growth.

� Consume foods rich in the vital nutrients required for hair growth – vitamin b, vitamin d, biotin, protein, copper, zinc, magnesium and iron. Spinach, chicken, eggs, almonds and turkey are good sources of these nutrients and promote hair growth.

Choosing shampoos

Shampoos containing a chemical called Sodium Laureth Sulphate have to be avoided. Though it removes oil and dirt, it affects hair growth. Hence, while purchasing your favourite brand next time, read the product label and check whether this ingredient is present.

Hair loss prevention products in the market

� There are various hair loss prevention solutions in the market. You can try out �natural products� free of chemicals as they are safe to use and do not cause any adverse reactions on the scalp.

� Try and avoid products which have chemical content in them in order to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

The hair care industry has grown huge in terms of research and investments worldwide. This is because more people are now more conscious of their physical looks, and much attention is also given to the hair as an important physical asset. There are a lot of hair treatments and hair products which if used would result to good, thick and healthy hair. There are now hair loss shampoos currently available with the same promise of keeping your hair as healthy and thick for as long as possible. But the reality of it all, one has to learn more about these hair products and treatments as well as the hair loss shampoos, if the ingredients used in these are beneficial to our hair or otherwise.

The hair loss shampoo goes with the fact that it is good for all types of hair. It prevents hair loss and at the same time enhances hair growth. These shampoos are very rich in amino acids which make the scalp and hair healthy.

There should not be too many chemicals in hair loss shampoos because these can be sources of toxins harmful to the scalp and hair. It should contain more healthful ingredients composed of proteins and pro-vitamins to make the hair healthy.

The hair loss shampoo contains combined rich nutrients of provitamin B5 and amino acids rich in soy proteins which result to good healthy hair. These provide cleansing, strengthening, conditioning and protection of hair follicles. Another important ingredient that should be contained in hair loss shampoo is Thymus Peptides which cleans and unclogs hair follicles to promote and stimulate hair growth.

There are hair loss shampoos made from herbs and other botanical sources that are good to try as these are considered healthier than chemical-based products used in other hair loss shampoos. Herbal hair loss shampoos contain the herb known as Saw Palmetto which is good for hair restoration. The use of essential oils in the herbal shampoos contributes to stimulate hair growth. Other good herbal components are Tea Tree Oil, Nettle and Bay which are good sources of nutrients for the hair. The effects of herbal hair loss shampoos can be seen in about a week after use. The continuous use of herbal hair loss shampoos often result to new hair growth in about 4 weeks. The good effects of hair loss shampoo with Thymus Peptides can be seen within 2 weeks after use and new hair growth can be experienced within 3 months.

There would be some trial and error on your part as you try out different shampoos that would best suit your hair type. Perhaps, it would also be good to ask for some professional advice from your dermatologist or doctor who can recommend the best hair loss shampoo for your hair.

Another fact about hair loss shampoo is that it should be combined with a healthy life style to further ensure the growth and maintenance of good and healthy hair for as long as possible.

Alopecia, or hair loss, is a problem common in men which can lead to a lot of distress and embarrassment. It can also occur in women however, and this can be an even more serious assault on their identity and quite embarrassing in some ways.

Alopecia in women can sometimes be transient, meaning that it is only temporary, so if you are showing signs then you should not worry too much yet. Interestingly too, it does not only affect the scalp but can occur anywhere on the body (though you are less likely to notice it in other places, and it may even be quite useful in certain areas).

Hair loss can have many causes. There are genetic elements related to hair loss and if your parents lost their hair at a young age, then you will be more likely to suffer the same fate. Unfortunately this is a sign that the problem is permanent and makes recovery less likely. Here there is an interplay of both age and genetics. Alopecia can also be related to your hormones, your autoimmune system and your psychology. The symptoms in particular will differ depending on the cause and the type of alopecia, and this will affect prognosis and treatment.

In alopecia areata the immune system attacks the person’s hair follicles discriminately resulting in patches of baldness, often round. This can eventually lead to ‘alopecia totalis’ (or complete baldness) or ‘alopecia universalis’ (which is lack of hair all over the body). To attempt to treat this then you may use corticosteroids injected into the damaged hair follicles which in some cases will promote re-growth but is not 100% effective. In some cases this autoimmune behaviour may be part of a more serious condition such as myositis.

If the hair loss is age related and presents itself more as thinning of the hair, then this is more likely ‘female pattern baldness’. This often occurs after the menopause and is caused by an altering of the hormones � and in particular the extra testosterone in the body. This is the case if the person has a genetic sensitivity to testosterone, and some hormone supplementation can help to combat this problem.

Infections in the scalp and hair follicles can also sometimes lead to hair loss, often in a very localised area. To combat this doctors can prescribe antibiotics and medication to help the immune system to drive out the infection. Hair loss can also be linked to a range of other conditions such as diabetes, as well as being a reaction to a range of medication (most famously chemotherapy). If you are experiencing hair loss of any sort you should see a doctor or hair specialist so that they can identify the cause and recommend the best course of action.

Stress can also lead to hair loss, often in large ‘clumps’ that may come out when washing or combing. This is just one example of the powerful link between mind and body, and in other cases the hair can turn grey. This in turn leads to a vicious circle, as the alopecia itself causes further hair loss. Of course this is difficult to overcome, but just like many purely psychological conditions such as anxiety disorders it is necessary to break this cycle. Try taking a holiday, identifying and combating the stressors in your life, or learning meditation or another form of relaxation and stress-fighting.

Regardless of the cause of hair loss and your prognosis, there are many coping strategies that can help to combat the appearance of alopecia. A wig for example is one option, which can also be quite fun if you buy several allowing you to try out hairstyles and colours that you might never have tried. Alternatively just trying different styles or combing in a certain way can hide less complete hair loss. For those who are really upset by hair loss there are also a range of cosmetic procedures that can permanently give you a full head of hair. Choosing the method you use to help cover up your hair loss will depend on its severity, on your prognosis, and on personal preference. However just knowing that there are many ways that you can have a full head of hair again or at least cover up your hair loss can often help you to deal with the problem and this in turn can help you lose less hair through stress.

Finally it is important to eat a full and healthy diet in order to prevent hair loss as much as possible. Ensure that you get a good amount of protein, and include all your minerals and vitamins. A supplement of essential fatty acids can also help to give you strong hair. Additionally it is important to ensure you have a good hair care routine and use a well respected shampoo and conditioner.

Baldness is something that affects a large number of people, and particularly as we get older and particularly in males. For those who lose their hair at a relatively early age this can be quite alarming and leave them feeling less attractive and looking older. A lot of pride is connected to a full head of hair, and so it is no surprise that those suffering from baldness are clamoring to find some form of cure, and those who suspect they might develop it later in life are similarly hopeful that a preventative measure might be discovered soon.

Those who suspect they might be prone to baldness often believe this due to it being prevalent in their family. Many men whose fathers went bald at a young age end up going bald at a young age themselves. This suggests a genetic link, but with all of the research being done into genetics this might actually be a good thing and might offer hope for a solution being found.

Genetics research is capable of achieving almost any change to our genotype. Most of our health is determined by a combination of our DNA and environmental factors such as our diet and our behaviour. Hair growth for example is caused by a combination of both these things and is affected by our hormones, the health of our scalp, and things like physical trauma and stress.

Genetic research allows the genetic element of this to be changed and improved. One day a single injection might be able to change sections of our DNA � either temporarily (non-insertional) or permanently (insertional) � and as research finds which sections of code need to be changed this will be within our grasp. When DNA is changed in the nucleus of one cell this is then copied exactly every time the cell splits and makes a copy of itself. Thus as your body repairs itself, your old cells are replaced with the new and your body behaves according to its new programming. Already examples of insertional gene ‘doping’ as it is called have occurred. For example insertional gene doping in mice has managed to make them fully transparent (using code ‘borrowed’ from jellyfish), glow in the dark and even insanely muscular (by knocking out the ‘myostatin’ producing gene). A similar single injection could address the cause of baldness in an individual and potentially prevent or reverse the balding process � though this would of course be reliant on the correct environmental factors and health behaviours too.

So why do not these injections already exist? The money in them is of course huge. Well the problem is that they are not currently perfected, and that they could be dangerous in their current form. While injecting into the nucleus inserts new genetic code into the DNA, where in the DNA it lands is currently left to change. In other words it is like inserting a new paragraph into a book � and that paragraph could go anywhere in the book. If it overrides crucial text then � or crucial DNA � this could cause our crucial functions to cease working. Resulting in all kinds of potential side effects.

In most cases this is actually okay � as a whopping 75% of our DNA is not used. It is blank DNA, or as it is known ‘junk’ DNA. However, this still means there is a 25% chance of the new DNA overriding important genes and causing problems. At the same time there is some fear that gene doping might increase the likelihood of cancer developing � a real threat when you consider that cancer is caused by DNA mutating and that some of the few cases of human gene doping (to cure genetic disease) have been followed by cancer. So there is still a way to go, but the point is there is hope, and this is just one avenue of research that might yet yield results for those suffering from baldness or expecting to.

The mind has an intimate connection with the body’s hormonal system and nervous system. Each feeds back into each other. When the mind perceives a threat via the senses, the body reacts by surging adrenaline around the body. Heart rate increases and breathing quickens. The fight or flight response kicks in.

But different people perceive situations differently. Some people might have a heart attack if they saw a bull rushing towards them, while matadors may have experienced this so many times their heart rate hardly increases.

The same goes for day to day office stress. While some people take deadlines, presentations and fiery meetings in their stride, others find these scenarios extremely stressful. Clearly we all deal with stressful situations differently.

How does this relate to your hair?

Hair loss is usually caused by hormonal change. It can also be caused by stress. As I have already explained, both of these causes are linked with the mind. Therefore if you can alter the way your mind reacts to everyday stresses you can have an impact on your hair. You can even have an impact on your hormonal balance by training your mind. The key factor here is making yourself a very calm person who does not get flustered by stressful situations and does not worry or get anxious about future events.

In general, calm people who do not anger easily or worry about things, tend to be healthier, have nicer skin and thicker hair. So, if you want to prevent, stop or even reverse hair loss, this is the mindset you should aim to achieve.

How can you become calm and stress free?

First of all you need to identify your most significantly negative emotions. Do you get angry easily in certain situations? Do you get very nervous in certain situations? Are their particular things that you worry about a lot?

Now you need to determine whether these negative emotions are perfectly rational or if you are over-reacting. If the feelings of anger or stress are rational then you need to resolve the problems that are causing the negative emotions. For example if you were constantly worrying about driving because you experienced a car accident in your past and this was causing you elevated stress on a daily basis, you would need to take action to resolve that problem, otherwise it could end up ruling your life.

If, on the other hand, you feel that you worry or stress out about stuff more than is normal and healthy, you need to train your mind to react more calmly to the stress and worry. You can do this by examining the situation that causes you stress � for example a work presentation � and then picking out each of the things that make your stressed. For example a statement like this might be true for you:

“I feel nervous when a group of people is watching me talk.”

If this is the case for you, you now need to reverse that negative statement and make it positive. For example:

“I feel calm and in control when people are watching me talk”.

Now, the more you use positive statements like this, the more your mind will get used to them at a subconscious level, until they actually start to apply to you.

The easiest way to train your mind in this way is to use an audio programme that constantly inserts positive statements into your mind for prolonged periods. You can use personal stereos to have positive statements flowing into your mind subconsciously (at low volumes) for hours everyday. Eventually, you confirm the statements in your mind by achieving small successes in your life. For example, maybe you make it through a work presentation with a positive response from your audience.

Achieving small successes like this helps to reinforce the positive affirmations already in your mind, until eventually they become true. With each real-life reinforcement of a positive affirmation, the more it becomes true.

Concluding

By training your mind to be positive, react calmly to stressful situations and worry less about future events, you can produce a positive effect for your whole body. Having a relaxed body, with relaxed muscles is good for your circulation, your internal organ health, your skin and your hair.

It’s possible to achieve the change, with persistent positivity. By sticking with a good audio programme that floods your mind with positive affirmations, you can train yourself to be a calm person. And a healthy mind is the best step towards a healthy body.

Today, baldness is not seen as a rare issue amongst men. Truckloads of people out there are seen suffering from baldness due to some ailment, faulty lifestyle and other reasons. Although there is no health complications involved with baldness, it�s considered as an extremely sensitive thing. After all, it affects a person�s outward appearance to a great extent. There is no denying to the fact that each one of us wants to look and feel good on all occasions.

A bald appearance can bring about loads of mental changes in one�s life, considering the fact that we live in an extremely image conscious environment. More than often, individuals resort to some form of conventional treatment to deal with the issue of baldness. However, not many people out there are aware of the fact that baldness can be treated with natural remedies as well. Although not everyone would experience similar benefits, natural remedies do not carry any side effects. So, it�s worth a try!

Homeopathy

We all know that homeopathy has been in use for several decades now to help individuals get rid of various health ailments. One of the ways by which homeopathy can be used is to cure baldness. Although one can�t expect rapid results with this treatment, one can stay immune from all kinds of side effects. The best part is that this treatment also contributes to the overall wellbeing of an individual, which is why most people out there do not shy away from resorting to this method for the cure of baldness.

Aromatherapy

Under aromatherapy, certain herbal oils are used to promote hair growth. Oils such as lavender, rosemary, jojoba etc are used to prevent hair loss and to promote the growth of new hairs. The treatment procedure is very simple over here. An individual is advised to apply one of these oils on the scalp before washing it off. Over here, one should allow the oil to rest on the scalp for some time before washing it off, so that the oil is absorbed nicely by the scalp.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a holistic way to cure baldness. Just like homeopathy, acupuncture treatment not only promotes hair growth, but it also contributes to the overall wellbeing of an individual. Thin needles are inserted into the patient�s body to cure the person from the respective ailment.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a unique and natural way to get rid of baldness. Under this method, a cold and a hot cloth is placed alternately over the person�s head. The logic behind this unique trick is to improve blood circulation on one�s scalp, and get rid of the dirt that blocks hair follicles.

Massage

Today, an individual often resorts to body massage to get rid of body pain and stress. Not many people realize that habitual scalp massage with the aid of good herbal oil can help one get rid of baldness as well. A person is usually advised to massage his/her head twice or thrice a week before plunging into the bed for sleep.

Alopecia hair loss isn’t the same thing as make pattern balding or many of the other types of thinning we are accustomed to associating with hair loss. Alopecia can impact men, women, or children or can lead to complete baldness at an early age. An accurate diagnosis usually has to come from a qualified physician and treatment options can range in their level of success.

This type of hair loss is almost always associated with hair loss from the head, although it is not uncommon to notice that the rest of the body suffers from thinning or a loss of hair as well. For some patients, total hair loss can happen in a relatively short period of time including the hair on the body.

The Causes of Alopecia

The main cause of alopecia hair loss is associated with some sort of rejection quality found in the immune system. When the immune system does not recognize something in the body as a friendly entity it goes through a process of removal of that entity. If the immune system can not recognize hair as a friendly entity it will reject it. This naturally results in the loss of hair.

Sometimes the immune system defect is a single cause. There are some causes of immune system malfunctions that can be an underlying cause of alopecia. Illnesses that require the breaking down of the immune system as a treatment option such as lupus or cancer can inflame an underlying problem. If the problem has always been there but in a dormant state, the treatment options can significantly alter the immune system’s ability to relate to the body. This is rare but can happen.

Other illnesses can also inflame underlying alopecia. Thyroid disorder, rheumatoid conditions, systemic allergies, and ulcerative colitis are the most common illnesses related to hair loss of this nature. When hair loss has been studied the follicles are often found to be filled with cells from the defective immune system, although it isn’t likely that these cells are a product of medication used in the treatment of these illnesses.

Alopecia in Children and Teens

Children and teens are affected at a higher rate of incident than adults. In most cases, the alopecia is actually temporary. There are some cases of total hair loss that come upon the patient during their youth and last the remainder of the individual’s life.

Toddlers are so rarely affected that hair loss in a child under the age of 4 is not likely to be tested for alopecia. Hair loss in older adults is somewhat expected and is usually not associated with alopecia and thus many adults are never tested for the condition. Despite the lack of frequency in toddlers and older adults, it is in the patients’ best interests to be tested when looking for an accurate diagnosis.

Alopecia Treatment Options

Almost half of all patients that are diagnosed with alopecia will not require treatment. It’s typical to see the hair grow back within 12 months. However, for patients that are showing no sign of improvement after the first year there are treatment options available.

Many patients who have experienced the loss and regrowth of hair may experience hair loss again and may prefer to opt for treatment options during subsequent times of loss. Most of the treatments involve creams and ointments that are designed to prevent the immune system from attacking the hair follicles. Injections or creams that are developed from steroids are generally the first option.

Not all patients will respond to steroids well and may need alternative options such as irritants like anthralin or immunotherapy like cyclosporine. In some cases, treatment may continue to fail and there are few options for patients with very stubborn cases.

Living With Alopecia

Alopecia hair loss that can not be treated can be emotionally difficult to accept. Even waiting a year for the hair to grow back can seem like an eternity for some patients. It’s important that physicians, family members, and friends offer support for the emotional impact as well. Girls and women living with alopecia can find that they wish to attempt to hide the condition by wearing wigs and hats. Other patients find that living with the symptoms gives them a certain freedom once they are past the emotional difficulties of accepting the condition.

Support can be offered in a lot of different ways. It’s important to respect a patient’s choice for coping. Hats, wigs, or simply going bald can often be met with friction by family members and even potential employers. It’s important that the individuals who are closest to the patient allow for growth and development into accepting the disease and finding ways that make coping with it easier. Alopecia hair loss does not have to become an identity for any patient.

Approximately 40 to 50% of all women are affected by an excessive amount of hair loss anywhere between a month and five months after their pregnancy. This is called telogen effluvium and while it is not uncommon it does not typically cause any long term problems. Just as other hormonal changes that occur during and just after pregnancies usually iron themselves out, so does this one in most cases. However, there are some women that seem to have a worse time with hair loss after pregnancy.

Why Do Women Sometimes Lose Hair After Pregnancy?

There is a scientific explanation for the hair loss that occurs in women after they have had their babies but we will attempt to simplify the explanation. About 90% of your hair grows continuously while the other 10% sits at a resting stage. Once about every 60 to 90 days the hair that has been resting falls out in order to make room for new hair to grow in. During pregnancy hormonal changes occur that prohibit the resting hair from falling out. Once the pregnancy is over and the hormone levels begin to even out, all of the hair that was delayed from falling out during pregnancy comes out all at once. Sometimes this change is subtle and goes unnoticed but in other cases it is extreme and can be quite frightening.

Do Women Lose an Abnormal Amount of Hair During Pregnancy?

Usually any hair loss that is associated with pregnancy occurs sometime after the baby has been born. While the pregnancy is active more hairs will go into the resting stage. This is typical and quite normal during pregnancy. This hair is what comes out after pregnancy. In most cases this hair loss is not significant enough to cause patches or bald spots and most of the time it does grow back in within about three months. However, a vitamin deficiency can cause hair loss and it is very easy to develop a vitamin deficiency while you are pregnant if you are not getting the proper amount of nutrients.

Are There Other Times That Hormones Could Cause Hair Loss?

Hair loss in women could occur at any time estrogen levels are low. This could happen for many reasons. Anytime a woman stops taking birth control pills that she has been taking for a significant amount of time, her estrogen levels could decline quite a bit. Other situations that may lead to lowered estrogen levels are miscarriages, still births, abortions and hormonal imbalances. A hormonal imbalance could occur due to menopause or even specific illnesses of the female reproductive system.

Are There Any Positive Effects on Hair Because of Pregnancy?

Have you ever noticed how full and beautiful most pregnant women�s hair looks? This is because the heightened levels of estrogen in their bodies cause their hair to stay in the growing phase throughout the pregnancy. This is one of the many perks of pregnancy. In addition, some women even report developing curls that they never had before they became pregnant. Estrogen has a major effect on the way a woman�s hair grows as well as how it appears.

Is There Anything That Can Be Done to Help Prevent Hair Loss After Pregnancy?

Overall nutrition plays a major role in the condition your hair will be in after pregnancy. Be sure to eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables that are full of antioxidants and flavanoids to help promote hair growth and protect the hair follicles. Take proper care of your hair and avoid anything that may do damage. For example, wearing your hair in hairstyles that cause tension to your hair is a bad idea. Having your hair pulled back in a tight ponytail is an example of a hairstyle to avoid. You will also want to be careful about things like excessive heat styling. Use hair care products that contain silica and biotin. When you hair is wet remember that it can easily break and become damaged. Never brush your hair while it is wet, instead opt to use a wide toothed comb such as a detangling comb.

Take Prenatal Vitamins

Not only is it important to eat a wholesome and healthy diet when you are pregnant but you will also want to be sure and take a good prenatal vitamin supplement. By using preventative measures and making sure that you take very good care of your body, you may help to eliminate or at least decrease your chances of losing a lot of hair after your pregnancy. Pregnant women also report that taking prenatal vitamins do wonders for their fingernails as well so they are definitely good for your hair. It may also be a good idea to continue taking your prenatal vitamins for about three months after you give birth, especially if you are breast feeding.

Consult a Physician

If you have should begin to lose a good deal of hair you may want to consult with your doctor to see that your hormones are at the right levels or at least well on their way. Your doctor may begin some kind of hormone therapy if your problem is severe enough. No matter how bad you may think things are right now try not to become too discouraged. A lot of women go through changes after pregnancy and you are definitely not alone. Whatever it is you are going through now as a result of post pregnancy hormone changes will almost always correct itself.

Post pregnancy hair loss is a common enough occurrence and there are so many women who deal with it everyday. Try going online to search for discussion forums for new moms and you are bound to find a lot of places to talk to other moms who are dealing with whatever it is you are dealing with currently.

Male pattern baldness is very common, with an estimated 40 million men in the United States being affected by it in some degree. A quarter of men begin balding by the age of 20, and two out of three men being balding by age 60. Both parents contribute to their offspring�s likelihood of baldness. Studies put the odds of getting a genetic predisposition to baldness at 4 out of 7.

With such a large number of men being affected by male pattern baldness, many millions of men seek out hair loss reversal treatments. Hair loss reversal is certainly one of the most contested medical topics. There are currently a few FDA approved hair loss treatments available which have been shown to reverse or reduce hair loss. There are a far greater number of non-approved treatments and products for hair loss reversal.

How Hair Loss Happens

Before discussing treatments and ways to reverse hair loss, a brief background on how hair loss occurs is helpful. Scientific studies have not pinpointed the exact cause of hair loss, but it is thought to be due to the effect Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent sex hormone. DHT is thought to initiate a process called follicular miniaturization in which the width of hair shafts is reduced to become like peach fuzz or non-existent.

Hair loss happens in common patterns that are shown on the “Norwood Scale.” This scale identifies the severity of hair loss and how male pattern hair loss typically progresses. The process of hair loss can take years, however the earlier that hair loss treatments are administered, the more hair that will be saved in the long run.

Hair Loss Treatments

There are several types of hair loss treatments, and some have shown to be more effective than others. Some of the more effective hair loss treatments include: DHT inhibitors, growth stimulants, anti-androgens, and anti-inflammatories. Other treatments are available to reverse hair loss but are not as proven with both anecdotal and scientific evidence as the aforementioned treatments.

Even so, out of these treatments, only two: DHT inhibitors (Propecia) and growth stimulants (Minoxidil) have been FDA approved for the treatment of hair loss. The other two: Anti-androgens and anti-inflammatories work on the same scientific basis as DHT inhibitors and growth stimulants, but are not approved by the FDA. A physician would only likely recommend the use of Propecia or Minoxidil, or both in combination.

DHT Inhibitors

DHT inhibitors work by reducing the body�s levels of DHT, the hormone thought to be responsible for male pattern hair loss. These have been shown to be very effective at preventing future hair loss in many cases, and are one of the only effective and proven hair loss treatments. Products like Propecia and Revivogen are DHT inhibitors. DHT inhibitors treat hair loss by treating the actual cause of the hair loss, which is important for those who are looking at hair loss reversal.

DHT inhibitors typically have a number of side effects that vary. Typically, DHT inhibitors cause sexual side effects, of which the most commonly reported are impotence and abnormal ejaculation. These side effects can substantial for some of those who take Propecia and other DHT inhibitors, and in other individuals these side effects are less pronounced. As a result, some may look to other treatment options for hair restoration and hair loss prevention.

Growth Stimulants

Minoxidil, which is found in Rogaine and other products, is a growth stimulant. It is not clear how these products scientifically work to stimulate hair growth, but in studies it has shown to restore hair. Minoxidil in particular is a vasodilator that widens the blood vessels and opens potassium channels allowing more blood and nutrients to go to the follicle. Growth stimulants are capable of reversing hair loss to a degree, but for the best effect these are typically combined with a DHT inhibitor so that further hair loss is prevented while past hair loss is restored.

Anti-Androgens

Anti-androgens work on the same principal of DHT inhibitors. These include topical creams that protect follicles from the effects of DHT inhibitors. By working topically, the side effects of lowering the whole body�s DHT levels are eliminated. However, anti-androgens may be used in combination with DHT inhibitors. They are an alternative for those who do not want to use DHT inhibitors due to the side effects associated with them.

Anti-Inflammatories

Nizoral is an anti-inflammatory that is thought to reduce some of the inflammation and immune responses to treatments like growth stimulants and antiandrogens. These treatments are not designed to restore hair but rather complement other treatments and allow them to be more effective. It is debatable whether or not anti-inflammatories are necessary or useful for hair restoration. The evidence for the effectiveness Nizoral and other treatments like it is anecdotal.

Surgery

Hair transplantation surgery involves implanting follicles from a donor site to a recipient site. Grafts of 1-4 hairs with modern surgical techniques can be implanted on the recipient site using a minimally invasive surgical technique called Follicular Unit Extraction. Another technique called Strip Harvesting is available by which a strip of scalp is removed and then cut into grafts which are then transplanted. This method is more invasive and leaves a scar which is minimally visible when covered by hair. Surgery is one of the most guaranteed and effective treatments for hair loss, but it is substantially more expensive than the other mentioned treatment options.

Other Methods

There are a plethora of stories of successful hair restoration using other supplements, techniques, and products. Some have suggested that altering diet and reducing stress levels can have an effect on stopping or slowing hair loss, however this is not scientifically proven.

A type of product called a laser comb has recently received attention for supposed abilities to restore hair loss. This product works by producing laser beams which supposedly increase blood flow to the scalp and stimulates the regrowth of hair while preventing hair loss.

In most cases, those who are looking to reverse their hair loss would benefit from the two FDA approved treatments in combination: Propecia and Minoxidil, and potentially an anti-inflammatory or anti-androgen treatment if warranted, while other treatments should be explored cautiously.

Whoever you are, hair loss is no laughing matter and is a quick way to look older and to feel less attractive. Unfortunately for men hair loss and eventually baldness is often a reality and something that many have to face, however for women this is thought to be much more unusual meaning that most will be spare from its effects, but meaning that those who do suffer with it will feel even more victimised and will be more likely to stand out.

However in reality women are actually still relatively likely to experience some hair loss and particularly thinning of the hair as they become older and this can be highly distressing. Here we will look at some of the causes of female hair loss, as well as some of the things you can do to prevent it or at least to minimise its effects.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is one of the most common causes of hair loss in both women and men and is characterised by the shedding of hairs from the scalp as well as elsewhere on the body. This is often caused by some form of intense stress on the body’s hormonal system and this in itself can sometimes be a reaction to medication. This stress causes a larger number of hairs in the body to enter ‘telogen’ meaning the resting stage where they remain in the follicle until they get pushed out. This often has a relatively sudden onset and can occur at any age. Generally it will improve on its own, as the telogen only lasts for six months after which time the hair will begin to return. In some cases this can be a chronically re-occurring condition.

Androgenetic Elopecia

This is the main cause of male pattern baldness and may be responsible for thinning hair in women over 40 for as many as 50% of the female population. This tends to be somewhat genetic and will usually be passed down by the mother or father. Here the hair loss is caused by a chemical known as DHT made from androgens � the male hormones which is why its slightly more common and more pronounced in men. It is most likely to occur for women after menopause.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition which affects around three percent of the population. Here the hair follicles are actually attacked by the body’s own white blood cells causing them to become very small. This can stop hair from growing which may last for months or years. After time some hair may return, while in other cases it may never return. While the hair follicles remain intact and could in theory be triggered to once again begin growing, it is currently unknown how this might be achieved.

The pattern of hair loss in women is different to that of men and while men might experience their hair receding as the hairline becomes further back, women are more likely to notice their hair just thinning. This makes it easy for clever hair styling to cover up some of the baldness. By keeping the hair long it is possible to cover up some of the more bald patches, or by shortening the length it is possible to make it look as though you purposefully chose that look.

In other cases you might decide that you wish to use a wig to cover up your thinning locks. This allows you to take a potential drawback and use it as a way to reinvigorate your style and to try lots of new and bold looks. If you’ve ever wondered what you might look like as a red head then now is the time to find out…

How to make isolation help ease the pain of depression.

One of the hardest symptoms to deal with during a depressive episode is feeling disconnected from reality. This feeling causes sufferers to retreat further and further into their own world. They become isolated from their loved ones and friends and the loneliness deepens the depression. Here�s three ways to stop isolation from making depression worse.

1. Have at least one person you can turn to and have regular contact with 3-4 times a week. Someone you can call when you need to talk, someone who can be with you just watching TV or going to a movie. You don�t have talk about how you feel if you don�t want to and be clear that you don�t want to be questioned about your feelings. Hopefully, they�ll understand this and will be there for you when you need them.

2. There will be times when you just want to shut out the world and have your own space. Many sufferers just want to be alone in a quiet room such as their bedroom. There�s nothing wrong with this at all. But try not to make it a daily or regular habit. Schedule this once, maybe twice a week at most and be strict with it. It�s about a balance. Yes, shut the world out for a day or two each week. For the rest of the week, be around people, especially the special person we discussed in the first paragraph.

3. When you do shut the world out, do it in a way that helps you rather than hurts you. So, instead of retiring to a dark room and lying in bed to brood about your problems, try these: Mind puzzles � logic problems, crosswords, spatial puzzles etc. � jigsaw puzzles, draw or paint, play a musical instrument, write stories, watch TV or a movie, or read a book or a magazine and listen to some music. With a book and music, avoid anything too heavy or deep. Keep it nice and light. In this way, isolation doesn�t become a period of deep introspection where you worry or fret about problems or go over the past or beat up on yourself. You get the peace and tranquillity but not the torment that can accompany it during a depressive episode.

If you feel isolated and that life seems like a �virtual reality�, then please put these techniques to use. Isolation is a part of depression and the key to lessening the impact is to understand how it happens and use it so it helps you beat depression instead of keeping you trapped in it.

This article is all about beating depression. I am a person who suffered from long bouts of depression, however after deciding to change my whole outlook on life, I now have a much happier, successful and stress-free life. I will explain how I went about achieving this new life.

As I grew older and especially when I was in my early twenties, I used to always compare my life with other people I knew, for example my friends. It seemed to me that my life was so much more of a struggle than what their’s was and that most of these people had so much more going for them and so much more to look forward to than I did.

I was not happy at the hand of cards I had been dealt and would regularly be down in the dumps, feeling sorry for myself. I had a number of issues in my life which had a major impact on my self-confidence and self-esteem, which would also lead me into depression. This issues including a weight problem, a stutter, a bald patch on my head and I am quite short in height compared to the average man.

I was in a regular state of depression and found it very difficult to pull my self out of it. The stress for example of socialising when you have a stutter and trying to gain employment would take a lot out of me. My hair started to turn grey when I was only twenty-one years of age.

I was not content at always being depressed and at the age of twenty-two, I decided to attempt to change my whole life. I had to have a whole new approach and a totally different thought process, in a nutshell I needed to chill out, think in a far more positive way and learn how to de-stress.

This was not going to be easy however it was essential to do. I started to read many self-help type books and books about eradicating depression. I learnt many things such as worrying about a situation makes it even harder, not easier and that in life all you can do is to try your best, therefore whatever the outcome you can feel proud that you gave it your best shot. It is also important to remember that we only live once and that that life could come to an end tomorrow, therefore we should treat every day as if it is the last and to enjoy ourselves.

The main change I made was that I started to think and compare my life to people I was reading about in the newspapers or watching on the television instead of comparing my life to my friends for example. From learning about countries in the third world and reading about certain disasters and terrorist acts, I realised what a fool I had been and that I was actually one of the lucky ones. If and when I start feeling down or depressed, I quickly switch on the news and it soon shakes me out of that temporary depressive state.

We all remember when we were teenagers. Boy, what a phase in our lives. What with the need for peer acceptance, parental expectations, raging hormones, acne…

It’s no wonder teenage depression exists in such high numbers.

From research and even mere observation, teenage depression actually manifests itself differently from adult or childhood depression as during this age, teens want to start to mark their territorial signs of independence and the last thing a teen may want to do is admit they need help for depression. Teenagers tend not to display gloom, self-depreciation, or talk about feeling hopeless like adults do during this stage of their lives if they are depressed, so as a parent or adult role-model you may need to watch for other signs of depression in the teenager you are dealing with.

Teenage Depression: Symptoms to watch out for.

Though the signs of teenage depression may vary in both sexes, here are some symptoms that are common to both male and female teens battling with depression.

1. Excessive negativity and antisocial behaviors.

2. Wanting to leave home or retreat to their rooms constantly.

3. Inattention to personal appearance.

4. A lack of desire to co-operate in family get-togethers and activities.

Signs of Teenage Depression in Males:

1. Increasing in aggression and agitation.

2. A higher tendency to get in trouble with school or the law.

3. Reckless behavior such as uncontrolled use of illegal substances.

Signs of Teenage Depression in Females:

1. Less attention to their appearance.

2. Pre-occupation with death and themes of suicide.

3. Excessive promiscuity or an extreme isolation from members of their opposite sex.

Although this is not a conclusive list of the signs of teenage depression one should look out for in teens, the ones listed above are the most common ones. In addition to these depression symptoms in regards to teenager, other ones may include a lower self-esteem than average, referrals to suicide (in extreme cases) and a general negative outlook on life.

It indeed may be challenging to cope with as an adult to deal with a depressed teenager as it’s a catch 22 situation, they want to be independent as teens, yet they need your help. Well, this may be a good time to simply take charge, albeit with care and caution as we are dealing with delicate and sensitive emotions here and reach out to help.

Teenage Depression: Solutions for coping with depression in your teen.

1. If necessary, seek professional help. I lean more towards drug-free alternatives so meetings with competent Pastors, guidance counselors, teachers and therapists may suffice to at least get a diagnosis… if you need one.

2. Talk to your teen’s friends and or their parents, although this approach requires care, remember, they are starting to declare independence and ‘snooping’ around on them may be defeating the purpose of reaching them, so do this with care and tact.

3. Suggest one-on-one outings with phrases like: “hey, how about a game of basket ball, just you and I…?” or “Hey how about us girls take a trip to the Mall?” If they refuse, don’t appear too crushed; simply respond with an understanding “okay maybe some other time…”

4. Ask if there is anything they’d like to discuss and this will be a great time to be more of the listener and less of the talker as soon as they start to open up.

5. Don’t be what you’ve not always been to your teen, in other words being overly nice or “Bill Cosby-ish” (no pun intended Mr. Cosby), trust me, they’ll see right through the act and may withdraw even more.

6. Watch for signs of suicide (in extreme cases) and if there is the slightest indication, double up your efforts to reach your teen. It helps if you’ve been close as parent and child from the beginning.

7. In the hopes things are not as extreme, soon as they manifest signs of reaching out, help, be there. Incorporate such limbs of a natural treatment for depression as exercise, proper diet and positive thoughts and affirmations.

8. Set a good example of being upbeat around your teen as much as possible. This can also be more of preventive measure if any.

9. Prayer. If you are spiritual, pray and it doesn’t hurt and can help immensely to ask your depressed teen to join. “Where two or more are gathered in My name, there will I be.” Keep that promise from Above in mind-it works.

Teenage depression may wear a different mask from all other types, but it is essentially the same and with the proper steps taken can be overcome. Do not panic, however, be strong and there for your teen and in applying the steps above with other suggestions or creative ideas you deem right as an adult dealing with a depressed teen, you will be able to steer him or her back to a positive outlook on life.

Every year approximately 9. 5 per cent of the American population suffers from depression. Depression is a grave illness that affects day to day life and destroys families. It is a disorder that controls the mind and its functions causing loss of appetite, sleeplessness, mood swings, and a deep sense of despair.

The symptoms of depression are varied and the severity changes with time. And, according to experts depression can be an inherited disorder, or caused by life threatening illnesses, or stress. Other causes are certain diseases, medicines, drugs, alcohol, or mental illnesses. Women are seen to experience depression more than men and this is attributed to hormonal swings, menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, pre-menopause, and post-menopause.

Common symptoms are:

1. An unshakeable sadness, anxiety, or emptiness. 2. Overwhelming hopelessness accompanied by pessimistic feelings.

3. Extreme guilt, feelings of helplessness, and no sense of self worth.

4. Loss of energy, a slowing down of metabolism, and activity levels. Being plagued by constant fatigue.

5. A sense of helplessness along with an increasing inability to focus and indecisiveness.

6. Loss of sound sleep and development of extreme insomnia.

7. Inexplicable weight loss or weight gain. Triggered by loss of appetite or eating binges.

8. Brooding and suicidal inclinations.

9. Irritability, short temper, as well as restlessness.

10. Physical afflictions like headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain for no particular reason.

If you experience any of the above along with a marked change in behavior do consult your doctor. He will give you a thorough examination to rule out physical causes for depression as well as any underlying medical problems. Then if required he will recommend that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Take matters in hand and try and erase negativity from your mind. Cut out from you life terms like exhaustion, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Change your life by setting yourself a few goals. Try and relax, meditate, and enjoy music. Start new activities that absorb your time as well as interests. Go out and meet people and participate in group activities. Avoid the company of negative people. Make up your mind to enjoy a movie, ballgame, family outing, picnic, or trek. Be positive, self confident, and have faith in yourself. Faith is itself a great healer. Decide to change your world for the better. However do follow the doctor’s advice. Treatment can include: anti-depressant medicines, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes. In extreme cases electroconvulsive therapy or light therapy are prescribed.

If your depression escalates or you are suicidal seek help from your family physician or health care provider. Do call a local health department, a community mental health center, or hospital or clinic. Someone will extend a helping hand and talk you through the crisis.

In our current society, there are many factors that can cause or contribute to anxiety and depression. Certainly money and work problems, relationship and family issues, as well as illness and loss of loved ones are major contributors to anxiety and depression. Also, how we feel about ourselves and treat ourselves contribute greatly to how we feel. Even in the worst of times, if we are treating ourselves with compassion instead of self-judgment, we may be able to manage big challenges without anxiety or depression. In addition, being able to turn to an inner source of spiritual guidance and comfort is vital to weathering the hard times.

Food is another major factor that greatly affects how we feel. Most people don�t really notice that what they put into their bodies affects how they feel. They might know that if they “sugar out” they may crash emotionally, or if they drink too much they will feel hung over, but they are often unaware of how other foods may be creating anxiety and depression.

In the over 35 years that I�ve been a counselor, I have frequently encountered individuals whose anxiety and depression completely cleared up by tuning into how food was affecting them.

For example, Marnie discovered that dairy, wheat and sugar kept her up at night. She would wake up at around 3:00 in the morning with intense anxiety, and would be tired and depressed the next day. By experimenting around and cutting out different foods, she discovered that she slept fine when she stopped eating dairy, wheat and sugar. All her nighttime anxiety vanished and she was no longer tired and depressed.

Joel discovered that his sleeplessness and resulting depression was a direct result of caffeine from coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks. He had not realized how much caffeine he was actually consuming until I suggested that he cut out all caffeine and see what happened to his sleep. After a week of headaches from caffeine withdrawal, he was sleeping soundly for the first time in years and no longer felt depressed.

Adrienne discovered that her feelings of anxiety and depression, that had been with her most of her life, disappeared after she started eating only organic foods. Her system was so sensitive to the pesticides and food additives in non-organic food that she could not eat them without feeling anxious and depressed.

Alex, who periodically struggled with depression, inadvertently discovered that drinking raw milk from an organic dairy had a completely different effect on him than pasteurized milk. He was visiting Los Angeles and went into a health food store where he discovered that he could buy raw dairy products (which are outlawed in most other states). He found that the raw milk gave him more energy and elevated his mood. He also found that, while he was lactose intolerant with pasteurized milk, he had no problems with raw milk. Now he has his raw milk, cheese, and butter shipped frozen to Wyoming, and no longer struggles with depression.

Over and over again my clients, who have chosen to tune into how food was affecting them, have discovered how much their feelings were being affected by food. Many of my clients have learned that even a little sugar brings them down. Sugar consumes so many vital nutrients as the body attempts to process it that it can actually be considered a poison. How many people really take “Sugar Blues” seriously?

A hundred years ago, when people naturally ate non-processed and organically grown food, they were getting all the nutrients they needed. Now, most fruits, vegetables and grains are being grown on devitalized soil and over-processed on top of it. Cows and sheep that were once grass fed are being fed pesticide-sprayed grains and given hormones to fatten them up. As a result, much of our food not only contains little nutrients, but has many toxins as well. Without the vitamins, minerals, and many other factors that natural, organic and grass-fed food contains, many people suffer deficiencies that can cause anxiety and depression, as well a many other illnesses.

I recently found out that the fat of raw organic dairy products, especially butter, contains natural anti-inflammatory nutrients. I wonder if the huge rise in arthritis and other inflammatory conditions is related to the pasteurizing of milk. Any inflammatory condition can certainly contribute to anxiety and depression.

Food is certainly a major factor in the rise of anxiety, depression and illness. Only you can do something about this by learning how you are being affected by the foods you eat.