Modern Health Tips For Men and Women

June 3rd, 2010

The Lemonade Weight Loss Diet Review

The Lemonade Weight Loss Diet is without doubt popular, but whether it is effective or not depends greatly on how you attempt this weight loss plan. Reportedly able to help you lose weight quickly and eliminate toxins from your body at the same time, the Lemonade Weight Loss Diet is basically a supplement that comes along with a meal and exercise plan attached to it for a full 2-week course. While you are on this course, expect to skip several meals and replace these meals with glasses of lemonades that are mixed with maple syrup and cayenne pepper. There are pill versions available now, in addition to the solution that was made famous several decades ago.

Pretty straightforward if you asked me, and definitely workable, provided that you do not steal a few bites in between, as living on glasses of lemonades would not work for everyone out there! This diet would also help in cleansing your body and getting rid of toxins, making it an attractive option for those looking for a decent diet plan to aid in weight loss efforts. The Lemonade Diet is more of a detoxification plan rather than a weight loss plan, nevertheless it is one that could work, provided you don’t mind starving yourself.

The advantages of this diet is the fact that all ingredients are natural (making it a natural product without much health hazards to worry about), and the fact that lemonades are in fact pretty refreshing to consume! Celebrities have used this solution to aid weight loss efforts for several years now with success, thus it could be said to be fairly successful in terms of weight loss. And this solution is pretty cheap as well when you compare to other weight-management products in the market today.

The drawbacks of this diet include the fact that there has been no scientific proof to support the claims of the manufacturers, while the testimonials from the users of this solution have been mixed in their responses as well! Your body could also face the risk of calorie-deficiency, as you would be cutting down on your intake of calories when you opt for this diet. Your body would eventually end up using your fat reserves, and this would actually aid weight-loss efforts, but at what cost? And be prepared to live through hunger for the 14 days that you must undergo while on this diet!

The Lemonade Diet Program is actually more of a detox-diet rather than one that aids weight loss, but if you follow the regime without fail, you could definitely end up losing weight at the same time! All the best!

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May 29th, 2010

Lasers useful for promoting hair growth

Publish date: Jun 1, 2010
By: Joely Kaufman, M.D., Bernard Nusbaum, M.D.

Joely Kaufman, M.D.

Most of the time, when lasers are discussed in the context of hair, it is regarding the removal of hair. It was not until fairly recently that these devices received significant attention for their role in stimulating hair growth.

Bernard Nusbaum, M.D.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) affects more than 35 million men and 21 million women in the United States. Due to the relative lack of viable nonsurgical treatment options for AGA, the therapeutic focus has once again turned to lasers.

The idea of using light to stimulate hair growth was first published in the 1960s and involved mice studies (Mester E, Szende B, et al. Kiserl Orvostud. 1967;19:628-631). Despite this history, the mechanism of action of how lasers may function to prevent, stop or even promote growth in AGA is still unknown.

LLLT and hair growth

There is clear evidence that low-level lasers alter cell function in some manner, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for wound healing, pain, anti-aging and inflammation is a popular — yet relatively unproven — modality. In vitro studies with different wavelengths have shown modulation of cell activity, including increased mitochondrial activity as well as increased production of ATP.

This “stimulatory effect” of light therapy is what has driven scientists and physicians to explore low-level laser photobiomodulation for hair growth. Clinically, LLLT does seem to provide some effect, although in some treatments it is difficult to measure. When it comes to AGA, most of the focus has been on red and near-infrared light devices (600 nm to 950 nm).

Ironically, many of the reports on hair growth and lasers actually originated from laser hair removal literature. Stimulation of hair growth is an adverse event associated with hair removal with intense pulsed light (IPL), diode and alexandrite lasers. If we could predictably control this “adverse event” and elicit it in patients who actually desire more hair, a new therapeutic option could emerge.

Several authors have tried to find the common variables in those patients experiencing paradoxical hair growth during laser hair removal. The percentage of patients treated for hair removal who experience hair growth is small (less than 1 percent, from all published reports). Patients with darker skin types (IV) treated with the alexandrite laser for hair removal were more prone to hair growth than those with lighter skin types (Alajlan A, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005;53(1):85-88).

Apart from one report of several women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, there are no set risk factors for hair growth in this subset of laser hair removal patients. (Moreno-Arias G, et al. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(11):1013-1016). In general, when treating patients for hair removal with the alexandrite, those with darker skin types will receive lower-fluence treatments to avoid dyspigmentation. It may be this relatively low-fluence therapy that, in fact, puts someone at risk for hair growth, though this has yet to be substantiated with clear data.

Hair growth studies

Laser-induced hair growth in mice has been replicated using several different devices, including a helium-neon (He-Ne) laser (Shukla S, et al. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2010;23(2):79-85). In this study, mice treated with the He-Ne laser had a much higher percentage of hairs in anagen phase than those not treated.

There is one published double-blind, sham device-controlled, multicentered study on hair growth (Leavitt M, et al. Clin Drug Invest. 2009;29(5):283-295). A total of 123 patients with AGA were enrolled in this well-designed, company-sponsored trial. Hair counts were completed, as were photographic assessments and patient self-assessment scores. The treatment group used a low-level laser comb (655 nm, HairMax LaserComb, Lexington International) 15 minutes a day, three days a week, for a total of 26 weeks. Hair counts at the end of six months showed a statistically significant (p<.0001) difference in hair density counts between the laser group and the sham group (+19.8 hairs/cm² vs. -7.6 hairs/cm² ). There was also a statistically significant difference in the subjects’ self assessments. However, blinded investigator clinical assessments did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the treatment and sham groups.

While LLLT with red light does stimulate terminal growth on hair count analysis, the clinical improvement is more difficult to judge. The study did not evaluate for any textural changes in hair. Textural changes may make hair appear clinically fuller, and patients may be happy with “thicker” hair that doesn’t necessarily exhibit a higher hair count. It may be that longer treatment sessions or duration of the treatment is needed. It may also be more helpful clinically when used in combination with other therapies, such as hair transplant, finasteride or minoxidil.

Current devices

Currently, there are several devices available on the market that use lasers for hair growth. All utilize wavelengths of 630 nm to 670 nm and are categorized as nonsignificant risk (NSR) devices. The most popular hair-growth laser devices for home use are the Hair Max LaserComb (FDA 510(k)); the Laser Hair Brush (Sunetics); the X5 Hair Laser (Spencer Forrest); and the Aculas HB-850 (Konftec).

These devices contain different numbers and arrays of laser diodes ranging in power from 2 mW to 20 mW per diode and a total power of 20 mW to 100 mW. These units are hand-held, and the recommended treatment protocols are 10 to 15 minutes, two to three days per week. The patient must sequentially move the device during the treatment period to ensure coverage of the entire affected area.

In-office LLLT systems resemble salon dryer “hoods” and are available with higher total-dose delivery (up to 2,000 mW) than the at-home devices. One example is the Sunetics Model “G” Laser, which has an open hood composed of four panels containing a total of 107 5-mW laser diodes to treat the entire top-scalp area. These in-office treatments also come with a bigger price tag (around $3,500 to $5,000 per year for the patient).

In February, an in-office device known as the MEP-90 hair growth stimulation system (Midwest RF) received FDA 510(k) clearance for the treatment of AGA in female patients. It is currently the only device specifically studied and approved for women. At-home versions of the in-office devices are also available on the Internet, though it is difficult to ascertain the actual parameters of the device.

Recently, a home-use device with greater laser power than most in-office systems was developed under the name LaserCap (Transdermal Cap). It contains 224 5-mW laser diodes in a mesh network that covers the entire top of the scalp and fits under a hat or cap. It has a rechargeable battery so that treatment can be administered while “on the go” in a convenient, discreet fashion. The LaserCap is available to patients through physicians at a rental cost and is currently undergoing further clinical evaluation.

Optimum treatment frequency and duration have not yet been determined for hair-growth laser therapy, and it is theoretically possible that large overdoses could reverse the therapeutic effects. In other words, more power with LLLT does not necessarily translate into better results. Long-term follow-up of patients receiving LLLT for AGA is needed to determine if therapeutic benefits can be maintained with prolonged therapy.

Alopecia areata

Laser and light devices have been used in other types of hair loss, including alopecia areata (AA). Lasers for use in AA primarily function via immunomodulation, targeting the primary pathology in this condition. The eximer laser (308 nm) has shown success in several trials for this disease via the mechanism of ultraviolet immunosuppression (Al-Mutairi N. Dermatol Surg. 2007;33(12):1483-1487). While effective in AA, the eximer laser is not likely to be useful for nonimmune types of hair loss, such as AGA.

In summary, LLLT is a safe, tolerable and easy-to-use treatment option for patients with AGA. Hair counts have been shown to increase in the only double-blinded study published. Proper parameters and treatment regimens must be better elucidated in order to make this treatment more universally accepted.

At this point, LLLT (red, 630 nm to 670 nm) for AGA seems to show some effects in some patients, yet future studies are needed to optimize results by better defining treatment power, dosing and frequency. With so few reliable noninvasive therapeutic choices for AGA, laser therapy is a welcome addition.

Joely Kaufman, M.D., is assistant professor of clinical dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and director of lasers for the University of Miami Cosmetic Group.

Bernard Nusbaum, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in hair loss and hair restoration. He is past president of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery and co-editor of Hair Transplant Forum International.

Sudden Hair Loss: Identifying The Causes Of Sudden Hair Loss

Sudden hair loss is characterized by the sudden loss of large amounts of hair. For example, large amounts of hair left on the pillow after sleeping and large amounts of hair coming out when washing or brushing your hair. And we’re not talking about a few hairs here. In the case of sudden hair loss typically large chunks of hair fall out on a regular basis, often times leading to significant bald areas on the scalp.

And while there can be other causes of sudden hair loss such as the side effects of some medications and diseases such as diabetes and localised infection of the scalp, sudden hair loss is almost always caused by a sudden emotional shock or trauma. Sudden hair loss doesn’t discriminate against men or women and can occur in both sexes although it typically is more common in males.

The cause of sudden hair loss that accompanies trauma is due to sudden hormonal imbalances occurring as a consequence of the shock of the trauma. Adrenaline gets dumped into the system leading to erratic behaviour of the other hormones, which if not addressed quickly can lead to a host of health complaints.

Like most acute conditions, the causes of sudden hair loss need to be identified as early as possible in order for the appropriate treatment to begin. A medical practitioner needs to be consulted in order to rule out any other diseases that may be causing the sudden hair loss, and also to make adjustments to any medication the patient may be taking that may also be contributing to their loss of hair.

In order to arrive at the definite cause of the sudden hair loss, various tests will need to be performed. Blood tests are typically used to evaluate nutritional levels, hormonal imbalances, and any possible disease states that may be causing the hair to fall out.

Just as there are numerous causes for hair loss that occurs over a period of time, if any treatment is to be undertaken the appropriate cause must be determined. In some cases an incorrect treatment, my actually exacerbate the problem.

In regard to treatment, the sudden loss of hair is almost always occurring due to, something that is happening in the present time or in the very recent past. And as such, whatever that cause is, it needs to be addressed rather than simply prescribing hair loss medications and hair loss shampoos.

While it is certainly possible in the case of long-standing, hair loss to self prescribe and treat yourself (sometimes quite successfully) sudden hair loss is a medical condition that needs medical evaluation and treatment.

An added problem that needs to be considered with this kind of hair loss is the psychological impact that the hair loss itself is having. If the cause of the sudden hair loss is determined to be psychologically or emotionally based, then worrying and stressing over the hair loss, while being a totally normal reaction that most people would have, will only make the problem worse. A condition caused by stress, rarely improves by being more stressed about it.

If it is determined that the treatment is going to be ongoing over a long period of time some counselling may be appropriate to help with the psychological impact of the hair loss.

If you become aware of sudden hair loss the best course of action is to see your doctor about the problem and be guided to the appropriate treatment based on their evaluation. And while it is easy to say not to worry about it, be aware that any additional stress or strain you put on yourself at this time will definitely hamper the quick resolution of your sudden hair loss problem.

If you are suffering from Sudden Hair Loss there are treatment options you need to consider. To learn more about sudden hair loss and the sudden hair loss treatments that are available today, visit http://www.modernhealth.info/category/hair-loss/ for more information and resources on hair loss.

Author: Glenn A. Turner
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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