Clue to male baldness discovered

 

Quoted by BBC News: “In studies of bald men and laboratory mice, US scientists pinpointed a protein that triggers hair loss.

 

Drugs that target the pathway are already in development, they report in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

 

The research could lead to a cream to treat baldness.

 

Most men start to go bald in middle age, with about 80% of men having some hair loss by the age of 70.

 

The male sex hormone testosterone plays a key role, as do genetic factors. They cause the hair follicles to shrink, eventually becoming so small that they are invisible, leading to the appearance of baldness.

 

Reverse balding?

 

Now, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have analysed which genes are switched on when men start to go bald.

 

They found levels of a key protein called prostaglandin D synthase are elevated in the cells of hair follicles located in bald patches on the scalp, but not in hairy areas.

 

Mice bred to have high levels of the protein went completely bald, while transplanted human hairs stopped growing when given the protein.

 

Prof George Cotsarelis, of the department of dermatology, who led the research, said: “Essentially we showed that prostaglandin protein was elevated in the bald scalp of men and that it inhibited hair growth. So we identified a target for treating male-pattern baldness.

 

“The next step would be to screen for compounds that affect this receptor and to also find out whether blocking that receptor would reverse balding or just prevent balding – a question that would take a while to figure out.”

 

The inhibition of hair growth is triggered when the protein binds to a receptor on the cells of hair follicles, said Prof Cotsarelis.

 

Several known drugs that target this pathway have already been identified, he added, including some that are in clinical trials.

 

The researchers say there is potential for developing a treatment that can be applied to the scalp to prevent baldness and possibly help hair regrow.”

 

Categories: bald, baldness nbsp, hair, hair follicles, hair growth, hair loss, nbsp, Protein, reverse balding

Can Vitamin C Improve your Hair Growth?

The health and beauty industry has realised in recent years that the natural way is popular amongst consumers, which is why there has been an influx of products on the market that include plant derivatives and vitamins. One of the more popular choices in hair products is vitamin C which is essential for hair growth and many other cellular processes in the body. For centuries, it was given to sailors on long journeys to stave off illness and keep the body healthy – whilst scurvy may not be a risk nowadays, it’s still a vital nutrient in our everyday health. Many studies have shown how important vitamin C is in keeping our skin strong and supple, helping to boost the levels of collagen in the skin which help to fight ageing and wrinkles, but what can it do for your hair?

 

On the surface, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to combat the damage from free radicals that the environment causes. On the skin, this translates into wrinkles and lines, as well as a dull complexion. However, there are limited studies into the effect of vitamin C on your hair, as the complicated cellular processes are less prevalent in the hair. Vitamin C is the more common name for ascorbic acid which is a small chiral molecule – this means that it can occur in two different forms. The types of ascorbic acid which are found in plants, synthesised in animals and used in cosmetic products are left-handed molecules. The right-handed version doesn’t occur in nature, though researchers are unsure why.

 

Vitamin C is a mild acid and therefore works as a great ingredient in clarifying shampoos. It can be very useful in removing mineral build-up which can build up on the hair follicles. This process can help to enable the hair to absorb moisture, keeping it soft and shiny and stopping it from breaking so easily. When this nutrient is included in conditioners and styling products it works as an antioxidant, much as it is used in skin creams as well. Free radicals lead to damage in the structure of the hair, so using vitamin C can help to reduce the effects of split ends. Free radicals also react to the natural melanin and synthetic dye molecules which can remain in the hair strands – vitamin C can be useful in this regard, helping to keep the colour fresh and bright. In other products, vitamin C is used as a pH adjuster or a preservative, and can have no significant impact on the final effect of the product. If it is low on the list of ingredients, you’ll know that this is the case.

 

With regards to hair growth, vitamins C can help to repair a damaged or unhealthy scalp. Your scalp goes a long way to determining the health of your hair and while it is true that ascorbic acid is capable of transferring tissue and cells in certain products, this isn’t usually the case in shampoo. This is because the pH of hair care products is usually very high and this can stop the acid from being effective. Most products with vitamin C in them will have little impact on your scalp health. Whether it is possible for hair products to improve your hair growth, it remains to be seen – it won’t hurt to try them, but the effects may only be in moderation. If you’re suffering with severe problems with your scalp, however, speak to your GP in case you’re lacking something in your diet.

Categories: acid, ascorbic acid, cellular processes, Free Radicals, hair, hair growth, hair products, products, scalp health, vitamin, vitamin c

The Truth About Masturbation: What Everyone Should Know

Masturbation is an important part of sexual health. There are all kinds of strange claims made about masturbation, including that it can be damaging for your wellness and wellbeing by causing blindness, acne, insanity and even unusual hair growth!

 

Masturbation is a normal process wherein both men and women sexually arouse themselves by touching their genitals. It is usually done alone but can be done with or to a partner.

 

Masturbation is entirely normal and can help people to learn about their own bodies and their own sexuality. Women can learn, through masturbation, how to reach orgasm, and men could learn how to delay their orgasm so that they last longer in bed.

 

There is no right or wrong way to masturbate. Men usually do it by holding and rubbing their penis, whilst women tend to touch their vagina and clitoris. The clitoris is a soft bump at the front of the vagina and it is very sensitive. Most women need some form of clitoral stimulation in order to have an orgasm during either masturbation or sexual intercourse.

 

Men usually ejaculate when they orgasm; ejaculation is when semen shoots out of the penis at the moment of climax. There is usually around 5ml of semen but there can be more if a man has not ejaculated for a while.

 

Masturbation is entirely safe, and does not cause insanity, blindness, acne or excessive hair growth. There is also no risk of pregnancy when you masturbate, and no risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection, either.

 

There is a small risk of infection, however, if you use sex toys to masturbate with, and if somebody who has an STI has used the toys before you. For this reason, any object that you use to masturbate should be solely used by you and not shared with anyone else, or if you must share sex toys then put a condom over them when using them.

Categories: blindness acne, Facts, hair growth, masturbate, masturbation, nbsp, nbsp masturbation, orgasm, Sex, Sex Toys, Women

Eight Things That Might Surprise You About Being Pregnant

After you find out that you are pregnant, every myth you’ve ever heard suddenly does not match with reality. Pain in unusual places and uncomfortable sleeping positions make you wonder about all the things that you don’t know about pregnancy. Here are a few things you can expect when you are pregnant:

 

Digestive Issues

With a growing child pressing against your internal organs, your bowel movements become limited or turn into constipation problems. Excessive gas is also a problem. Eat many fruits and vegetables to keep your digestive system relatively regular during pregnancy.

 

Sciatica

Pain from sciatica is often the least expected thing to expect from pregnancy. Sciatica during pregnancy is very common, and usually occurs on one side of the body, but you could feel pain on both sides. As the largest nerve in your lower extremities, the sciatic responds to the baby’s growing weight with sharp pains down the legs as it is pinched during fetal movement. There is no true cure for sciatica unless the baby shifts its weight away from the nerve. You can, however, ease the symptoms by moving and walking. Your instinct might be to lay down and rest, but too much rest can actually make the pain worse.

 

Urination Problems

Your baby presses against your bladder during pregnancy that could cause leaks or accidents periodically. You may have incontinence problems after pregnancy as well. The bladder becomes weak during pregnancy and it becomes more difficult to hold your bladder. Make sure you continue to drink lots of water during the day. Lessening your water intake before bed will allow you to sleep through the night without having to empty your bladder every hour when you are trying to sleep.

 

Sleep Eludes You

You may be able to sleep in the first trimester, but a growing baby forces you to sleep on your side. For some mothers, side sleeping is cause for insomnia. As the baby develops, kicking and continual activity during the night may keep you awake as well. Except to be up in the night more often than you were before.

 

Morning Sickness

Some mothers vomit while others remain nauseous throughout the first trimester. These symptoms are not limited to the morning, as one might expect. There are some women who do not experience any nausea at all. Nausea can haunt you all day for several weeks. Be prepared to eat small meals to keep your stomach calm. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated if you are vomiting.

 

Cleaning Fury

Near the end of the pregnancy, you may go through a nesting period. With the need to clean, you’ll want to get everything in order before the birth begins. This is different for every woman, but often times, many will want to keep busy and get everything in order before the baby comes.

 

Loose Ligaments

Your body releases the hormone relaxin during pregnancy to ready the pelvis for birth. Be careful as you walk or exercise during pregnancy. Loose ligaments make you unstable and prone to accidents. If you choose to exercise, make sure you know your limits and take it easy to avoid any injury.

 

Hair Growth

With all the hormones coursing through your body, growing hair in unusual areas is common. Hair developing on your back, breasts and face can happen. Do not be alarmed, hair growth should subside after birth.

 

Pregnancy is a stressful period for your body, but a rewarding child is the prize. Take care of your body and be accepting of the different changes as you enjoy your developing baby. Don’t be alarmed or stress over these common symptoms that happen during pregnancy.

Categories: Baby, body, hair growth, loose ligaments, morning sickness, nbsp, pregnancy, Pregnant, Sciatica, sleep

What a Diet for Healthy Hair Looks Like

Just like the other parts of your body, your hair’s cells need the proper nourishment in order for them to maintain a healthy and fortified appearance. Other factors such as smoking, lack of sleep, stress, and hormonal changes can also affect your hair’s appearance. Eating a well-balanced diet can contribute to the condition of both your scalp and hair follicles. The following is a list of nutrients and healthy practices that help ensure that hair receives the proper care it deserves.

 

Fatty Acids and Proteins

 

If you’re looking for shiny and manageable hair, your diet needs to consist of fatty acids and proteins. Good sources can include salmon, walnuts, most meats, and eggs. A diet rich in legumes such as chick peas, lentils, cheese, and green peas can also be beneficial to the growth and health of your hair.

 

Vitamin A

 

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, and your body is unable to function properly without it. It can also produce the oils that are necessary to promote a healthy and hydrated scalp. Individuals who are lacking in this nutrient may experience itching and dandruff. Other options loaded with vitamin A can include pumpkin, apricots, carrots, mangoes, and cantaloupe.

 

Vitamin C for Circulation

 

Hair breakage and damage to the scalp can be caused by a lack of vitamin C. In order to achieve healthy and hydrated hair, you need to nourish the blood vessels that lead to the follicles. Vitamin C enriched foods can include blueberries, kiwi, strawberries, raspberries, and tomatoes.

 

Herbs

 

Dry and damaged hair can be brittle and snap when you brush it. A cup of herbal tea can help strengthen and nourish your hair. You can find herbs rich in collagen at your local health food store. Others include additional beneficial herbs such as horse tail and stinging nettle. Place the herbs into a cup and let them steep for five to ten minutes.

 

Meal Planning

 

In addition to consuming a healthy diet, you may also want to plan your meals throughout the day for better hair health. Try to include protein in each of your meals, as it can be beneficial to the growth and condition of your hair. You can also add supplements of the protein keratin to the scalp by using products like Kera Fiber.

 

A diet high in fruits and vegetables can also aid those who have lackluster hair, and it should make up at least one-third of your daily eating plan. To prevent a flaky scalp and itchiness, you may want to cut back on sugar, fats and products with caffeine.

 

Other Important Factors

 

The typical hair growth rate per month is one-half inch, but it can decrease as you age. Eating a balanced diet can’t speed up your hair growth beyond the normal monthly range, but it can encourage the health and condition of your hair and scalp. Other factors that can change your hair include pregnancy, menopause, stress and medication.

 

A healthy head of shiny and thick hair can benefit your overall appearance, but it needs a blend of the best nutrients to do so. If you’re not consuming the right foods, personalized salon products won’t aid your cause unless you learn how to follow a healthy eating regimen.

 

Savannah Bobo is a freelance writer and blog contributor from Atlanta, GA who enjoys writing about health, fitness, and nutrition. Many health issues have all-natural solutions—hair loss and hair thinning included. Proteins like keratin, for example, can be added to the scalp with Kera Fiber. Since food is the body’s main source of fuel, changing one’s diet can drastically alter things like skin condition and hair growth.

Categories: balanced diet, diet, fatty acids, hair, hair growth, Healthy, kera fiber, nbsp, nbsp vitamin, What a Diet for Healthy Hair Looks Like