Is wheat diet the cause of Celiac Disease in India?

Is wheat diet the cause of Celiac Disease in India?

Celiac Disease can be attributed to genetic and environmental factors as well as diet. In the 17th International Celiac Disease Symposium (ICDS 2017), which was held in Delhi, Chris J Mulder, Hepatogastroenterologist and Head of Department, VU Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands, said, “Wheat consumption, particularly in northern India, is huge. Compared to 25 g in Western Europe and about 17 g in countries like Italy, India consumes about 30-40 g of wheat daily. This could be a possible reason for the higher incidence of Celiac Disease in India. About 50 g of wheat can induce villous atrophy. Gluten can gradually erode the villi in the small intestine and prohibit the body from absorbing nutrients from food. There is also a lack of awareness about this disease due to which it remains undiagnosed for the major part.” Here are 4 things to know about Celiac Disease.

Can Celiac Disease be treated?

As it is an autoimmune disease, Celiac Disease can only be managed. Successful management of Celiac Disease requires a team approach, including patients, families, physicians, dietitian and patient support groups. After a diagnosis is made, all the patients should be referred to a dietician for nutritional assessment, to be followed up every 3 months. Some other approaches at the individual level include meal planning and assistance with the social and emotional adaptation to the gluten-free lifestyle. At a larger level, industries can be motivated for large-scale production of gluten-free food products ranging from snacks, flour, sweets, ice creams and ready-to-eat packets. Encouragement should also be provided for making home-made food from naturally occurring gluten-free items. Here are 5 expert-recommended tips celiac disease patients should follow.

Although the absolute number of patients with Celiac Disease at present is not very large, this number is expected to increase over next few years/decades. It is thus appropriate that medical community define the extent of the problem and get prepared to handle impending epidemic of Celiac Disease in India. Also read about 3 signs you must get tested for Celiac disease and go gluten free.

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Watch what you eat for a healthy heart!

Watch what you eat for a healthy heart!

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What worries cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy the most

What worries cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy the most

Cancer patients today are worried more about the effects of their illness on their partner or family than the physical side effects of chemotherapy, new research has found. The study presented at European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2017 Congress in Madrid, Spain, showed that socio-psychological factors have become more significant for patients today than physical side-effects such as nausea and vomiting. “What we found is that, on the one hand, side effects like nausea and vomiting are no longer a major problem for patients — this can be explained by the fact that modern medication against these symptoms is very effective,” study author Beyhan Ataseven from Kliniken Essen Mitte Evang, Huyssens-Stiftung in Essen, Germany.

“On the other hand, hair loss is still a persistent, unsolved issue that particularly affects patients at the start of their treatment,” Ataseven said. “As time passes and patients get used to this, however, their concerns evolve and other side effects become more significant,” Ataseven added. The team led by Ataseven focused exclusively on breast and ovarian cancer patients and added a longitudinal analysis by carrying out three separate interviews before, during and at the end of their chemotherapy. At each interview, 141 patients scheduled for or undergoing chemotherapy were presented with two groups of cards respectively featuring physical and non-physical side effects. Read here What are the types of cancer resistant to chemotherapy?

The patients selected their five most burdensome symptoms in each group and ranked them by importance. Out of these 10 main side effects, they were then asked to select the five most significant ones from both groups and to rank these as well. “Looking at patients’ perceptions over the entire course of their chemotherapy, the most difficult side effects they deal with are sleep disorders – which become increasingly important over time – and anxiety about the effects of their illness on their partner or family, which remains a top issue throughout,” Ataseven explained. “As doctors, these findings might lead us to consider possible improvements to the accompanying therapies we offer our patients: For instance, sleeping tablets were not until now a part of the routine regimen,” Ataseven added. “There is also a clear case for providing stronger psychological support to address patients’ social anxieties and family-related concerns,” she said. Read more about 10 dos and don’ts during chemotherapy

Source: IANS

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Tom Alter Cancer Diagnosis: What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Tom Alter Cancer Diagnosis: What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Bollywood actor Tom Alter, best-known for playing Charles on Zabaan Sambhal Ke and gangster Keshav Kalsi in Junoon, has reportedly been suffering from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of cancer. According to a report published in the Times of India, the 67-year-old actor is currently undergoing treatment at Saifee Hospital at Charni Road. Born to English-Scottish Christian missionary parents in Mussoorie, Tom has endeared himself to the Indian audience with his brilliant portrayal of characters on the silver screen and on the stage, in a career that has spanned more than four decades.

The news about his cancer diagnosis has sent shockwaves across the industry, especially because the cancer episode is a relapse. There is a lot of speculation regarding Tom’s condition and if reports are to go by, the actor is, unfortunately, battling stage four of the cancer.

What is squamous cell carcinoma?

Also known by its other name epidermoid cancer, SCC is a blanket name given to different types of cancer that originate from the squamous cells. Common types of the disease include:

• Squamous cell skin cancer that affects the skin


• Squamous cell carcinoma that affects the lungs


• Squamous cell thyroid carcinoma that affects the thyroid


• Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma that affects the oesophagus

SCC occurs in all the parts of the body, including the genitalia and the mucous membranes. But it is commonly seen in areas that are exposed to the sunlight such as head, ears, neck and back of the hands. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it is the second-most common type of skin cancer after basal skin carcinoma. Over the years, the incidence of the cancer has steadily increased, but the case-fatality rate of the cancer is only around one percent.

What causes SCC?

The risk of SCC depends on two main factors:

• Amount of sun exposure


• Degree of pigmentation

The causes include:

• Direct, unprotected exposure to strong sunlight and is prevalent in people who are light-skinned.


• Ultraviolet radiation emanating from tanning salons


• Exposure to chemical products like tar, contaminated water that contains traces of arsenic, herbicides, insecticides and tobacco


• Severe burns, chronic ulcers and HPV infections

(Read: What is HPV?)

The incidence of SCC is quite high, but if they are promptly detected, diagnosed and treated the percentage of cure is approximately 95 percent. So it is important to ensure the early detection or prevention for these type of tumours.

Who is it common in?

• SCC affects more men than women. The incidence of the cancer is two times more in men.


• The incidence of SCC increases with age, especially in people who have crossed the age of 60.


• These days, SCC is also seen in people who are as young as 40 years old.


• Light-skinned people with skin phototypes I and II according to Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology.


• People whose skin doesn’t tend to tan and have a tendency to get sunburnt are at greater risk.


• Light-haired and blue-eyed people are also at risk.

References:
1.Nasser, N., Nasser Filho, N., & Lehmkuhl, R. L. (2015). Squamous cell cancer – 31-year epidemiological study in a city of south Brazil. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 90(1), 21–26. http://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20153465

Image source: YouTube/Rajya Sabha TV

Weight loss surgery may reduce fertility in men

Weight loss surgery may reduce fertility in men

If you are an obese man planning to get under the knife to loose that extra paunch, think twice. According to a study, undergoing a type of bariatric surgery may raise the risk of frequent sperm aberrations and lower fertility rates in men. The findings revealed that men who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass(RYGB) surgery reported elevated levels of the estrogen hormone estradiol and deficiency in vitamin D, factors which could negatively impact semen and fertility. This reduction was despite improvements in weight, androgen levels and sexual quality of life following the procedure, the researchers said.

“This study is one important piece in solving the puzzle of male infertility. The challenge is to see if correcting hormonal and micronutrient aberrations are enough to reverse male infertility,” said Edward Lin, Surgical Director, at Emory University’s Gastroesophageal Treatment Centre in Georgia. In a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, only a small part of the stomach is used to create a new stomach pouch, roughly the size of an egg. The smaller stomach is connected directly to the middle portion of the small intestine (jejunum), bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenum). Read here 5 things you need to know before undergoing bariatric surgery

For the study, published in Bariatric Surgical Practice and Patient Care, the team compared the long-term effects of weight loss following RYGB among a group of sexually active men attempting to conceive with a partner to the semen parameters and fertility of obese men who did not undergo bariatric surgery and to a control group of lean men. Read here 3 types of bariatric surgery you need to know about

Source: IANS

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Belly fat in postmenopausal women may up cancer risk

Belly fat in postmenopausal women may up cancer risk

Getting rid of your belly bulge may be necessary for more than just vanity’s sake as, according to a study, abdominal fat may increase the risk of developing cancer especially in postmenopausal women. The findings showed that body fat distribution in the abdomen is more important for reducing the risk of cancers such as lung and gastrointestinal (GI), than body mass index (BMI) or fat percentage. The study put a new spin on weight management priorities for women in this age-group, who are prone to abdominal weight gain, said Line Maersk Staunstrup, doctoral student with Nordic Bioscience, a Denmark-based biotechnology firm.

“When assessing cancer risk, BMI and fat percentage may not be adequate measures as they fail to assess the distribution of fat mass,” Staunstrup explained. “Avoiding central obesity may confer the best protection,” Staunstrup said. For the study, presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2017 Congress in Madrid, the team included 5,855 women (mean age 71 years) to assess body fat and body fat composition. They were followed for 12 years. The researchers found that the ratio of abdominal fat to peripheral fat was a significant independent predictor of cancer diagnosis. Read here Should you worry if you start bleeding post menopause?

Looking in detail at specific cancers and risk factors, the investigators determined that only lung and gastrointestinal cancers were associated with high abdominal to peripheral fat ratios. Further, older age, receipt of hormone replacement therapy and smoking as well as obesity and particularly insulin resistance were found to play specific roles in raising cancer risk. “Increases in insulin, resulting from over-consumption of simple carbohydrates such as potatoes, wheat, rice and corn, result in fat accumulation that is specifically visceral and abdominal,” explained Andrea De Censi, from Galliera Hospital, Genoa, in Italy. The study opens the door for clinicans to intiate a number of interventions in obese patients. Apart from fat loss with diet and exercise, diabetes drug such as metformin, which can lower insulin effects may play a potential role for cancer prevention, the researchers said.

Source: IANS

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Pneumonia in early life may increase asthma risk

Pneumonia in early life may increase asthma risk

Young children with respiratory tract infections such as colds and pneumonia may be at an increased risk of developing asthma and weak lung function in later life, says a study. The study of 154,492 European children found that those who had upper respiratory infections, such as colds, sinusitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and otitis, by the age of five years had a 1.5-fold increased risk of developing asthma in later life.  Children who had suffered from lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia and general chest infections, had a two- to four-fold increased risk of developing asthma in later life and were also more likely to have worse lung function, according to the findings presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Milan, Italy.

“These findings support the hypothesis that early-life respiratory tract infections may influence the development of respiratory illnesses in the longer term,” said Evelien van Meel from Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, The Netherlands. “In particular, lower respiratory tract infections in early life seem to have the greatest adverse effect on lung function and the risk of asthma,” van Meel said. The researchers analysed data from 37 groups of children from several European countries who were born between 1989 and 2013.  Children were included in this analysis if data were available on respiratory tract infections in early life (from age six months up to five years old), and childhood lung function and/or asthma.  Read more about Hormone helpful in preventing pneumonia identified

The length of follow-up varied between groups, but ranged from birth until the age of four to 15 years. Lung function and asthma are two different measures of respiratory health and are only partly related. “Lung function is an objective measure of the function of the lungs and airways. Lung function could be affected without leading to symptoms, or it could lead to asthma or other complaints such as wheezing,” van Meel said. “Additionally, a child could be diagnosed with asthma but their lung function could be fairly unaffected, for example because they are taking adequate asthma medications,” van Meel added. Read here Asthma drugs may prevent a deadly form of pneumonia

Source: IANS

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7 reasons why living close to the sea is good for your health

7 reasons why living close to the sea is good for your health

Did you know that long ago, physicians recommended going to the beach for medical reasons? When consumption or tuberculosis was claiming lives by the thousands back in the 1900s, some doctors had a rather unconventional approach to treat it. So patients were sent to the seaside by the droves to breathe the salty sea air. It was believed to have curative powers, which could heal the respiratory organs and reduce the intensity of the disease. But the health benefits of the sea were known to man even before that. ‘Thalassotherapy’ or sea therapy was prescribed by Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, himself. So if you are wondering whether to hit the hills or the chill by the beach this vacation, here are seven health reasons of the sea that will help you come to a decision.

1. Great for curing skin diseases
Going for a quick swim in the salty seawater can be great if you suffer from skin conditions like psoriasis. Sea water is a repository of minerals such as chloride, sodium, iodine, magnesium, sulphur and potassium, many of which have curative effects on the skin. Studies have shown that a combination of seawater and UVB radiation seems to have an ameliorative effect on skin problems such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.^{1 2} Many patients have sensed lessening of symptoms after going for a swim in the sea. Old wives tales also prescribe sulphur and iodine rich sea water for its antiseptic properties, which can heal skin lesions.

(Read: How psoriasis affects you mentally)

2. Reduces respiratory inflammation
The sea air contains mist of saline water, which seems to have a soothing effect on the mucosal lining of the respiratory system. So, people suffering from inflammatory respiratory conditions like sinusitis can benefit from breathing the balmy sea air. Even aspiration of sea spray while swimming can be beneficial for the lungs.³

3. Promotes good sleep and good mood
Have you wondered why you feel relaxed when you visit the beach? The sea air is laden with negative ions which can have mood-enhancing properties. A research concluded that negative air ionisation associated with the sea breeze resulted in lower depression scores.⁴ The negative ions also help by improving our oxygen intake and balancing levels of the feel good hormone serotonin. But if you are a thalassophile, the sight of the sea alone is good enough to cheer you up!

4. Higher levels of vitamin D
Did you know that vitamin D deficiency can cause horrible health problems like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, anaemia, brain damage, depression, infertility, and cancer? People living in dull and gloomy climes generally face more vitamin D deficiency than those who live close to the coast, according to a study conducted on 7,000 participants. A house by the seaside means you have more of the sunshine vitamin that can ward off some of the most dangerous modern-day diseases.⁵

(Read: Vitamin D deficiency– Are you at risk?)

5. Good for your mind
Many people swear by the soothing sounds for nature to alleviate problems like sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression. It is proven that nature sounds, particularly that of birds, sea, forests, and rain, help in recovery from a psychologically stressful event. Visual impressions of nature combined with its soothing sounds help you heal your mind faster than you can say “beach”! So if it is mental peace you want, a stay by the beachside, listening to the sound of waves crashing on the shores can help.⁶

6. Protects against cardiovascular problems
Deep sea water, or the water obtained from a depth of 200 meters into the sea. This mineral-rich water is known to have a lot of therapeutic benefits, especially for the heart.⁷ It helps the heart by decreasing the TC, TG, atherogenic index, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while increasing the serum trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity. 7 It also reduces the formation of plaque formation in the inner lining of the arteries.

7. Keeps you healthier than others
A good exercise regimen is important for overall health. But did you know that you can get more benefits out of your exercises if you were to do it close to the sea or any natural environment?⁸ Also, a study suggests that coastal proximity, or staying close to the sea, increased your chances of being fitter and healthier than the rest, thanks to the higher level of physical activity among coastal dwellers.⁹

References:
1. Schempp CM, Müller K, Schulte-Mönting J, Schöpf E, Simon JC. Salt water bathing prior to UVB irradiation leads to a decrease of the minimal erythema dose and an increased erythema index without affecting skin pigmentation. Photochem Photobiol. 1999 Mar;69(3):341-4. PubMed PMID: 10089826.
2. Eysteinsdóttir JH, Ólafsson JH, Agnarsson BA, Lúðvíksson BR, Sigurgeirsson B. Psoriasis treatment: faster and long-standing results after bathing in geothermal seawater. A randomized trial of three UVB phototherapy regimens. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2014 Feb;30(1):25-34. doi: 10.1111/phpp.12090. Epub 2013
Dec 10. PubMed PMID: 24255991.
3.Rabago, D., & Zgierska, A. (2009). Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions. American family physician, 80(10), 1117-1119.
4.Perez V, Alexander DD, Bailey WH. Air ions and mood outcomes: a review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry. 2013 Jan 15;13:29. doi: 10.1186/1471-244X-13-29.Review. PubMed PMID: 23320516; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3598548
6. Alvarsson, J. J., Wiens, S., & Nilsson, M. E. (2010). Stress Recovery during Exposure to Nature Sound and Environmental Noise. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 7(3), 1036–1046. http://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7031036
7.Mohd Nani, S. Z., Majid, F. A. A., Jaafar, A. B., Mahdzir, A., & Musa, M. N. (2016). Potential Health Benefits of Deep Sea Water: A Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM, 2016, 6520475. http://doi.org/10.1155/2016/6520475
8.Mitchell, R. (2013). Is physical activity in natural environments better for mental health than physical activity in other environments?. Social Science & Medicine, 91, 130-134.
9.White, M. P., Wheeler, B. W., Herbert, S., Alcock, I., & Depledge, M. H. (2014). Coastal proximity and physical activity: Is the coast an under-appreciated public health resource?. Preventive medicine, 69, 135-140. coastal proximity

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Flaws in Ryan security, strict action against school management: Haryana minister

Flaws in Ryan security, strict action against school management: Haryana minister

While admitting that the Ryan International School in Gurugram had several flaws in the security arrangements for students, Haryana Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma on Sunday said that managements of all private schools in the state would be made responsible and accountable for taking the students from home to school and back home. “Strict action would be taken against any negligence in this regard. Guidelines in this regard would be issued to all schools tomorrow,” Sharma told media in Gurugram. Referring to the incident at Ryan International School in Gurugram, in which seven-year-old boy Pradyuman was murdered allegedly by a bus conductor in the school bathroom on Saturday, Sharma said action would be taken against the school management and owner of the school under Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act.

“Investigations are being conducted by the three-member sub-committee formed by the district administration. It has found many flaws in the security of students for which the school management is answerable and a detailed report would be submitted by the sub-committee tomorrow,” he said. “Apart from this, there is no boundary wall of the school; there is no separate arrangement of toilets for bus drivers and conductors of 40 buses deployed by the school for bringing the students, and windows in the toilet meant for students were found broken,” he noted. Sharma said that on the basis of the report of the sub-committee, police action would be taken against the school management and owner of the school mentioned in the FIR.

Police have arrested the accused who had killed the child and the chargesheet would be presented in one week, he added. “If the parents of the child are still not satisfied, the government would be willing to seek help from any agency. But I feel they will be satisfied when the chargesheet is presented in the court along with evidences,” he added, while referring to demands of parents that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for probe. He ruled out cancelling affiliation of the Ryan school saying that the future of 1,200 students, studying in the school, was at stake, but stressed that no leniency would be shown to the school management in this case.  “Liquor shops near the school would be removed all such shops located within 400 meters of all schools in Haryana would also be removed,” he added.

Source: IANS

Image source: IANS

How to get rid of unwanted chin hair for good?

How to get rid of unwanted chin hair for good?,

Are you pained by the sight of long, dark hair on your chin? We understand your frustration as chin hair can make having someone near your face uncomfortable. Sometimes the hair just doesn’t go away, and you continue to see a pesky strand on the same spot even after you remove it. There are three reasons why your hair keeps coming back—your genes, your hormones and the method of hair pulling. Often when you go off a birth control pill, you can notice hair growth. You may also see hair growth during your puberty and menopause when there is a surge of hormonal changes. Let us find out from dermatologist Dr Sejal Shah the best way to get rid of chin hair for good.

Can pulling chin hair help?
You are not going to get rid of chin hair if you continuously pull it. Pulling starts this whole chain reaction of stimulating dormant follicles to develop noticeably darker hair.

Can waxing help get rid of unwanted chin hair?
Waxing and threading your chin hair can also be a wrong decision. The more hair you pull, the more hair you will notice growing. Also, read this before you try any facial hair removal technique. 

What is the best hair removal method to remove chin hair?
While laser offers permanent hair reduction (not removal), electrolysis can be the best method to get rid of chin hair for good. Electrolysis removes hair permanently, however, you can still notice the growth of new hair if there are any changes in your hormones. In electrolysis, a thin needle that is finer than hair goes into the hair follicle sealing the root for ever. It might take up to three settings for the root to never produce another hair. A thicker hair may have to be treated about three times and a fin hair just once. The number of treatments you need also depends on how much hair you have on your chin.
Electrolysis can be painful, but if you are okay with waxing, you might find the pain tolerable. Your doctor will prescribe some cream and also apply some ice to numb the area first. Try these chemical-free home remedies to get rid of unwanted facial hair. 

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The new colourful caviar lip trend is taking over Instagram

The new colourful caviar lip trend is taking over Instagram,

Every day there is a new lip colour trend on Instagram. While we may not try everything that the beauty bloggers do, we really feel like trying some trends. One such trend is the evolutionary caviar lips. Wondering what it is? Beauty expert Nandini Agarwal from Marvie Ann Beck Academy gives some dope.

Caviar lips are just an upgraded version of the glitter lips trend with a textured finish. The look is created using 3D embellishments like beads, sequins and pearls giving an illusion of actual caviar added to the lips. You need to just wear a glitter primer as a base for the embellishments to stick on. The caviar lips not only looks unique but it looks yummy too. So do not hesitate to apply lots of beads and pearls. That will make it look stunning and also enhance the shape of your lips making it more prominent.

However, you may not want to wear all that glitters to work as you might be eating up the glitter along with your sandwich at lunch. You must get it done if you are going for a drive with your date.

The right makeup for caviar lips
You can wear the lipstick as a statement piece and cut down the highlighter on your face. When you are carrying the caviar lip trend, it is best to keep the rest of your makeup minimal and clean so that the focus is only on your lips. Just pair the lip colour with a classic thin liquid eye liner or just a nude colour eye shadow to keep the look as minimal as possible. An eye shadow in a single colour is enough to bring radiance to one’s face. It is important to select an eye shadow in a muted tone to make the lips the highlight of the look.

Image source: Marvingsctt/Instagram, greta_ag/Instagram, persianbeautylounge/Instagram

New makeup trends: Awesome lip art inspirations that you MUST TRY

New makeup trends: Awesome lip art inspirations that you MUST TRY,

Image courtesy:

• Instagram/calebrepostsmakeup


• Instagram/cakefaceddoll


• Instagram/con_e_cre8s


• Instagram/sweetzandy


• Instagram/makeupgoals_liv


• Instagram/tonidamora


• Instagram/justyna_pikor_makeup_lover


• 
  
  Instagram/ananya.365
  
  


• Instagram/smashboxcosmetics


• Instagram/dewy_beauty


• Instagram/con_e_cre8s


• Instagram/caindijin


• Instagram/luisaatsalinas

 

Genesis rejuvenation therapy – get to know this skin treatment procedure

Genesis rejuvenation therapy – get to know this skin treatment procedure,

Genesis Rejuvenation Therapy is one of the most preferred non-invasive skin procedure to achieve vibrant, even tone and smooth texture skin in both men and women. Whether one is suffering from enlarged pores, extreme redness or fine-line wrinkles, this treatment is practically free of side effects. No topical anesthetics are used. Unlike other harsher contemporary treatment methods, Genesis Rejuvenation Therapy is done without disturbing the upper layers of skin (non-ablative). One can resume daily activities soon after the procedure. Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Founder and Medical Director of YAVANA Aesthetics Clinic helps us in understanding if this procedure really helps in producing new collagen and what makes this treatment different from other laser treatments.

How does Genesis Rejuvenation Therapy procedure work? Genesis skin rejuvenation uses ND:YAG laser light to treat the deeper layers of the skin. The laser light causes heating of the dermis resulting in new collagen production. The Genesis session results in an even skin tone, pore tightening, and a supple skin tone. It also targets the tiny vessels beneath the skin surface, decreasing the red patches and dull appearance. Read more about Acne treatments recommended by skin specialists — do they work?

What does Genesis Rejuvenation Therapy help to achieve? This therapy has proven to have many benefits. It helps in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It aids in minimizing open pores, improves uneven skin texture and reduces redness and flushing of the face. This therapy also helps in treating acne scars that are shallow and not very deep.

Can Genesis Rejuvenation Therapy worsen any pre-existing medical conditions? Normally it is a safe procedure and does not cause any extreme adverse effects. However, it should not be done in individuals with keloidal tendency as it can worsen or at times trigger new keloids.

How many sittings does Genesis Rejuvenation Therapy take? Generally, 4-6 sessions will be required to achieve the desired results. The shelf life of the procedure varies and lasts anywhere from 3-6 months depending on lifestyle and other factors. The Genesis sessions require maintenance session once in 3 months to sustain the results for a long time. It is recommended to combine it with chemical peels for superior results.

What is Genesis Rejuvenation Therapy’s recovery time? There is no recovery time. Initially, there will be mild redness or flushing more evident in lighter skin type but it settles down in a few hours. In darker skin types, there is no visible change or redness immediately after the session.

How much does Genesis Rejuvenation Therapy cost? The cost is variable depending on the skin concern and number of session required. A detailed consultation will help to determine the exact cost for an individual. The average cost for a session can be in the range of Rs 3,000-Rs. 5,000 and clinics also offer packages depending on the session recommended.

Who is the right target audience for this treatment? For the benefit of anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation, anyone in their 30s can start doing Genesis. An individual with rough, patchy skin, large pores, fine wrinkles and dull tired skin can opt for this treatment. Younger patients with superficial acne scarring or redness of face can also be given the Genesis session. Read more about 6 best beauty treatments to reduce pigmentation and get clear skin

Who is not a good candidate for this treatment? Any individual with deep folds and wrinkles, deep pigmentation and lot of aging changes are not good candidates for this treatment. In case they plan to do this treatment, it must be combined with other treatments like chemical peels, dermal fillers, and Botox.

How different is this treatment from other non-surgical treatments? This is a unique treatment for reducing the redness and flushed look of skin and also improving difficult conditions like Rosacea. With a couple of sessions, the red patches on cheeks become less prominent and mellow downs. It is also a quick, lunch time procedure that overall improves skin dullness and porous look.

Advantages of Genesis Rejuvenation Therapy

1. It is a quick procedure with no downtime.


2. It helps in reducing redness and flushing of the face.

Disadvantages of Genesis Rejuvenation Therapy

1. It requires multiple sessions to deliver desirable results.


2. The results are not long lasting and require maintenance.


3. It cannot be done in patients with excessive scarring tendency such as keloids.

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Do this after a keratin treatment if you sweat a lot

Do this after a keratin treatment if you sweat a lot,

Keratin treatment promises to make your hair manageable, smooth, frizz-free and shiny. It softens your curls and with the help of other chemicals, helps retain the look for a good few months. Rod Anker, Creative Director of Monsoon Salon and Spa, advises that the hair must be kept straight for 72 hours, without using any accessories, water or moisture as it may disturb the process. But what should you do if your scalp is prone to sweating? Here are a few cues.

Avoid activities that cause you to sweat: If you are prone to sweating, it is best that you try to prevent perspiration at least for the first two to four days after the treatment. You are not supposed to get your hair wet at least for a period of time after the treatment. So avoid activities that make you perspire like household work or exercise.

Do not tie or clip your hair: If you still tend to sweat anyway do not tie or clip your hair as your hair might cling. Just leave your hair open and keep it down. If your scalp tends to sweat the best idea would be just to blow dry your hair as soon as you can. These hair straightening methods and treatments can cause hair fall.

Use advanced formulas: If you do not think that you can do away with sweating for four days just ask your expert for some advanced formula that set within 24 hours. However, these advanced hair formulas are designed for coarser hair texture so consult your specialist first before insisting her to use the advanced formula on you.

Keep your hair off your face: Once your keratin treatment is set, make sure that you pull your hair off your face. So if you are out in the sun or are working out; just tie your hair into a ponytail to keep it off your face. These 4 hair treatments will help you go from damaged to gorgeous hair. 

Image source: Shutterstock Images

 

5 collagen and elastin-rich nutrients for anti-ageing

5 collagen and elastin-rich nutrients for anti-ageing,

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, with functions ranging protecting the organs to regulating body temperature. Your skin gets its strength and resilience from collagen and elastin, two important proteins that work together to give it its shape and texture. When the production of the proteins is impaired, your skin starts wrinkling and looking old. However, you can beat the aging procedure by eating enough collagen and elastin rich foods. Here are five essential nutrients that are necessary for building these two proteins.

Vitamin C
Strawberries, limes and gooseberries: What do they have in common? They have an abundance of vitamin C, a nutrient essential for collagen biosynthesis. It is important for cross-linking collagen molecules and stimulating collagen gene expression.¹ So include vitamin c rich fruits and vegetables in your diet to make your skin look ageless.

Phytoestrogen
Oestrogen is a woman’s best friend; it makes you look younger. That’s because oestrogen increases collagen and elastin levels in your skin. Oestrogen deficiency in the body is manifested as dry, lifeless and wrinkled skin. To counter such a situation, eating a phytoestrogen-rich diet is important. Phytoestrogens like daidzein, genistein, formononetin, biochanin A, the coumestan coumestrol, and the lignans secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol are compounds that mimic oestrogen functions in the body. Foods like beans, soya, nuts, legumes, oats, barley, sesame seeds are teeming with these essential nutrients. If you are on the other side of thirty, eat a phytoestrogen-rich diet to keep ageing at bay.²

Gelatin
Did you enjoy eating jelly as a child? It is made of a protein called gelatin, found in the bones and connective tissues of animals. Consuming gelatin can help supply collagen and elastin to your body, preventing any early formation of wrinkles.³ Gelatin rich foods include meat, bone broths, yoghurt and agar-agar.

Vitamins B
Vitamin B is a family of eight vitamins: thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin b6, biotin, folic acid and vitamin B12. Together, they help in the production of collagen in the human body. Studies have shown that those deficient in vitamins B2 and B6 have very low collagen content in the skin.⁴ So ensure you eat a diet rich in beans, peas, green vegetables and cruciferous vegetables for a steady supply of vitamin B.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant that acts against free radicals and protects skin against sun damage. In conjunction with vitamin C, vitamin E works to produce collagen reserves in the body. Some of the richest foods that contain vitamin E include nuts, spinach, whole grains, olive oil and sunflower oil. Topic application of the vitamin is also good for healing skin.⁵

Copper
For healthy, taut skin, your body has to mesh together both elastin and collagen. And the mineral that helps in doing that is copper. Copper is needed in the human body to increase the activity of the enzyme lysyl oxidase, which helps in the cross-linking of collagen and elastin.⁶ The mineral is found widely in foods such as organ meat, shellfish, cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds and lentils.

References:
1. Telang, P. S. (2013). Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 4(2), 143–146. http://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.110593
2.Thornton, M. J. (2013). Estrogens and aging skin. Dermato-Endocrinology, 5(2), 264–270. http://doi.org/10.4161/derm.23872
3. Liu D, Nikoo M, Boran G, Zhou P, Regenstein JM. Collagen and gelatin. Annu Rev Food Sci Technol. 2015;6:527-57. doi: 10.1146/annurev-food-031414-111800. Epub 2015 Mar 23. Review. PubMed PMID: 25884286.
4. Prasad R, Lakshmi AV, Bamji MS. Impaired collagen maturity in vitamins B2 and B6 deficiency–probable molecular basis of skin lesions. Biochem Med. 1983 Dec;30(3):333-41. PubMed PMID: 6651795.
5. Keen, M. A., & Hassan, I. (2016). Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 7(4), 311–315. http://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.185494

Image source: Shutterstock

 

Find out if you are using the wrong face wash

Find out if you are using the wrong face wash,

You may think that cleansing your face with a face wash will help you do away with the dirt and grime of the day. However, you are not doing your skin any good if you are using the wrong formula. According to dermatologist Dr Sejal Shah, you need to change your face wash if you notice the following signs.

Excessive breakouts: Apart from the hormonal changes, if you are waking up with a new zit every day, it could be a sign that you are using the wrong cleanser. Pick a face wash which contains benzoyl peroxide.

Dry skin: Does your face feel too tight after you cleanse? It could be a sign that your face wash is too drying for your skin. If your skin is dry, look for a formula which contains hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid can help lock in moisture into the skin and prevent dry skin. Also, make sure that you apply a moisturiser within seconds of patting your skin dry. Here are 6 things you did not know about facial cleanser. 

Redness of skin: If your skin appears red after the cleanse it is a sign that you are using the wrong formula. Ditch the formula if you notice redness across your nose and cheeks. To avoid any irritation, look for fragrance-free formulas with ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Irritation: Using a harsh cleanser can irritate your face every time you expose yourself to all kinds of pollutants from the car and environment. The cumulative effect of the face wash and pollutants can make your skin extra sensitive and cause burning and itching. Make sure that you use a gentle face wash that is sulphate-free. Look for more soothing and natural ingredients on your face wash.

Shiny skin: If your skin is oily and you feel the need to blot even after cleansing you are probably using the wrong formula that is not suiting your oily skin type. Look for oil absorbing formulas containing salicylic acid and clay. These ingredients will help your skin appear matte for longer. Here are the top 5 face wash brands for oily skin. 

Image source: Shutterstock Images

5 negative thoughts that are making you look older

5 negative thoughts that are making you look older,

If you have grown up reading The Twits by Roald Dahl, you may have come across this line: ““If a person has ugly thoughts, it begins to show on the face. And when that person has ugly thoughts every day, every week, every year, the face gets uglier and uglier until you can hardly bear to look at it.” Not just Roald Dahl, even our elders have always scolded us for sulking or grimacing when we were children, saying that the face would stay that way. But it looks like they were not bluffing after all.

Ageing is an unavoidable truth. Sooner or later, we all have to age and die. But the truth is, not everybody ages at the same pace. Some people look more youthful in their forties than many do in their twenties. While the role of a good diet and exercise cannot be disputed in making us look younger, oftentimes we forget how much our mentality can affect our ageing. Today, we have scientific proof that validates the role of negative emotions in our ageing.

The explanation lies in telomeres, the ends of each DNA strand that protect our chromosomes from binding to another. They protect genetic information as the cells divide and lose DNA. As we age, our telomeres tend to get shorter and shorter. In fact, there is enough evidence that says shortening telomeres are directly linked to ageing in human beings.¹ The natural wear and tear of the body causes the telomeres to shorten naturally. But sometimes, mental negativity may speed up the shortening process, causing faster ageing. This explains why some people who have been through difficulties start looking older. So if you want to remain youthful, stay away from these five negative emotions.

(Read: Boozing will make you age faster)

Cynical hostility: Have you ever doubted a person’s good intentions? So did cynics. A cynic is someone who never trusts other people. He or she may believe that behind every good deed, there is usually a selfish or an impure motive. So when a friendly neighbour greets a cynic in the morning, he or she starts doubting the neighbour’s intentions. And hostility is bitterness and unfriendliness. But if you want to look youthful, you better start trusting people and being good to them. A study says that your telomeres can shorten if you harbour cynicism and hostility in your mind. They are also likely to suffer from heart attacks. ²

(Read: Cynics likely to become demented)

Pessimism: A pessimist is someone who always sees the worst, even in the best of situations. As the cliche goes, he sees adversity in every opportunity. A study said that those who held a pessimistic world view had shorter telomeres that those who were optimistic. So stay younger and always think of the glass half full. ³

(Read: Want a healthy heart? Be optimistic)

Rumination: Most people live in the present, but some of us are still stuck in the past. Ruminating or thinking regretfully about the past may be bad for your health. If you are beating yourself up over an unfortunate incident in the past, it could cause more depression and shortening of the telomere length. So if your constant thinking cannot do you any good, stop!⁴

Suppressing your thoughts: While rumination is bad, the other extreme can also be equally awful. Deal with your negative emotions instead of running away from it, be it grief, regret or anger. But once you are done with it, move on. A study conducted on Zen meditation experts found that they had longer telomeres than the ones who didn’t meditate.⁵ Reflecting on your emotions can indeed be good for you. However, stop the temptation to get sucked into a rumination state.

Wandering thoughts: Chronic daydreamers may not like this news, but escaping into your happy place to get away from reality may make you age faster. Scientific evidence says that mind wandering can be a sign of unhappiness. In a study, 239 healthy women were tested for their telomere length. The ones who reported high mind wandering were the ones with shorter telomeres.⁶

It’s difficult to change your world view and thought patterns overnight. Taking baby steps and creating self awareness may come in handy. Practice meditation, be grateful, take good care of your body and challenge your negative thoughts as they crop up in your mind. You will see a marked difference in your attitude. Always remember what Roald Dahl said:

“A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”

 

References:
1. Sahin, E., Colla, S., Liesa, M., Moslehi, J., Müller, F. L., Guo, M., … & Maser, R. S. (2011). Telomere dysfunction induces metabolic and mitochondrial compromise. Nature, 470(7334), 359.

2. Chida Y, Steptoe A. The association of anger and hostility with future
coronary heart disease: a meta-analytic review of prospective evidence. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2009 Mar 17;53(11):936-46. doi: 0.1016/j.jacc.2008.11.044.

3. Ikeda A, Schwartz J, Peters JL, Baccarelli AA, Hoxha M, Dioni L, Spiro A, Sparrow D, Vokonas P, Kubzansky LD. Pessimistic orientation in relation to telomere length in older men: the VA normative aging study. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2014 Apr;42:68-76. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.01.001.
Epub 2014 Jan 9. PubMed PMID: 24636503; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4070424.

4. Nolen-Hoeksema S. The role of rumination in depressive disorders and mixed anxiety/depressive symptoms. J Abnorm Psychol. 2000 Aug;109(3):504-11. PubMed PMID: 11016119.

5. Alda, M., Puebla-Guedea, M., Rodero, B., Demarzo, M., Montero-Marin, J., Roca, M., & Garcia-Campayo, J. (2016). Zen meditation, length of telomeres, and the role of experiential avoidance and compassion. Mindfulness, 7(3), 651-659.

6.Epel, E. S., Puterman, E., Lin, J., Blackburn, E., Lazaro, A., & Mendes, W. B. (2013). Wandering minds and aging cells. Clinical Psychological Science, 1(1), 75-83.

Image source: Shutterstock

Will you try this latest Instagram beauty trend – squiggly eyebrows?

Will you try this latest Instagram beauty trend – squiggly eyebrows?,

In the past few years we have come across a lot of weird beauty trends one after the other. With the advent of social media, it has become very easy for any such beauty trends to gain popularity quickly. Talking about the brows trends specifically today, Instagram has more than 56 lakh posts under #brows and more than six lakh under the #BrowsOnFleek and #BrowsOnpoint. Clearly, you can make out how many people are falling in love with trying new brow trends. From glitter brows to Feathered eyebrows. Recently we witnessed women going all crazy about brow-wigs, YES! Wigs for your brows. But recently, a trend that has taken over the internet by storm is the squiggly eyebrows trend. Which, basically, is framing the eyebrows in a wavy form. Like squiggly snakes. Here’s what it looks like:

A post shared by Energy 106 (@energy106fm) on Aug 28, 2017 at 11:35am PDT