All About Erectile Dysfunction: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction or ED is a condition in which a man often finds it difficult to maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. In other words, erectile dysfunction is defined as a condition in which men feel some difficulty with their penis becoming hard or staying firm. Occasional erectile dysfunction is common and several men may experience it when they are stressed. 

However, frequent ED may be a warning sign of serious health concerns. The main symptoms of erectile dysfunction include trouble getting an erection, reduced interest in sex, and difficulty in maintaining an erection during sexual activities. There are a few sexual disorders related to ED, which include premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, and anorgasmia (inability to orgasm).

As per the general biological process, the penis is erected when increased blood flow gets to the organ. Blood flow into the penis can occur due to direct contact with the penis or sexual thoughts. Muscles in the penis get to relax when a man feels sexually excited. It causes increased blood flow through penile arteries and also loads the chambers with blood inside the penis. As soon as chambers load with blood, the penis becomes hard and rigid. When the muscles in the penis contract, the loaded blood in the penis and its chambers come out through penile veins and this process ends the erection. 

The normal erectile process can be affected due to problems in blood flow, nerve supply, and hormones. Several men with erectile dysfunction are reluctant to share it with their healthcare provider because they feel embarrassed and shy. However, the treatment of ED is available in the market so talking openly with a healthcare provider may be the first step to get help and the best treatment can be recommended.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

The causes of erectile dysfunction can be physical or organic, medication side effects, and psychological. Here are some of the key conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction. 

Physical causes

90 percent of erectile dysfunction occurs due to physical causes. The following list includes the most physical or organic causes of erectile dysfunction 

  • Heart diseases
  • Diabetes
  • Narrowing blood vessels
  • Kidney disease
  • Increased age or being over age 50
  • High blood pressure or hypertension
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity 
  • Lacking exercise
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Hormonal disorders including testosterone deficiency
  • Radiation therapy 
  • Treatment of prostate cancer
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Illegal substance abuse including cocaine
  • Atherosclerosis

Medicinal causes

Medications may also cause erectile dysfunction however, anyone should consult with a doctor before stopping or changing the medications. Those include

  • Medicines to manage high blood pressure
  • Heart disease medication
  • Anxiety treatments
  • Antidepressants
  • cancer medication
  • Prostate treatment drugs
  • Hormone drugs
  • Medication including sleeping pills

Emotional causes

Satisfying sexual intercourse needs the body and mind to work together. However, if there are emotional and relationship problems between the couple, it can cause or worsen the ED. Psychological causes of ED including

  • Guilt
  • Stress at home or work
  • Stress from social, cultural, and religious conflicts
  • Fear of intimacy
  • Depression
  • Severe anxiety
  • Relationship problems
  • Worry about sex performance
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD

Erectile dysfunction can occur due to one of these factors or a combination of them. Therefore, it is imperative to talk with your doctor so that they can find out any underlying medical condition that causes erectile dysfunction. A proper diagnosis can help you to treat any underlying medical condition and solve the sexual complexities.

Diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction

To diagnose erectile dysfunction, your doctor or healthcare provider may do a physical exam (including blood pressure check, penis, and testicles exam, and rectal exam) and can ask questions regarding your symptoms, physiological, health, and sexual history. They may also recommend other tests that can help to diagnose ED including ultrasound, injection test, urine test, blood test, and nocturnal penile tumescence or NPT test. 

These tests can help doctors to do better treatment and find out if any underlying condition causes ED. The treatment of ED includes medication, talk therapy, or a combination of both. They can also recommend testosterone therapy if the level of testosterone hormone is low in the body. 

Certain exercises can help men with ED such as Kegal exercise, aerobic exercise, and yoga. ED is caused due to problems in blood vessels. Maintaining healthy blood vessels can be achieved by adapting to a specific lifestyle such as eating a healthy diet.

Some foods are recommended that may help reduce the risk of developing ED including whole grains, vegetables, fruits, cocoa, and watermelon. Avoiding red meat, full-fat dairy products, processed sugars, and alcohol may also help to prevent the risk of ED.

The bottom line

Erectile dysfunction can be caused due to any reason whether it is an underlying condition or psychological. If you find symptoms of erectile dysfunction, consult with your doctor immediately. An underlying condition can lead to a serious health issue therefore early diagnosis and treatment may help in successful treatment.  In addition, adopting a healthy lifestyle not only benefits your blood vessels but also improves your overall general health. We hope you find this article helpful.

Premature Ejaculation: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Premature ejaculation is also known as rapid ejaculation, premature climax, or early ejaculation. Read on to learn more about PE and how to treat it.

Understanding premature ejaculation

Ejaculation is the ejection of semen from the men’s body during an orgasm or climax. Premature ejaculation is also known as rapid ejaculation, premature climax, or early ejaculation, a condition in which orgasm occurs before sexual intercourse or just after you start. There is no fixed time of ejaculation during sex but in the case of PE, men ejaculate and lose their erection shortly getting less time to enjoy the sexual intercourse.

PE or premature ejaculation can be frustrating and uncomfortable for men that make sex less enjoyable and can impact relationships with their partners, however, it may not be a cause of worry if it occurs occasionally. PE is a common condition among men and around 30 to 40 percent of them have it at some point in their life. PE is considered a sexual dysfunction that can often occur along with erectile dysfunction however, it is not the same as erectile dysfunction.

Symptoms of premature ejaculation

  • The primary symptoms of PE can be persistent and lifelong including 
  • Ejaculation happens just before sexual penetration
  • There can be a failure to delay ejaculation whenever penetration occurs
  • Rapid orgasm or climax during masturbation 
  • There can be negative personal consequences such as distress, frustration, and ignoring sexual intimacy

In addition, psychological symptoms can be secondary including 

  • Depression
  • Embarrassment
  • Anxiety
  • Mental distress
  • Interpersonal difficulty
  • Decreased confidence in the relationship

Premature ejaculation may not be a matter of worry if it happens occasionally, however, you may require treatment if PE happens frequently or for a long period. If men experience PE sometimes, however, normal ejaculation other times, they may be diagnosed with natural variable premature ejaculation. PE may be lifelong as well as acquired; however, if it happens at the start of a relationship, it can be fixed as the relationship goes on. IF PE is persistent and continues that impact sexual relationships, your doctor may recommend counseling.

Causes of premature ejaculation

The exact cause of PE is still unknown while researchers believe that a chemical called serotonin can contribute partly to PE. Serotonin is an essential substance or chemical in your body produced by nerve cells. Great amounts of serotonin in the brain enhance the time to ejaculate however, low amounts of serotonin can reduce the time to ejaculate, and lead to PE. In addition, Psychological and emotional factors may also contribute to PE. 

Psychological factors

Numerous cases of PE are not associated with any disease however those can be due to psychological or emotional factors including

  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Guilt
  • Relationship problems
  • Poor body image
  • Lack of confidence
  • Worry about sexual performance
  • Negative feelings about sex 
  • Unrealistic expectations about sex
  • Poor self-esteem
  • History of sexual abuse
  • Aging
  • Overexcitement or too much stimulation
  • Issues related to control and intimacy

Some psychological factors may be temporary if a person learns strategies to delay ejaculation with time. However, these factors can also affect men who have previously normal ejaculation. 

Physical or medical factors 

PE can also occur due to an underlying condition and it can be a sign that an underlying needs treatment. The possible medical causes of PE including

  • Diabetes
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Prostate disease
  • Thyroid Problems
  • Illicit drugs use
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Abnormal levels of hormones including testosterone
  • Inflammation of the urethra
  • Genetic traits that can be inherited by parents

Sometimes, men with erectile dysfunction can also face problems of PE. Treatment of erectile dysfunction may cause premature ejaculation to go away.

Diagnosis and treatment

Men who feel symptoms of PE should talk to their healthcare provider or doctor immediately. They ask whether you always experience the symptoms or just have experienced it recently. They can also ask about your sexual life or relationship. They may also take a physical exam. If your doctor finds out that psychological factors are playing a role in your PE, he or she can recommend a mental health professional. If a medical or physical problem is causing PE, he or she may recommend a urologist. 

The treatments of PE include medication, behavioral therapy, and psychological therapy. 95 percent of cases can be treated by behavioral techniques while others may also help including:

  • Stop and start therapy
  • The squeeze method
  • Strengthen your muscles through pelvic floor exercises
  • Wearing condom
  • Seek counseling
  • Antidepressants
  • Medication for erectile dysfunction
  • Numbing creams and sprays
  • Talking with your partner
  • Practice yoga and pranayama daily
  • Stop fantasizing too much about sex or women

Best foods to prevent or manage premature ejaculation

Certain nutrients and foods not only support your immunity but also helps in producing testosterone, libido, and energy. The nutrients and foods include

  • Foods rich in zinc including lean meats, poultry eggs, lentils, etc
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Soybeans
  • Yogurt
  • Spinach
  • Almonds
  • Kidney beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Dark chocolate
  • Peas
  • Garlic
  • Green onion
  • Ginger and honey
  • Ladyfinger
  • Carrots
  • Watermelon
  • Bananas

Lifestyle habits can be helpful to cure premature ejaculation

To maintain an erection you should avoid the following food items and lifestyle habits including:

  • Sugar
  • Starchy food
  • Smoking
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Junk food
  • Stress 
  • Depression

The bottom line

Men with premature ejaculation should talk with their doctors as soon as possible because the complications associated with it can impact your relationship and prevent you from starting a family. If home remedies are not helping you, you should discuss them with your doctor because your PE may be caused due to an underlying condition. Treatment of an underlying condition is imperative as it can also affect your overall general health.

5 Important Health Screenings Ever Man Over 50 Should Take

Introduction

A healthy lifestyle should be a lifelong pursuit, but starting at age 50, and especially for men, it’s even more important to see a doctor for routine screenings.

Screenings are medical tests that catch a health risk in their early stages before they get too big and before the fix becomes a little bit too complicated or expensive. 

There are multiple conditions that can start cropping up as men get older.

Research has shown a link between age and a variety of health problems, from diabetes and prostate problems to cardiac disease — among others.

None of those conditions is inevitable, of course, but health screenings can prevent an imminent decline in health and reduce the likelihood of a scary diagnosis. 

Sometimes it is easy to neglect to undergo a screening test.

However, if you have worrying symptoms, it is important to take them seriously and have them checked out by a doctor.

Men over age 50 should talk to a doctor about what screenings to have and how often. 

Read on to find out some of the most important screenings for men as they pass the 50-year mark, but do not include all possible screenings.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure is typically one of the top ailments seen by healthcare practitioners in males 50 and older.

Elevated levels of blood pressure put you at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other diseases.

Because there are no symptoms of elevated blood pressure, most men don’t even know they have it.

One reason for the high prevalence of high blood pressure in this age range is that the vascular system changes during this age.

Arteries stiffen and become less elastic, increasing internal pressure, all of which contribute to the rising numbers. 

A blood pressure check is an easy, painless, non-invasive screening that can be done in the doctor’s office.

Cholesterol

Your chance of acquiring high cholesterol rises with age, just like your risk of developing high blood pressure.

It also has no symptoms or warning indications, which is why it’s critical to see a primary care physician on a regular basis and have routine blood tests performed.

High cholesterol raises the chance of developing heart disease and stroke.

The reason for the high prevalence of high cholesterol in this age range is plaque build-up on the inside of the blood vessels which slows or blocks blood flow.

A blood test is done to determine the level of cholesterol. Everyone over the age of 50 should get their cholesterol levels examined.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a common condition that creeps in as males get older.

High blood glucose levels wreak havoc on health, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and many other serious conditions, including blindness, kidney disease, and nerve disease.

Diabetes hits senior men more commonly than females, and the chances of developing hyperglycemia — abnormally high blood glucose levels — and, ultimately, type 2 diabetes are greater.

High blood sugar is often the result of cumulative effects of lifelong eating and lifestyle habits.

Given that the warning signs of diabetes can be asymptomatic for a long time, that is why annual screening is important.  

There are several diagnostic tests your doctor may run, to confirm a diagnosis. These tests include:

  • Random plasma glucose test 
  • HbA1C test 
  • Fasting plasma glucose test 
  • Oral glucose tolerance test

Enlarged prostate

50% of men over the age of 50 are likely to have an enlarged prostate.

While this is not a life-threatening condition, it can create unpleasant changes in patterns of urination.

While not all changes indicate prostate cancer, it’s time to start checking.

A simple blood test called the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test can test for a variety of prostate problems, including infection or enlargement.

All men over age 50 talk to their doctor about having a PSA test.

Osteoporosis

Another aggravating condition that pops up for men over the age of 50 is osteoporosis.

It causes bones to become weak and brittle — so brittle that a fall or even simple movements that don’t seem dangerous can cause a fracture.

According to statistics, one out of eight men in India is affected by osteoporosis.

However, the debilitating condition in males largely remains underdiagnosed and untreated and is revealed only after the occurrence of a fracture.  

Increased calcium in the blood is one sign of this, which means your doctor will request a blood test to check your calcium level.

Bone density tests can also detect osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Final thoughts

Remember, regular screening tests are the foundation of a healthy life, regardless of the decade you’re in.

A health check-up may not seem like, a good idea. But it’s worth it! Just do it.

Here’s What To Eat And Avoid To Help Raise Low Blood Pressure

Introduction

A sudden fall in blood pressure can be as dangerous and detrimental to health as high blood pressure. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening and lead to a number of complications like:

  • Fainting spells
  • Coma
  • Stroke 
  • Cardiovascular diseases

Causes of hypotension or low blood pressure

There are various causes which can lead to sudden drops in blood pressure including: 

  • Heart failure
  • Heart arrhythmias 
  • Liver disorders
  • An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  • Diabetes
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Certain over-the-counter medications
  • Pregnancy
  • Widening of the blood vessels
  • Heat stroke

Fortunately, low blood pressure can often be prevented or controlled. Eating certain types of food can help you raise your blood pressure.

What to eat and drink

Drink more fluids

Dehydration causes your blood volume to decrease, which makes your blood pressure drop.

Most doctors recommend drinking at least two litres of water every day.

Staying hydrated is especially important during hot weather or while exercising.

Boost your B12 intake

Vitamin B12 is essential for the body’s production of healthy red blood cells. Too little vitamin B-12 can lead to a certain type of anaemia, which can reduce blood pressure and can cause excessive bleeding, as well as organ and nerve damage.

Vitamin B12-rich foods include eggs, chicken, fish such as salmon and tuna, fortified cereals and low-fat dairy products.

Fill up on folate

Folate (also known as Vitamin B9) is another important vitamin found in foods like asparagus, broccoli, liver, and legumes like lentils and chickpeas.

A folate shortage can manifest many of the same symptoms as a Vitamin B12 deficiency, resulting in anaemia and reduced blood pressure.

Asparagus, beans, lentils, citrus fruits, leafy greens, eggs, and liver are examples of folate-rich foods.

Eat sodium-rich foods

According to experts, there is a direct correlation between salt and blood pressure: foods with high salt content can cause a substantial spike in your blood pressure.

Low BP patients can benefit by marginally increasing their salt intake – not more than two grams of sodium in a day.

Some of the healthiest foods with higher salt content include olives, cottage cheese, and canned soup or tuna.

Drink caffeine

Beverages like coffee and caffeinated tea are short-term solutions for hypotension. Caffeinated beverages cause a temporary spike in blood pressure by stimulating the cardiovascular system and boosting your heart rate.

If you suffer from low blood pressure, then having a cup of coffee in the morning can be an instant remedy. 

What to avoid if you have hypotension

Cut back on carbs

A new study shows that a low-carbohydrate diet can effectively help with off-setting hypotension, especially in older adults.

When you eat a food that is high in carbohydrates, particularly processed carbs, it tends to digest very quickly relative to other foods.

This can result in a sudden drop in blood pressure. 

Go easy on alcohol

If you have blood pressure that is naturally lower than normal, it is advised that you should try to limit your alcohol consumption and should never use alcohol as a way of treating low blood pressure.

Binge drinking and long-term high-risk drinking can lower your blood pressure by reducing your blood volume.

How low blood pressure is diagnosed?

To determine whether you have hypotension, your doctor will evaluate you using a combination of a physical examination, an investigation of your medical history, and a number of medical tests.

He will first examine your symptoms, the circumstances triggering the drop in blood pressure, and your medical history.

He may also take your blood pressure and pulse rate after you’ve laid down for a few minutes, right after you get out of bed, and a few minutes after you get up.

You should also expect a few cardiac tests, as low blood pressure can indicate a heart problem.

An ECG and an echocardiogram are two of these exams that give a clear picture of your heart.

Blood tests to check for hormone levels and blood sugar levels may also be required. 

Final thoughts

Maintaining normal blood pressure is critical to the health of your heart and arteries, and it’s critical to monitor your readings so you can make necessary changes before health concerns arise.

Even if your blood pressure is normal, you should have it checked at least once per year or two.

It would also be an effective idea to take regular preventive health checkups to keep track of your blood pressure.

Healthy Eating: Easy Healthy Recipes To Maximize Nutrition!

Here are some easy ways to improve your nutrition by incorporating a variety of foods and essential nutrients into your diet.

Introduction

Healthy food doesn’t have to be dull and neither does it have to be complex.

The ingredients and styles of cooking in Indian cuisine vary based on region, season, religion, and family traditions.

You can find everything from meat-based curries to vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as an assortment of spices and ingredients that give each dish its distinct flavour profile.

However, the cuisine isn’t just about taste — dishes across the Indian subcontinent are packed with nutrients, meaning they’re also very healthy options.

A substantial part of any Indian food is its spices, herbs, ghee, fruits and vegetables.

It is estimated that India has almost more than 2000 dishes and 31 types of cuisines.

As per registered dieticians, healthy dishes include wholesome, minimally processed ingredients and plant-based food.

Tip: Develop a sense of your own capacity to control and turn your back on all the junk-food cravings

According to nutritionists, here are some easy ways to improve your nutrition by incorporating a variety of foods and essential nutrients into your diet.

Healthy bowls

You can have a bowl full of whole grains like quinoa with at least a cup of dark veggies like spinach, broccoli ( roasted, grilled or raw), and proteins like tofu, beans or fish (as per your choice).

You can top it with your favourite toppings like sauces, dried fruits or nuts etc.

Chilla

It is one of the best and simple recipes, anyone can have for breakfast.

Chillas are usually made up of chickpea flour (besan). However, sprouted moong beans can also be used to make chilla.

You can also add some herbs, spices, and chopped veggies (like tomato, cucumber, carrots etc.) to make it more tempting and delicious and serve it with sauce, pickle or curd etc.

Grilled cheese and tomato soup

This is the oldest classic combo of whole grain bread and real cheddar cheese that can be paired with low sodium (or less salt) tomato soup.

Tip: Use cheddar cheese instead of processed cheese.

Poha

Poha is one of the famous Indian breakfast recipes. It is basically made of flattened rice that is soaked in water for a few minutes before cooking.

You can add onions, tomato or some spice to enhance its taste. Some people also prefer to top it with peanuts, peas, bhujia or lemon etc.

It adds nutritional value to the food including calcium and iron etc. It also helps you feel full for a longer time.

Jowar Medley

A bowl of healthy jowar medley is not only healthy but also a tasty option to include in your diet.

Since it is rich in protein, calcium and fibre, it adds nutritional value to your food. It can be served with baby corn or lettuce leaves to make it more scrumptious.

Air fried chicken drumsticks

For non-vegetarians, it can be the best, simple and easy-to-cook healthy recipe.

The recipe is as follows: Chicken drumsticks are marinated with some herbs and spices, crushed walnuts, a little bit of lemon juice, breadcrumbs and seasonings (as per your choice).

Air fry it until completely cooked and can be served with cooked vegetables or air-fried fries.

This dish is rich in high-quality protein and does not contain much fat.

Did you know that beyond its rich protein content, chicken also contains a good amount of iron, zinc and vitamin B12?

Oats idli

For calorie-conscious fellows, oats idli can be the ideal food. It is usually made up of batter containing roasted oats, grated carrots, coriander or any other veggies of your choice.

Steam the batter to get feather-light fluffy scrumptious idlis.

Since oats are rich in minerals, vitamins and proteins, they add a good nutrition value without compromising on the delicious taste.

Panchratna daal

For vegetarians, daal often forms the basis of a high-protein meal. Panchratna daal is a medley of 5 types of daal, namely, moong, channa, masoor, urad and arhar.

This protein-packed recipe with the goodness of all these lentils cooked in delicious spices makes it a great addition to your daily diet.

Top it off with fresh coriander and enjoy it with some steamy rice or roti.                                                                                               

Lentils have a high content of insoluble fibre as well as prebiotic carbohydrates. prebiotic carbs support the growth of gut-friendly probiotics, which may be beneficial for gut and mental health as well.

Melon and Kiwi fruit smoothie

This power drink provides a burst of immune-boosting nutrients in every sip and shoots ups your energy level instantly.

Kiwi is a tangy and sweet fruit that is rich in vitamin C, which stimulates the body’s immune response.

When kiwi is combined with fruits like papaya, melon and grapes, it enhances the nutritional value of the smoothie.

Did you know- kiwifruit contains roughly 230% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C?

Peanut butter

Peanut butter is rich in antioxidants and vitamin B3 (niacin), which is needed for skin and nerve health. Some studies have shown that it may also help in Alzheimer’s disease.

This delicious spread also contains an excellent source of vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant and can protect against coronary heart disease.

Tip: Try to use natural peanut butter, without added sugar and other additives.

Eggs

Eggs are one of the few foods that should be classified as “superfoods.”

Egg yolks and whole eggs contain significant amounts of protein and choline and are widely used in cookery.

Eggs can be consumed in various ways such as scrambled, poached, omelette or boiled eggs etc.

Eggs are the best source of choline and quality protein that promotes hair health supports eye health, may reduce the risk of heart disease etc.

Did you know that eggs are high in cholesterol, but eating eggs does not adversely affect cholesterol in the blood for the majority of people?

Final thoughts

Nutrition and health go hand in hand. After all, it’s food that fuels every cell in the body and helps build stamina and muscle strength.

You may get bored and lose motivation if you don’t try different ingredients and recipes.

Here we have mentioned a few best, easy and most popular Indian recipes you can try.

However, there might be chances that you are allergic to any of the ingredients or might have an undiagnosed medical condition that can be aggravated by any of the ingredients. 

‘In such a situation, you can also opt for genetic testing, which is a cutting-edge predictive health tool to ascertain your predisposition towards certain foods; that can have a positive or negative impact, depending from person to person.

Furthermore, you should also undergo preventive health checkups. These health checks give a complete report about your health, allowing you to take necessary precautionary measures to improve your well-being and keep a host of ailments at bay. 

Hair Breakage – Causes Of Hair Breakage & Expert Tips To Fix It

Hair Breakage - Causes Of Hair Breakage & Expert Tips To Fix It

Hair Breakage can happen to you despite your hair type or texture. It is very common and can sometimes feel equally difficult to fix.

If you’ve ever noticed hair ends starting to split, or have experienced uncontrolled fizz, you’ve experienced hair breakage. A healthy hair strand has an inner cuticle with overlapping scales that keeps the strand intact. When these scales scatter and fall apart, the hair becomes dry and the scales eventually separate, leading to damage. This damage shows up in the form of breakage, frizz, and dryness. If you experience the following, you’re having hair breakage –

  • The appearance of split ends.
  • Hair fallout in form of small, short, and broken pieces of hair.
  • Hair becoming too dry.
  • Hair getting tangled and difficult to comb too often.
  • Hair at the crown feels brittle as compared to the hair at the neck.

Hair Breakage Reasons

The most common causes of hair breakage are discussed here.

  1. Diet

Hair and skin health are greatly driven by the kind of food intake. Some nutrients protect the hair from damage and help it grow better. Your diet must have an adequate amount of iron, zinc, and folic acid. Also, a protein-rich diet that can also provide antioxidants strengthens the hair and prevents breakage.

  1. Stress

Stress and hair loss go hand in hand. Stress is also a cause of hair breakage. Due to overstressing, hair follicles go dormant, and hair strands in the middle of growth break off.

  1. Dryness

Dryness precedes damage and breakage. Dry hair is caused by several natural factors such as dry weather, low humidity, and too much heat. Even harsh products that have chemical compounds can contribute to dryness. Using hot water for washing hair instead of lukewarm water also causes drying. If your hair ends are dry, you can let go of shampooing these areas. Also, do not skip the conditioner if you’re experiencing dryness in the hair.

  1. Heat Damage

The usage of styling tools such as flat iron, curling iron, and hairdryer is universal today. If these tools are used more frequently, the cuticles might get damaged due to exposure to high heat. The scales eventually fall apart and the hair breaks. You can opt for a heat-protecting spray to minimize the damage and avoid using such tools too often.

  1. Frequent processing

Frequently going for hair treatments and styling practices such as perming, colouring, straightening can damage the cuticle and cause hair breakage. These treatments expose the hair to harsh chemicals. You can try extending the duration between two such sessions to at least 2-3 months and use hair masks to nourish your hair in the meantime.

  1. Over-washing

If you have oily hair, washing your hair daily may rid the excess sebum. However, in the case of dry hair, shampooing can be limited to once a week. Shampoos often contain chemicals and an over usage can damage the hair. If you have a persisting oily hair problem, you can opt for a dry shampoo.

  1. Improper drying

Improper rough rubbing of the towel on the hair can cause damage as wet hair is most vulnerable to damage. You can opt for a microfibre towel and use patting motion instead of rubbing motion. You can also leave the towel for some time on the hair to absorb excess water instead of rubbing it.

  1. Tying the hair

Tying up the hair too regularly not just pulls them from the roots, it also causes them to get tangled and break easily. You might notice some hair breakage every time you undo a ponytail or a hair tie. You can try wearing down the hair once in a while, losing up the up-do a bit.

  1. Incorrect brushing

Over combing or over-brushing causes hair breakage. You must brush the hair only when styling it and use it only when it is dry. You should opt for a brush with natural bristles and use a wide-toothed comb to prevent hair breakage. Remember that 100 strokes a day is a myth!

  1. Inadequate hair trims

Hair trims keep split ends off and avoids tangling of hair, preventing hair breakage. Not having a trim every 6-8 weeks can cause the split ends to travel up the length of your hair.

  1. Hyperthyroidism

This is a low thyroid disorder and leads to dry, damaged hair. Other symptoms include low energy, weight gain, depression. If you see these symptoms get yourself checked on priority.

  1. Eating disorders

Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa lead to malnutrition. In these situations, the hair follicle is deprived of the nutrients essential for the healthy growth of the hair. This causes hair breakage even in the middle of the hair growth cycle. Such disorders can lead to extreme consequences and must be addressed immediately.

Hair Breakage Treatment

You can boost the health of your hair by switching to the right products and adopting the right practices. A few hair breakage solution are discussed here –

  1. Change haircare routine

Swap your current shampoo with products that are herbal or formulated to address the hair breakage issue. Always use a conditioner after shampooing. Skipping the conditioner causes damage as the conditioner helps reduce frizz and lend manageability.

  1. Redesign your diet

A lot starts with what your food intake looks like. If you are having hair breakage, you must include vitamins C, D3, biotin, omega-3, iron, and zinc in your diet. These are available as dietary supplements as well as in abundance in natural food options. Vitamin C aids collagen production, which is responsible to form the base of blood vessels. Vitamin D3 enhances the production of the protein keratin, which makes up the hair. Biotin improves hair growth. Including vitamins in the diet can prevent hair breakage considerably.

  1. Destress

Stress is the main cause of hair fall and hair breakage. You must try to keep the stress levels in check. You can go for yoga and meditation. Engaging in a hobby also reduces stress levels.

  1. Deep condition your hair

During deep conditioning, the nutrients penetrate deep into the roots of the hair and repair the damage, replenishing the much-needed proteins and nutrients alongside. Deep conditioning frequently keeps the hair soft and is one of the best treatments for hair breakage.

  1. Use essential oils

Applying essential oils such as almond oil or chamomile oil can help in treating the hair breakage issue. You can use a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil. Massage the scalp, leave it for about an hour and then wash off with a mild shampoo and conditioner.

Remember that the best products for hair breakage and loss are the products that suit your hair type.

Folliculitis : Cause, Symptoms & Treatment

Inside your skin is a small cavity where the hair grows. This is known as the hair follicle. Our bodies are covered with hair follicles. These hair follicles are present all over the body except the soles of the feet, palms, and lips. The hair follicles produce oils that are essential to the health of the follicle and the hair.

Folliculitis is a common skin issue where the hair follicle gets a blockage or a bacterial infection. This appears in the form of small red bumps. These bumps may also have a white, pus-filled tip and are accompanied by itching. Hair follicles cover the entire body and this condition mostly affects the head, face, chest, arms, legs, armpits, buttocks, and genitals.

There are many different types of folliculitis, each of which is unique and caused by a different factor. Some of the more common names for folliculitis are barber’s itch, shaving rash, razor bumps, or hot tub rash. Folliculitis appears due to a result of daily activities such as shaving, excessive exercising, or excessive sweating.

Folliculitis may be uncomfortable or itchy. This is a relatively harmless condition that can often be treated by oneself using simple folliculitis treatment at home. If it is severe you should see a doctor. It can affect people of all ages and often has a psychosocial impact. Here we will look at the causes of folliculitis and folliculitis treatment. 

Cause of Hair Follicle Infections

The condition of folliculitis occurs whenever a hair follicle gets infected and suffers inflammation. The infected hair follicle swells under the skin, causing bumps to appear on the skin. Though folliculitis could be happening due to a wide variety of factors, there are some common causes. Generally, if you have damaged hair follicles, the likelihood of folliculitis is more. This can happen due to a variety of activities.

  • In most conditions, a kind of bacteria known as Staph Aureus is the root cause. These bacteria are present on your skin all the time. If it enters the body through a cut, it can cause problems.
  • Certain kinds of bacteria found in hot tub baths and pools can also cause folliculitis. When the skin is hot and damp, the hair follicles can get damaged and infected much easier.
  • Blockages are caused in the hair follicle due to the usage of skin products. Oil and moisturizer accumulation can block the pores.
  • Not cleaning up the body properly after engaging in sweaty activities can block the follicles.
  • Hair removal through plucking, waxing, or shaving can cause inflammation in the hair follicle resulting in folliculitis.
  • Regular shaving especially of curly hair could be causing bumps.
  • Ingrown hair can also lead to folliculitis.
  • Touching or rubbing the skin frequently can also trigger inflammation of the hair follicle.
  • Tight hair braids can cause hair follicles on the scalp strain and inflammation. This may lead to folliculitis.
  • Skin conditions such as acne make you more prone to folliculitis.
  • An oily scalp can lead to scalp acne which can develop into bumps on the scalp.
  • Wearing tight clothes, footwear or gloves does not let the heat and sweat out of the body and can cause folliculitis.
  • Clothing that rubs on the skin can cause inflammation to the hair follicles resulting in folliculitis.
  • Long-term usage of antibiotics or steroid creams can lead to folliculitis.
  • A history of obesity puts you at a greater risk of folliculitis.
  • An immune system that is weakened by conditions such as leukaemia, diabetes or HIV is unable to fight the regular infections of the hair follicle thus leading to folliculitis.
  • Sometimes skin injuries caused due to cuts or insect bites can lead to folliculitis. Bacteria can spread from an infected wound or cut to nearby hair follicles.

Symptoms of Folliculitis

Folliculitis appears in the form of red swollen bumps that resemble pimples. These bumps may appear to be filled with white material. Sometimes they may be filled with pus. The bumps irritate and you may feel the need to scratch (which should be avoided). If on the scalp, this may cause an itchy scalp. Here one must note that some of these symptoms can be the same as scalp psoriasis. But that condition is different from folliculitis and requires a different course of action.

Mostly, the diagnosis is done by the physical examination of the skin. A swab of the infected skin can be used to test for the kind of bacteria causing the infection and confirm if the condition requires a folliculitis treatment or not. If so, folliculitis treatment is followed.  Rarely, a biopsy may be needed to rule out the possibility of other conditions.

Scalp Acne – How to Treat Pimples on Scalp

Scalp acne or pimples on the scalp might not be one of your serious problems but for the affected it is very irritating and demands quick treatment. Severe acne could also cause scalp pain. Scalp acne is essentially the result of clogged pores on your scalp and the remedy could be as simple as keeping your hair clean and using medicated shampoos to remove the dirt from your scalp. 

What Causes Scalp Acne

There are varied reasons for the occurrence of scalp acne. It could be the result of several skin complications but it essentially happens of the following reasons:

  • A rise in oil levels or the production of excess sebum in the scalp
  • The clogging of hair follicles with dead skin cells and dirt
  • Inflammation of the hair follicles 
  • The spread of acne bacteria in the scalp
  • Digestive problems could also aggravate acne problems
  • Stress which leads to an exaggerated production of sebum and clogged pores

The scalp is dotted with a number of hair follicles and an extensive network of oil glands. The pores are frequently blocked by dirt and oil which could lead to acne issues. This can also happen if you wait too long to shampoo your hair after you are done with your workout. If you sweat a lot while wearing a cap, it could also cause a lot of friction leading to significant acne problems. 

You could suffer from acne even if you wash your hair regularly. The build-up of sweat, oil and dirt as a result of badly shampooed hair could also lead to the clogging of your pores. This is when you have to take a relook at your hair care regime as the use of improper hair care products like styling gels and sprays can also lead to an exaggerated build-up of impurities in your scalp. 

Types of Scalp Acne

It is important to identify the severity of your acne problem to determine the course of treatment. The issue could be:

  • Mild
  • Moderate 
  • Severe.

The pimples on the scalp could manifest themselves in the following ways. 

  • Blackheads also referred to as open comedones
  • Whiteheads also referred to as closed comedones
  • Papules or inflammations
  • Pustules or bumps filled with pus
  • Cysts that form deep inside your skin 
  • Mixed forms that are a combination of many different types. 

How to Identify Scalp Acne

Scalp acne is not difficult to identify. They are similar to pimples in many ways and are quite apparent as raised bumps on scalp that are sensitive to touch. Unlike scalp psoriasis they do not affect layers of scalp. In some cases, they may also form in clusters. They appear as zits in the back of the head. They can be sore and itchy. Scalp acne can frequently:

  • Appears as tiny swellings on your forehead or along the back of your neck. 
  • Very tiny bumps that might be felt but not seen.
  • A cluster of bumps on your scalp
  • Whiteheads that form on your hairline and scalp
  • Skin coloured bumps on your scalp and hairline

Sometimes the acne may not respond to treatment and could indicate symptoms of a more serious strain. This is when you need to take the help of an expert who would be able to suggest a detailed and stronger treatment plan.

Treatment for Scalp Acne

The standard treatment for scalp acne would in most cases involve a medicated shampoo. These shampoos can be very effective as they can remove all the debris and excess oil and stop scalp acne from happening again. These shampoos can be purchased without a prescription. The ingredients that are used most frequently in these shampoos are:

  • Tea tree oil, which is very useful in removing scalp bacteria
  • Glycolic acid helps in exfoliating the scalp, removing dead skin and excess sebum
  • Ketoconazole is a very potent anti-fungal agent and can be used to treat red and scaly skin
  • Salicylic acid helps remove all the dead skin cells
  • Ciclopirox is very good for dandruff infections 
  • Benzoyl peroxide is best remedy for the bacteria which causes scalp acne

If the patient is experiencing a more severe form of scalp acne which is responsible for hair loss, the doctor could also recommend a number of alternatives including the following: 

  • Steroids
  • Antibiotics
  • Topical ointments or creams
  • Light therapy

It is however suggested that a person should pursue only a single line of treatment at any point of time unless specifically instructed by a medical practitioner.

Tips to Prevent Scalp Acne

While there are a number of cures for scalp acne it would make perfect sense to take some very basic steps to ensure that you do not have to deal with such issues in the first place. Let’s look at what you can do :

  • Wash your hair immediately after a workout
  • Wear loose fitting headgear so that your scalp receives enough air to breathe
  • Ensure that your hair receives a sufficient dose of vitamins A, D and E to nourish them
  • Avoid using too many hair products that tend to clog your pores, use natural products instead
  • Consult with a doctor to create a diet chart to avoid foods that aggravate hair acne issues

Scalp acne is not a very serious issue and timely intervention can help you resolve the problems very easily with some simple scalp acne treatment. However, there could be times when you let the acne linger, leaving you with a severely infected scalp that would demand expert medical intervention. Do visit us at Rejuvenate Health and let our experts take over, as they provide effective solutions to any such hair issues and more.

How To Reduce Sebum Production on Scalp

Sebum is an oily substance that is secreted from the sebaceous glands keeping the body protected.

Sebum is a natural oil that is secreted to nourish the skin, keep it moisturized and protected. It is an oily and waxy substance and is made up of lipids such as triglycerides, cholesterols, and fatty acids.

Sebum is secreted from the sebaceous glands which are present all over the body. They are often around hair follicles though they exist independently as well. The highest concentration of sebaceous glands is present on the face and the scalp which can lead to scalp buildup and scalp acne. Palms of the hands and soles of the feet are the only areas of the skin without sebaceous glands.

Sebaceous glands on scalp helps in moisturizing the hair and maintaining its natural shine. However, an excess of sebum can cause oily scalp resulting in oily hair, scalp acne, and dandruff. These may lead to hair loss. If you are looking to find how to reduce sebum production on scalp, read further to know.

Is Sebum Production Bad for Your Scalp?

Before we decide how to reduce sebum production on scalp, let’s understand its functions. Sebum is good and essential for hair. The sebum produced in the scalp keeps the hair shaft nourished and moisturized, it also offers protection. The main functions of sebum are listed below.

Lubrication

Sebum lubricates the hair and prevents friction damage. Sebum is responsible for the moisturization and softness of the skin. A decreased production causes dry scalp issues. 

Moisture retention

The sebaceous glands that secrete sebum on the hair prevents the moisture of the hair from escaping through the cuticles. It also does not allow excessive moisture from the air to enter the hair. Thus, it keeps the moisture content of the hair balanced.

Protects from sun damage

Sebum transports vitamin E over the skin. Vitamin E prevents free radical damage by protecting against UV damage caused due to sun rays.

How Does Excess Sebum Affect Your Hair?

Balanced sebum production is essential for the health of the hair and the scalp. If there is an increase or decrease in the production of sebum, hair health is adversely impacted which leads to something called scalp buildup. 

  • Excessive sebum on the scalp can result in clogging of the pores on the scalp (scalp buildup). Clogging triggers a variety of problems. 
    • The supply of nutrients to the hair follicle from the bloodstream may get blocked. 
    • The clogged pore can also lead to bacterial infections and dandruff. 
  • Dried or hardened sebum can be a site for secondary infections.
  • All these factors increase the possibility of hair loss. Secondary infections further aggravate it. In rare cases, it can also cause pimples on the head and on the scalp.

Can Diet Affect Sebum Production?

What you put into your body directly affects the health of your hair. While A well-balanced diet ensures perfect hair health, Certain foods have a direct impact on sebum production and acne. A diet that is rich in vitamins, proteins, and minerals keeps hair health in check and improves the blood circulation in the scalp. Such improved circulation regulates the production of sebum and reduces overproduction. This is an ideal solution to how to reduce sebum production on scalp.

You can keep the following pointers in mind regarding your choice of food if you are looking at how to reduce sebum production on scalp.

  • Avoid oily and fried food to prevent excessive sebum production.
  • Foods that are very sweet or very salty aggravate Kapha dosha causing excessive sebum production.
  • Cold beverages should be avoided. You should have beverages either hot or at room temperature.
  • A wholesome and fresh meal that is easy to digest should be consumed.

Benefits of Using Camphor (Kapur) For Hair

Camphor for Hair Growth, an ancient Ayurvedic remedy that balances doshas and keep hair moisturized, and strong . Its antimicrobial nature also keeps scalp infections away.

The strong and pungent aroma of camphor has a lot to offer besides its use in spiritual practices and therapeutic benefits. This common sweet-smelling ingredient can solve most of your health-related everyday issues. Unfurl the usage and benefits of camphor for hair . 


Camphor for hair growth has a strong but relaxing smell with a lot of medicinal properties. For centuries, it has been used to treat health and skin-related issues, including toothache, skin irritation, and insect bites. You must have even heard good things about camphor for hair from your grandma. You will learn to incorporate this amazing ingredient in your hair care routine by the end of this blog. 

While camphor is a popular ingredient you’ll find in every Indian household, its natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties can fulfill the needs of your hair. The use of camphor for hair growth and balancing doshas of the body has been mentioned in Ayurveda as well. With so many benefits squeezed into this one ingredient, we can safely call it a magical ingredient. 

Let us find out more ways to reap the benefits of this ingredient and find out more ways to use camphor for hair. But before that, we will try to learn more about camphor.

What is Camphor? 

Camphor is a flammable translucent solid with a strong aroma. Also known as ‘Kapur, this substance is used in the Indian household for religious ceremonies. The steam distillation process is used to extract the camphor from the Cinnamomum Camphora tree bark.

Kapur is known for its healing properties, and the skin absorbs it quickly. It creates a cooling sensation and can be used for several hair problems, such as dry scalp treatment, scalp exfoliation, and dandruff remedies. Camphor for hair growth helps to increase blood circulation and allows better oxygen flow to your hair and several benefits, such as healing skin rashes and eczema, helping induce sleep, relieving cough and congestion, and boosting hair growth.

Benefits of Using Camphor for Hair

Your hair care routine is essential for your overall health, and camphor can come in handy in so many ways. Several hair oils use camphor for hair growth. This helps not only strengthen the hair follicles but also prevent hair fall. Scalp stimulation works wonders for hair regrowth, and camphor for hair has a lot to contribute. When you use camphor for hair growth, it increases the blood flow and acts as a counter-irritant. 

You can use camphor for hair to reduce dandruff, prematurely grey hair, target hair loss causes, and apply camphor oil for hair before a hair wash can clean the scalp thoroughly. Kapur also helps with hair lice. It acts as a disinfecting agent, improving hair texture.

Camphor for Hair Growth can also Treat Dandruff

Dandruff is one of the worst nightmares, and during winter, dandruff can aggravate like crazy. Dandruff can cause an itchy and flaky scalp, and it can be challenging to get rid of it most of the time. But when you use camphor for hair, removing dandruff becomes a lot easier. 

Kapur has an anti-inflammatory that treats dry scalp and removes itchiness, giving fewer flakes. Its antibacterial properties kill the bacteria on the scalp and moisturize it, preventing dandruff. Camphor and coconut oil mixture is a great concoction to remove dandruff. Here are a few ways you can use Kapur and coconut oil:

  • Crush one camphor and add a pinch of this camphor powder to coconut oil, and massage this on your scalp. Leave it on your hair for about thirty minutes, and then wash with a mild shampoo. 
  • To treat dry scalp, add one or two pinches of camphor powder to any of your favorite carrier oil and massage on your scalp. Allow this to stay on your hair for about half an hour, and then wash it off.
  • Another way of using camphor for hair is to warm coconut oil, add a few drops of lemon essential oil, and add two to three drops of camphor oil for hair. 
  • For scalp inflammation, mix camphor oil with a few drops of menthol oil and any carrier oil to reduce inflammation and soothe the scalp.

How to Make Camphor Oil at Home?

Camphor for hair has been that one handy ingredient that has multi uses. It is effective and affordable. The best thing is you can make it on your own very quickly. Follow these steps to prepare camphor oil at home:

Ingredients:

  • Two pieces of camphor
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil

Process:

On low flame, put a pan and add the coconut oil to it. Warm it and make sure not to burn the oil. Next, add camphor for hair and let it dissolve. Once it has cooled, your camphor for hair growth oil is ready. Now, you can apply this camphor for hair oil on your scalp and massage. Leave it overnight and wash it off the next day. Do this twice every week to get target hair loss causes.