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Hypothyroidism VS. Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland produces hormones and is shaped like a butterfly. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are two hormones that govern metabolism, assist your heart, brain, and other organs operating, and affect practically every cell in your body.

The pituitary gland in the brain controls the thyroid. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone produced by this gland that tells the thyroid to manufacture more T3 and T4. The thyroid can generate too little or too much T3 and T4 when any portion of this system is injured or dysfunctional.

This might result in a variety of symptoms across the body.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid is underactive and generates insufficient hormones. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, occurs when the thyroid is hyperactive and generates an excessive amount of hormone.

The causes, symptoms, and therapies for these two thyroid illnesses differ.

By Albina Gavrilovic from Shutterstock

Causes

Causes of Hypothyroidism

 

 Causes of Hyperthyroidism

 
·         Autoimmune disease ·         Autoimmune disease
·         Surgical removal ·         Abnormal iodine levels
·         Radiation treatment ·         Thyroiditis (temporary)
·         Congenital problem ·         Overmedication
·         Abnormal iodine level ·         Nodules
·         Pituitary gland damage
·         Rare diseases
·         Thyroiditis
·         Certain medications

Hypothyroidism Causes

Hypothyroidism can be caused by a number of different circumstances, including:

  • Autoimmune disease: Hashimoto’s illness and atrophic thyroiditis are examples of this. The most prevalent causes of hypothyroidism are these.
  • Surgical removal: Thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, and Graves’ disease may need the removal of all or part of the thyroid gland.
  • Radiation treatment: This cancer therapy, Graves’ disease, and thyroid nodules can harm and impede the thyroid gland’s function.
  • Congenital problem: A baby with a partial or absent thyroid gland or other anomalies that affect thyroid function is a rare occurrence.
  • Thyroiditis: This is thyroid inflammation brought on by a viral infection or atrophic thyroiditis.
  • Certain medications: Drugs that can cause hypothyroidism in persons with a genetic susceptibility include Eskalith or Lithobid (lithium), Cordarone or Pacerone (amiodarone), Roferon-A (interferon), Proleukin (aldesleukin or interleukin-2) or Intron A, and checkpoint inhibitors like Yervoy (ipilimumab).
  • Abnormal iodine levels: Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones, so if you don’t receive enough from your diet, your body won’t be able to keep thyroid hormones in balance.
  • Pituitary gland damage: The pituitary gland’s control over the thyroid may be disrupted if it is injured by a tumor, radiation therapy, or surgery, resulting in a thyroid hormone shortage.
  • Rare disorders: Amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, and hemochromatosis are a few examples. Each one deposits compounds in the thyroid that should not be there and, as a result, might impede its function.

Hyperthyroidism Causes 

There are fewer probable reasons for hyperactive thyroid. It may even run in families. Other factors include:

  • Thyroiditis: Thyroiditis can cause the thyroid to release all of the hormones it has generated at first, resulting in temporary hyperthyroidism. Following that, levels begin to fall towards the hypothyroid zone.
  • Autoimmune disease: More than 70% of overactive thyroid instances are caused by Graves’ disease. Thyroid damage is caused by antibodies that persistently stimulate the thyroid, resulting in hormone overproduction.
  • Overmedication: Hyperthyroidism can develop if you take too much thyroid hormone therapy for hypothyroidism
  • Nodules: Excess hormone secretion can be caused by abnormal thyroid tissue development.
  • Abnormal iodine levels: If you are lacking in iodine and abruptly increase your iodine intake, you may get transient hyperthyroidism while your body adjusts to the shift.

The Role of Iodine

Iodine is an element that your body cannot produce on its own, therefore you must acquire it through diet. Iodine is absorbed by thyroid cells from the circulation and used to make T3 and T4. Hypothyroidism can be caused by low iodine levels, while hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can be caused by too much iodine in the blood.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

 

 Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

 
·         Fatigue ·         Fatigue
·         Feeling extra cold ·         Feeling extra warm
·         Slow heart rate ·         Light and short periods
·         Insomnia ·         Increased sweating
·         Weight gain ·         Insomnia
·         Muscle or joint pain ·         Racing or pounding heart
·         Constipation ·         Weight loss or gain
·         Puffy face ·         Hair loss
·         Hair loss ·         Anxiety and nervousness
·         Decrease in sweating ·         Bulging or puffy eyes
·         Brittle nails ·         Diarrhea
·         Irritability and depression ·         Muscle weakness
·         Heavy and irregular periods ·         Nail thickening, flaking

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

Because thyroid hormones govern metabolism, an underactive thyroid slows down your body’s functions, resulting in a variety of symptoms. You may feel lethargic and sluggish, your heart rate may decrease, you may feel chilly even when others are warm, and you may gain weight. You also become tired quickly when you work out. Constipation might be caused by changes in your digestion.

Blood flow, water retention, and cellular renewal may all diminish, thus impacting the condition of your skin, hair, and nails. Your face and hands may seem swollen. You may also have confusion and difficulty focusing, which is referred to as brain fog.

It may be difficult to conceive, and those with a hypoactive thyroid have an increased chance of miscarriage. It’s possible that your menstruation is erratic or that it skips a lot. Infertility treatments may be futile. Erectile dysfunction, difficulties performing, and a reduction in an active life are all symptoms of hypothyroidism. 

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms

Your body and its functions are sped up when you have an overactive thyroid. Many of the symptoms are the polar opposite of hypothyroidism symptoms, such as feeling hotter than usual.

It’s possible that your heart will race and develop abnormal beats. It’s also likely that you have high blood pressure. A boost in blood flow to your cells can leave your skin feeling silky smooth and your fingernails feeling soft. As your digestive system speeds up, food may pass straight past you, resulting in inadequate nutritional absorption. You can have diarrhea or have a lot of bowel motions.

This might offer you a boost of energy at first. It is, however, just temporary. You’ll soon grow exhausted since your body isn’t designed to keep up with this quick pace.

Complications

Hypothyroidism Complications

 

 Hyperthyroidism Complications

 
·         Goiter ·         Goiter
·         Peripheral neuropathy ·         Thyroid storm
·         Muscle disease ·         Osteoporosis
·         High cholesterol ·         Neonatal hyperthyroidism
·         Pregnancy problems ·         Atrial fibrillation
·         Myxedema coma ·         Pregnancy problems
·         Anaemia

Hypothyroidism Complications

If hypothyroidism is left undiagnosed or undertreated, it can lead to the following complications:

  • Goiter: A lump in your throat might indicate an enlarged thyroid gland. Neckties and scarves may be hard to wear since large goiters are sensitive and swollen. Goiters can make it difficult to swallow or breathe in rare situations.
  • Anemia: Thyroid hormone shortage affects the synthesis of red blood cells in your bone marrow, resulting in anemia. Fatigue, pale complexion, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, feeling faint, and shortness of breath are all symptoms.
  • Muscle disease: Muscular discomfort and stiffness, which may be accompanied by muscle weakening, can have a significant influence on your everyday life and functionality.
  • Pregnancy problems: Infertility can be caused by irregular menstrual periods. Furthermore, hypothyroidism increases the risk of miscarriage, placental abruption, premature birth, and newborn mortality.
  • High cholesterol: Because your body is unable to correctly metabolize cholesterol, you may have excessive levels of LDL and total cholesterol.
  • Myxedema coma: This is an uncommon and possibly deadly complication of severe hypothyroidism brought on by illness, heart disease, or other physical pressures. Low body temperature and blood pressure, a sluggish heart rate, and being unresponsive are all symptoms of inadequate organ performance.
  • Peripheral neuropathy: Numbness, tingling feelings, weakness, and hypersensitivity to touch or temperature are all symptoms of nerve injury caused by fluid retention and edoema.

Hyperthyroidism Complications

  • Goiter: A goiter, like hypothyroidism, causes the sensation of a lump in your throat, can be

uncomfortable, and can affect swallowing or breathing.

  • Neonatal hyperthyroidism: When a mother has Graves’ disease while pregnant, her kid may be born with hyperthyroidism or acquire it before birth. Low birth weight, unusually tiny heads, rapid heartbeat, irritability, poor sleep, and, in rare cases, a deadly collection of fluid can all result from this (fetal hydrops).
  • Osteoporosis: Fractures are more likely if your bones are weak.
  • Pregnancy problems: Moderate-to-severe hyperthyroidism can result in preeclampsia, premature labor, tiny infants, stillbirth, and perhaps birth abnormalities.
  • Thyroid storm: A combination of untreated hyperthyroidism with infection, surgery, or trauma can cause this unusual but possibly fatal illness. An abnormally rapid heart rate, a high temperature, agitation, diarrhea, delirium, and perhaps a loss of consciousness are all symptoms.
  • Atrial fibrillation: Cardiac failure or stroke can occur as a result of this irregular heart rhythm.

Treatments

Hypothyroidism Treatments

Although hypothyroidism cannot be cured, it may be treated with the right medicine. Synthetic thyroxine in tablet form is the major therapy for hypothyroidism. It functions similarly to natural thyroxine and aids in the restoration of correct organ and system function.

T3 replacement hormones may be administered to certain persons who are still symptomatic on thyroxine replacement drugs in addition to T4 replacement treatment.

T4, maybe T3, and a mix of the following is used to treat myxedema coma:

  • Hydrocortisone
  • Gentle warming
  • Glucose
  • Fluid restriction
  • Antibiotics, if infection is the underlying cause
  • Intubation and mechanical ventilation
  • Increased blood volume

Hyperthyroidism Treatments

Hyperthyroidism is very curable, and with therapy, between 20% and 30% of persons with Graves’ illness may achieve long-term remission.

Antithyroid medicines, most commonly Tapazole (methimazole), can inhibit your thyroid’s capacity to produce hormones, allowing you to regulate your condition without harming the gland. For those with nodules, these medicines can be administered before radioactive iodine or surgery.

When radioactive iodine is administered orally, it damages or kills thyroid cells, resulting in fewer cells producing thyroid hormones and smaller nodules. This brings hormone levels back into the desired range. If the initial therapy is ineffective, a second round of treatment may be administered. This medication can sometimes cause hypothyroidism, which is subsequently treated with replacement hormones.

The use of radioactive iodine for treatment is fairly prevalent. Although some people are concerned that the radiation will cause cancer, the therapy has not been related to an increase in cancer rates.

Beta-blockers won’t reduce your thyroid hormone levels, but they will inhibit the hormones’ activities and help you feel better. The following drugs are among them:

  • Inderal (propranolol)
  • Corgard (nadolol)
  • Lopressor (metoprolol)
  • Tenormin (atenolol)

It’s conceivable that hyperthyroidism will recur after any of these therapies. Surgically removing all or part of a thyroid gland, on the other hand, can permanently heal the problem. Because few or no cells are left to create hormones, it may result in hypothyroidism, therefore thyroid replacement hormones will be required for the rest of your life if you choose to have your thyroid removed.

Surgical procedures are never without danger, even if they are widely thought to be safe. Major problems are uncommon. However, they can include the following:

  • Damage to the parathyroid glands, which regulate your calcium levels in the body
  • Damage to the nerves of the vocal cords, resulting in a raspy voice

Diet for Thyroid Health

You should avoid the following foods to help safeguard your thyroid health:

  • Unhealthy fats
  • Inflammatory foods
  • Caffeine
  • Sweets
  • Alcohol
  • Table salt

When should you go to the doctor if you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism?

If you have more than one of the aforementioned symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Because the key symptoms, such as weariness and weight gain, can be difficult to identify, it is critical to take note when more than one of these symptoms appears. This will point you in the direction of seeking medical assistance. And is still true for weight loss and other typical hyperthyroid symptoms.

Is one more harmful or worse than the other?

No, not always. Both can occur; however, hypothyroidism is more prevalent than hyperthyroidism. Because hormones are in flux during pregnancy, both problems can become an issue. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be harmful to both the mother and the baby.

This is why pregnant women with thyroid disorders are checked more regularly and may require medication and/or dose modifications.

Summary

Your thyroid gland might generate too many or too few hormones, which are necessary for regular physical function. Each has its own set of symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Thyroid hormones, on the other hand, govern your metabolism, therefore both diseases can impact different sections of your body.

What’s Behind My Frequent Bowel Movements 

The frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person, so what is typical for one person may not be normal for another. However, if you happen to have more than three bowel movements in a day, this is considered frequent.

Frequent bowel movements can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including a person’s lifestyle, viruses, infections, prescription side effects, food sensitivities, and certain medical problems.

Learn more about the reasons for frequent bowel movements, as well as the treatment choices and preventative techniques available to you.

What Is Considered Frequent?

A condition in which a person defecates (eliminates waste from their intestine) more frequently than normal is known as frequent bowel movements. There is no such thing as a “normal” amount of bowel movements.

Healthy bowel movement frequency might range from three times a day to three times a week, according to several healthcare practitioners. Your ‘typical’ system, on the other hand, may deviate from these figures.

The fact that a person’s bowel movements have grown more frequent is based on an increase in that person’s normal pattern, not on a universal definition.

Constipation (fewer than three bowel movements each week) and diarrhea (more than three movements of loose stools in a day) are the two most common bowel movement disorders.

Related Symptoms

Frequent bowel movements might be associated with a variety of other symptoms. These will differ depending on the underlying reason for the frequent bowel movements.

Among the possible symptoms are:

  • Soft or loose stools
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Cramps
  • Nausea
  • Dehydration
  • Fever

What causes frequent bowel movements?

Frequent bowel movements can occur for a brief period and are not a reason for concern. These can be caused by stomach discomfort from eating rotten, fatty, or spicy food, an intolerance to a meal, or an intestinal “bug” that clears itself in a day or two.

Other possible reasons for frequent bowel movements include increased physical activity, certain drugs such as antibiotics or metformin, or a dietary change (more fiber, water, fats, or sugars). After the person adjusts to the alterations or makes dietary changes, his or her bowel movements may return to normal.

Additional causes may exist when the person has other symptoms in addition to the increased quantity of bowel movements, such as the following:

1. Diet

What you eat becomes you, and what you consume becomes feces. Spicy Thai cuisine or a large raw salad might result in a few more trips to the bathroom. It’s also scientifically shown that eating a vegetarian diet leads to greater defecation. Plant foods are high in fiber, which makes you feel full.

It’s even more common among vegetarians. The 30% of plant-based participants in nutrition and bowel movement research had a greater pooping frequency. Spicy foods might irritate your stomach, causing you to go to the bathroom more frequently (especially hot lava style).

Furthermore, consuming bad food might make you ill, causing you to use the toilet far more frequently than usual.

2. Exercise

There’s a reason why experienced runners advise “never trust a fart.” Running, for example, can start things flowing. Researchers attribute gym-goers’ increased defecation to the digestive system constricting and stretching, as well as secretions and reduced blood flow.

Furthermore, what you consume in conjunction with exercise might cause problems with your colon. According to a 2015 research, triathletes who drank coffee, energy, or carbohydrates before the race were more likely to have greater GI stress during training.

Competitors who took coffee in the morning experienced considerably greater GI irritation when they began running.

3. Lactose Intolerance

Eating foods that conflict with your body might also cause you to use the restroom more frequently. If you’re lactose intolerant, consuming dairy can result in some fairly explosive dookies, or if you’re lucky, simply an increase in the number of trips to the restroom.

This is because lactose intolerant people are unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products, including cheese and yogurt.

Lactose intolerance can run in a person’s family and is more frequent among Asian, African, Mexican American, and Native American populations.

4. Illness

More trips to the porcelain palace are frequently associated with a disease. This might be bacterial, viral, parasitic, or issues from body functions or organs that are causing you to get ill.

C. difficile (which can be fatal if not treated), worms or protozoa, diverticulitis, pancreatitis, gallbladder difficulties, H. Pylori, or intestinal disorders are some of the ailments connected with frequent defecation.

5. Celiac disease and gluten

People nowadays have a lot of reasons to dislike gluten, but if you’re pooping a lot, gluten might be the cause. Gluten sensitivity in people who aren’t have celiac disease can lead to GI discomfort, which can lead to gas and frequent bowel movements.

Celiac disease is far worse than gluten sensitivity. The disease is essentially an autoimmune disorder in which gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. In the long term, this may lead to very significant problems.

According to the Celiac Illness Foundation, one in every 100 persons worldwide has the disease. Keep track of what you’re consuming, and if you see a link between gluten-containing items and your BMs, see your doctor.

6. Period

That time of the month may also wreak havoc on a restroom schedule. In a 2014 study of 156 women, 73% reported GI irritation before or after their period, and 28% had diarrhea.

When Aunt Flo comes to visit, the body produces hormone-like compounds known as prostaglandins, which aid in uterine contraction (hello, cramps!). Prostaglandins can also cause your gut muscles to contract more, resulting in additional trips to the toilet.

7. Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease which can cause the digestive system to become inflamed. It can also expand to the layers of your gut tissue, producing more discomfort and complications.

Crohn’s disease can produce a variety of unpleasant symptoms, such as stomach discomfort and diarrhea. Bloody stools are also a sign of Crohn’s disease and should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible (Crohn’s can cause life-threatening complications).

Crohn’s disease, like IBS, has yet to be cured. Make an appointment with your doctor if you feel this is the cause of your frequent defecation.

8. Coffee

Do you feel compelled to use the bathroom after drinking your grande cold brew? Coffee makes you go faster for a variety of reasons, the most important of which is caffeine.

According to research from the University of Iowa College of Medicine, individuals who drank caffeinated coffee had 60% higher colon activity than those who drank water, and 23% more than those who drank decaf.

Additional research has found similar outcomes when giving people caffeinated coffee throughout the years, leading to the popular assumption that caffeine consumption makes you desire to go to the bathroom.

9. Medication

Medications can also affect your bowels and stimulate your colon. Aside from the obvious laxatives and stool softeners (duh), there are a few drugs to be aware of:

  • NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen
  • Antibiotics
  • immune system suppressing drugs like mycophenolate
  • medicines for heartburn and stomach ulcers (uncommon, but possible)
  • chemotherapy drugs
  • antacids
  • metformin (diabetes medication)

Any new drug might mess with your body’s toilet habits. If things do not return to normal and you experience alarming symptoms such as fever, stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or bloody stools, contact your doctor immediately.

10. IBS

You may have stomach discomfort and bowel movement changes such as diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of the two if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). So, if you have IBS and have a regular pooping routine, the two may be linked.

The bad news is that physicians are still unsure what causes IBS and will most likely recommend that you adjust your dietary habits or take medication. Food allergies and stress have been linked to IBS flare-ups in certain people.

11. Drinking

After a night out of drinking, most of us have undoubtedly experienced the beer sh*ts. The toilet excursions after drinking 12 White Claws, often known as day-after-drinking stool (or DADS for short), maybe a nightmare.

Beverages with a low alcohol level, such as wine and beer, speed up the emptying of your GI tract. Bending the elbow also increases your ethanol consumption, which is the chemical ingredient in alcohol that causes GI motility to speed up when ingested in big amounts.

12. Stress

Stress can disrupt a variety of bodily functions, including hormones, weight, and the immune system. It’s no surprise that it might have an impact on your bowel movements.

Stress might cause you to poop more because it can upset your digestive system, resulting in increased poops and diarrhea.

13. Traveling

There’s a reason why seasoned travelers have Imodium on hand. Traveling to another nation might increase your desire to defecate and cause traveler diarrhea.

Traveler’s diarrhea is typically caused by consuming infected food or drinking polluted water while abroad. Furthermore, minor things such as temperature or sanitation might disturb your bowels.

A 2017 study of 628 international tourists from the Boston region discovered that 33% had traveler’s diarrhea.

How are frequent bowel movements diagnosed?

In circumstances when the cause of frequent bowel movements is unknown, the doctor will ask you the following questions:

  • When was your last bowel movement?
  • How frequently do you urinate?
  • The consistency of the feces (watery or shaped)
  • If there is blood in or near the stool
  • If you have rectum bleeding
  • If you feel dizzy or have cramps, discomfort, fever, or nausea
  • What meals and beverages do you eat?
  • If you have recently changed your weight.
  • The drugs you are taking
  • If and when you have recently traveled

A physical examination will be performed by the doctor, who may also prescribe blood and stool tests, urinalysis, and X-rays.

How to get your bowels under control

Once you’ve identified some probable causes for your frequent defecating, you can restore normalcy to your plumbing system using one of many methods:

  • Alter your diet by consuming less fiber-rich or irritating/spicy foods.
  • Reduce your coffee usage (we promise you can survive on one cup a day).
  • Be mindful of what you consume in the hours leading up to a workout.
  • When going overseas, take certain food-related precautions.
    • Before drinking, brushing your teeth, or rinsing with tap water, be sure it’s safe.
    • Never consume raw fruits or vegetables without first washing them in clean bottled water.
    • Be cautious and only consume fruits and vegetables that have been cooked or have a peel that you can remove yourself.
  • Reduce your alcohol consumption.
  • Consider meditating or seeing a therapist if you’re tense or nervous.
  • Examine the meds you’re currently taking.

Make an appointment with your doctor to address any ailments, disorders, or dietary allergies that may be to blame.

When should I consult a physician regarding frequent bowel movements?

If you experience frequent bowel movements and any of the following symptoms, consult your doctor:

  • Stools that are bloody or rectum bleeding
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Acute severe diarrhea following hospitalization or antibiotic use
  • Severe or chronic (long-term) diarrhea
  • Painful, puffy, or inflated abdomen
  • Stools with a strong odor
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Incontinence (inability to regulate bowel movements)
  • Body aches
  • Constipation that hurts
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Chills
  • Vomiting

What are the risks of having frequent bowel movements?

Because frequent bowel movements can be a sign of a serious condition, failing to seek treatment might lead to major consequences and lasting harm. Once the underlying reason has been identified, you must adhere to the treatment plan that you and your doctor devised particularly for you to limit the risk of potential problems such as:

  • Anemia (low red blood cell count)
  • Intestinal blockage and intestinal wall rupture
  • Spread of cancer
  • Spread of infection

Summary

The frequency of bowel movements varies from person to person, but more than three bowel movements per day are considered frequent. This can be caused by particular foods or dietary variables, but it can also be caused by viral or bacterial infections, drug side effects, and certain medical disorders. Treatment is not always required.

However, it may include addressing the underlying problem if one exists.

Read also: Everything You Need To Know About Your Gut Microbiome

Got Your Blood Test Results Back? Here’s What They Mean

blood test
Photo by Parilov from Shutterstock

What do you need to know when you get your blood test?

One of the most important things you need to do in order to keep up with overall physical well-being is to have regular blood tests. By getting tested at routine intervals, you will be able to keep track of the way your body changes over time, and you will be empowered to make informed decisions for your well-being.

Your blood test can show many things, and they are very helpful in finding out how different organs in your body are working. For example, if one of your organs, like your thyroid, liver, or kidneys. is malfunctioning, it will be visible in the blood test. Find out here the most important things you need to know about blood tests:

Your doctor can use the blood tests to look for any markers of disease or health conditions such as diabetes, HIV, anemia, cancer, or coronary heart disease. And what’s even better, if you don’t suffer from any current heart diseases, a blood test can actually show you if you’re at risk of developing any condition or not.

Anyway, these aren’t the only things that you can find. There are blood tests that can show you if the current medications that you’re taking are working or not, or assess how well is your blood clotting.

Complete blood count

A routine complete blood count (CBC) is checking for levels of 10 different components that can be found in every major cell in your blood, like white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Some of the most important components that these test measures are red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Here is the typical range of results, even if every laboratory might have its own range that varies:

  • red blood cells (cells that are in charge of carrying oxygen throughout the body) – male: 4.3-5.9 million/microlitre; female: 3.5-5.5 million/microlitre;
  • white blood cells (immune system cells that are in the blood) – 4,500- 11,000/microlitre;
  • platelets (the substances which are in control the clotting of the blood) – 150,000 – 400,000/microlitre;
  • hemoglobin (the protein found in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues and organs, but also carbon dioxide back to the lungs) – male: 13.5 – 17.5 grams/deciliter (g/dL); female: 12.0 – 16.0 g/dL;
  • hematocrit (it’s the percentage of blood made of red blood cells) – male: 41-53%; female: 36-46%.

Basic metabolic panel

The basic metabolic panel, also known as BMP, is responsible for checking the levels of eight compounds in the blood. These compounds are calcium, glucose, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine.

In order to get tested for BMP, you need to fast for a minimum of 8 hours before your blood is drawn, but it depends a lot on the instructions of your doctor and what the test is measuring. If the tests show abnormal results, it might indicate:

  • a kidney disease
  • diabetes
  • hormone imbalances

In this case, your doctor will suggest you some follow-up tests to confirm a proper diagnosis.

blood test
Photo by Andrey_Popov from Shutterstock

Comprehensive metabolic panel

A CMP, short for the comprehensive metabolic panel, will include all the needed measurements of a BMP, but also additional proteins and substances that are linked to liver function, like:

  • albumin
  • total protein
  • alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which is an enzyme that’s found in the bones and liver and is involved in many processes of the body
  • alanine aminotransferase (ALT), an enzyme found in your liver
  • aspartate aminotransferase (AST), an enzyme found in the liver but also in other tissues in the body
  • bilirubin, which is the waste that results from the breakdown of red blood cells filtered out by the liver

Lipid panel

This is a specific test that checks the levels of two types of cholesterol:

  • high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as “good” cholesterol
  • low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or the “bad” cholesterol.

So the HDL is the “good guy” when it comes to cholesterol because it removes harmful substances from the blood and it also helps the liver break them down into waste. In comparison, LDL is the “bad guy” because it’s responsible for causing plaque to develop in the arteries, which increases the risk of heart disease.

Thyroid panel

A thyroid panel, also called a thyroid function test, checks if your thyroid is producing and reacting to hormones, such as Triiodothyronine (T3- which regulates your heart rate and your body temperature), Thyroxine (T4- which takes care of your metabolism and how you grow), and Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH- regulates the levels of hormones that your thyroid releases)

As you probably know already, the thyroid is that tiny little gland in your neck, which is responsible for the way your body functions when it comes to mood swings, energy levels, and overall metabolism. These are the normal results that you need to keep in mind:

  • T3: 80-180 nanograms per deciliter of blood (ng/dL)
  • T4: 0.8-1.8
  • TSH: 0.5- 4 milli-international units per liter of blood (mIU/L)

If you notice abnormal levels of these specific hormones, it can indicate various conditions, like low protein levels, thyroid growth disorders, and abnormal levels of testosterone or estrogen.

blood test
Photo by Roman Zaiets from Shutterstock

Cardiac biomarkers

Enzymes are some proteins that your body needs to realize certain chemical processes, like breaking down food and clotting blood. They are used all over your body for many reasons and functions. If you have abnormal enzyme levels, it can indicate many conditions, and you could get a lot of answers by searching out your enzymes levels. The most common tests for enzymes levels are:

  • Creatine kinase (CK) – This enzyme is primarily found in the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle. When muscle damage occurs, CK gets into your blood in bigger amounts.
  • Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) – These enzymes are located in the heart. When a heart attack or other heart injury occurs, they increase the blood.
  • Troponin – This is a heart enzyme that will leak into your blood after a heart injury.

Se*ually transmitted infection tests

There are many STIs, also known as se*ually transmitted infections that you can find out about by realizing a simple blood test. Even more, these tests are usually combined with urine samples or swabs of infected tissue, for a more accurate diagnosis.

Of course, you need to take into consideration that blood tests tend to be sometimes inaccurate if you have recently contracted the virus. For example, if we’re talking about an HIV infection, you might have to wait at least a month before checking if a blood test can detect the virus. But for other types of STIs, a couple of days should be just fine.

Coagulation panel

Coagulation tests are measuring how well is your blood clotting and how long it takes for the blood to clot. Some examples include the prothrombin time (PT) test and fibrinogen activity test. Clotting is extremely important because it stops bleeding right after a cut or a wound.

Even so, a clot in a vein or artery is deadly, because it blocks the blood flow to your brain, heart, and lungs. This does nothing but creates a heart attack or even a stroke. A coagulation test results might vary, depending on your health and any underlying conditions that are linked to clotting. Results from this test might help your doctor diagnose:

  • leukemia
  • excessive bleeding (hemophilia)
  • thrombosis
  • liver conditions
  • vitamin K deficiency

DHEA-sulfate serum test

The dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA hormone is coming from your adrenal glands. This kind of test will measure if your levels are too high or too low. For example, for men, DHEA is essential in developing body hair growth, so low levels are considered to be abnormal. But in women, high levels can lead to male traits, such as excess body hair, so low levels are recommended.

Low levels might come from Addison’s disease, adrenal dysfunction, or hypopituitarism. But high levels in men and women might result from congenital adrenal hyperplasia, benign or malignant tumor on the adrenal gland, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and ovarian tumor.

If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading: Blood Clot Signs: 3 Symptoms of Important Body Parts You Should Look After

10 Reasons You May Need Cataracts Surgery ASAP

cataracts
Photo by
sruilk From Shutterstock

Cataracts is a medical condition that is very serious if you don’t treat it right, it might lead to blindness. To understand this term better, doctors explained that cataracts are a cloudy area in the lens of the eyes that leads to a decrease in vision. Usually, cataracts develop slowly and might affect one or both eyes.

Unfortunately, cataracts are most common due to aging but they can also occur because of trauma or radiation exposure. A recent statistic revealed that about 20 million people are blind because of cataracts. Are you scared of surgery? Don’t be! A typical cataract surgery is one of the safest procedures and it will improve your vision in a blink of an eye.

It can be easily recognized and if you have at least 2 of these symptoms you might need to make an appointment with your ophthalmologist as soon as possible!

Your health is more important than anything else. Be cautious and go to regular check-ups at least twice a year.

Why You May Need Cataracts Surgery ASAP

1. You’re no longer able to enjoy your favorite hobby

Are you feeling sad because you’re no longer enjoying what you used to love before? Cataracts can have this effect if your vision is becoming cloudy or blurry. It’s proven that cataracts can reduce the capacity to distinguish contrast and this will make it harder to enjoy your everyday activities like watching TV, cooking, doing the laundry, or a simple walk outside.

Nobody wants to have vision issues so if you feel like your eyes aren’t helping you anymore, call your doctor, even if it will be just a regular check-up!

cataracts
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2. Up close vision is no longer that good

It might sound weird, but cataract formation is actually a slow process. This disease will develop over the years and it will become a problem when it affects your everyday life. Are you having a hard time reading a message from on your phone? Are you a fan of reading in bed before going to sleep? This might be another sign of a cataracts! It’s no joke!

You might take into consideration calling your doctor if this issue bothers you. They will be friendly enough to talk to you regarding this situation.

3. Driving at night becomes difficult

If you don’t feel ok while driving you really need to see your doctor as soon as possible! Driving during the night when having cataracts can jeopardize your life and the life of others. If you have cataracts you see halos around the traffic lights, which can make it pretty hard to drive during the night. Don’t ignore this particular symptom!

4. Everything seems to have a brown tint or looks yellow

When you have cataracts, colors that you see may look muddy and faded compared to how they were before. Your vision becomes less clear, you will also feel a bit dizzy. You have white sheets on your bed, and you know that but at this very moment, they look brown or yellow?

This happens because of cataracts are well. It means that the problem is getting worse!

This is a big warning sign that you might wanna take into consideration. Cataract surgery is definitely the best solution! Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. Do you know that for most people the solution is cataract surgery?

Yes, we know you’re scared and it’s perfectly normal since the eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of your body.

And if the doctor doesn’t perform the surgery well enough you might lose your vision completely! Make sure you find a good doctor for this important step in your life.

You only have one body! Take care of it!

cataracts
Photo by Roman Zaiets From Shutterstock

5. Double vision

Has this ever happened to you? If the answer is yes, it’s mandatory to see your doctor as soon as possible in order to determine what the cause of it is. Even if this sounds unusual, you will start experiencing it when you have cataracts. Patients said that they had double vision in one eye. Which is awful!

We know that it can become frustrating if you aren’t able to complete any activity in your everyday life anymore, but you actually need to stop doing things like driving or cooking until you have cataract surgery!

cataracts
Photo byOlena Yakobchuk From Shutterstock

6. Your prescription keeps changing

Because of the aging process, it is normal for any prescription regarding your contact lenses or glasses to change over time. But what if they change more often than they should? This is a serious sign that points toward cataracts!

Unfortunately, when you have this disease, glasses won’t improve your eyesight anymore and when this happens you might take into consideration that surgery is very much needed!

7. Your vision gets blurry

Last night you were at the Cinema and because it was pretty crowded you bought the tickets in the back of the room. Bad idea, right?! Yes and no. The view from that height is actually even better and there are fewer chances for it to be that crowded.

But what if your vision starts decreasing and you are no longer in the position to watch the movie you wanted? If your vision seems blurrier than usual, you really need to see your eye doctor for an appointment right away! Even if this sign is one of the most common cataracts signs, it might also be another eye condition. We recommend a check-up as soon as possible!

8. Light sensitivity

Doctors say that one of the earliest symptoms of cataracts is sensitivity to light and it can be pretty painful. If you experience light sensitivity, your ophthalmologist will figure out if it’s cataracts or not. Schedule an appointment if you can’t stand the glare of bright lights, or if even the sunlight bothers you.

This might be a warning sign and you shouldn’t ignore it!

9. You start seeing what’s known as second sight

A lot of patients with cataracts have experienced a symptom that’s called second sight. The vision is improved temporarily with second sight, especially the cases when you have nuclear cataracts which is formed in the center of your lens.

If you see more clearly suddenly right after you’ve had poor vision for a while it might be time for surgery! Have a discussion with your doctor about this and they will tell you what you have to do. Don’t be afraid!

cataracts
Photo by gpointstudio From Shutterstock

10. Harder to see in the dark

When cataracts strike, you might observe that you have a bad time seeing in the dark and you will need brighter light to read properly. This is an important sign which might necessitate cataract surgery as soon as possible!

Have you ever experienced at least one of these symptoms? If the answer is yes, call your doctor and make an appointment! It’s very important not to ignore these warning signs even if they seem like just a minor annoyance.

Nobody can guarantee that you’ll never have cataracts because they are simply a part of life. Of course, there are things that you can do in order to lower the chances of developing them at an earlier stage of your life.

Maybe you don’t know, but eating a healthier diet, rich in fruits and vegetables which contain a lot of vitamin C and E that are essential for a better sight, will help you avoid a vision disease. Another thing that will help you avoid cataracts is taking proper care of diabetes because it is one of the most common things which might cause cataracts.

When you have suspicions about cataracts, it is very important to seek a medical opinion.

Quick vision changes can happen due to a stroke or another health condition you aren’t aware of.

If you liked this article, you may be interested in Seeing This on Your Feet? Here’s What It Really Means 

10 Body Parts You’re Washing Too Often

body
Photo by Olena Yakobchuk From Shutterstock

When it comes to personal hygiene you might be tempted to think that the more you clean and groom yourself, the healthier you will be.

According to doctors, you only need to wash three parts of your body with soap daily: feet, armpits, and groin. It was proven that if you scrub your entire body daily with soap you may be at risk of destroying useful bacteria that help protect you.

Do you know what parts of the body that don’t need that much cleaning are? We studied what most of the medical personnel declared and we made a list of X parts of your body you’re washing way too often.

Seeing This on Your Feet? Here’s What It Really Means

…Believe it or not, your feet can tell a lot about your health!

If you’ve read any of our articles, you know that we believe that every single detail on our bodies indicates that there is something happening on the inside.

Your feet are no exception. If you notice that you have constant pain when you walk, or there’s something there that doesn’t go, like a lump, it might be time to pay your doctor a visit.

In addition to that, there are some other types of symptoms, which are more serious, like numbness and incapability of walking due to severe pain. Even though it might sound a bit crazy, your feet can often show symptoms of health issues you didn’t know you might have.

We’ve talked to different doctors about this topic, and this is what they’ve told us!

feet
Photo by Orawan Pattarawimonchai from shutterstock.com

1. Ulcer on your feet that doesn’t heal 

There are certain types of wounds that take a lot longer to heal compared to others, so you’ll need to take extra care of them until they’re gone. Unfortunately, if you have an ulcer or an open sore at the bottom of your feet, it might be a sign of being prone to diabetes.

According to several studies, roughly 15% of people who are diagnosed with this disease develop wounds on their feet. The worst part is that somewhere between 14 to 24% of these patients have to amputate their body parts due to severe infection, as the American Podiatric Medical Association says.

It is believed that patients who need to use insulin are the ones who present a higher risk of developing an ulcer, compared to those who keep their diabetes under control with the help of diet and medications.

2. Chunky and yellow toenails 

If you notice that your toenails start to turn yellow, are thicker than usual, or are separate from the skin, there is a chance that you suffer from a fungal infection.

If you notice any changes, such as color, shape, density, visual aspect, and even smell, don’t forget to talk to your doctor about some remedies to get rid of this uncomfortable situation.

3. Your feet are numb 

According to several doctors, if you have a constant feeling of “needles and pins” in your legs, it might be due to the fact that you have some type of peripheral neuropathy.

In conformity with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, people who are infected with diabetes have a higher risk of developing diabetic neuropathy, which is a sort of nerve contamination that starts in your feet and slowly increases up to the legs.

4. No hairy feet 

Even though we all know that hair on toes is more visible in men rather than in women, these hairs exist regardless of gender. With that being said, if you notice that there is no hair on your toes, it might be a sign of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), as the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons says.

PAD means blood restrain in the arteries of the leg and it might indicate more widespread arterial disease. Furthermore, this can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease.

5. Cold feet

In accordance with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, another symptom of PAD might be cold feet, also known as poor circulation.

However, this is not the only dysfunction that can be revealed by your cold feet. For instance, the National Academy of Hypothyroidism believes that poor circulation can be considered a symptom of thyroid dysfunction.

feet
Photo by myboys.me from shutterstock.com

6. Swollen big toe 

If you notice that your big toe is swollen, it might be a sign of gout. In conformity with the Arthritis Foundation, the inflammation of the big toe is the first symptom of gout.

This disease is a type of arthritis and it is caused by a build-up of uric acid, which appears in the coldest part of your body, aka your big toe.

7. Pitted toenails

If you have pitted toenails, it might be due to the fact that you have psoriatic arthritis or simply psoriasis. There are also other signs that indicate the presence of psoriasis, such as horizontal lines in your nails, crumbling, thickening, discoloration, and loosening.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that is responsible for causing itchy and red patches, usually in places such as your scalp, knees, trunk, and elbows.

This disease is chronic, very common, and there’s no cure for it. This usually happens in cycles, flaring for a couple of weeks or months, then decreasing for some time or even going into remission.

There are people who say that regular pedicures by experts who are familiar with this skin condition help improve the appearance of the nails.

8. Sore and stiff joints

Sore and stiff joints are usually a sign of regressive joint disease. This condition begins in the small joints of the feet and hands and causes a lot of pain during movement.

If you notice that your joints are constantly tender, aching, and swollen, you should talk to your doctor about this, because you might need to go to a rheumatologist.

9. Blue or red toes 

People who have the Raynaud disease can experience toes that turn blue when they are exposed to cold temperatures. This is a malady of the blood vessels that are connected to the skin.

Patients who are diagnosed with this health condition usually claim that their toes and fingers turn numb and blue when they are under a lot of stress or in cold environments.

10. Toenails with indentations

In conformity with a report in The Permanente Journal, toenails that are sunken or have indentations that look like spoons can be due to some health issues, such as anemia, or chronic iron deficiency.

The syndrome of concave nails is called koilonychia and can be caused by a lot of things, including trauma, high altitude, and exposure to petroleum products.

If you notice any type of indentations in your toenails, you should seek a visit to your doctor and talk to them about a test for iron deficiency.

11. Incapability to lift the front part of your feet

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke discovered that the incapability to lift the front part of your foot is known as foot drop. This condition is caused by the weakness or even paralyzation of the muscles that are responsible for lifting the foot.

The same source believes that this incapacity can be a warning sign for several disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and polio, or other muscle or nerve malfunctions.

Make sure to talk to your doctor about this to find a treatment for this health condition. Experts believe that treating the hidden problem can help reverse the symptom mentioned above.

CONCLUSION

To sum up this article, we can say that you need to pay attention to the way your feet feel and look, because they can hide a lot of health issues, such as psoriasis, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, or diabetes.

If you notice any severe changes in your feet, don’t wait for things to go away on their own, talk to your doctor about those changes and maybe even possible treatments.

…We have a lot of articles in which we discussed several health issues and possible remedies, so make sure to check them out. Until next time, we have a recommendation for you: 9 Cancer Symptoms You Might Be Ignoring, But Shouldn’t!

10 Subtle Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

rheumatoid arthritis
Photo by Hriana from Shutterstock

Rheumatoid arthritis might have many symptoms, but the most common are stiffness, painful joints, and fatigue. Given the fact that this disease might cause inflammation in many other body parts, you might confuse its symptoms and believe they have nothing to do with rheumatoid arthritis.

But some of these are signs of more serious complications that could put your organs, or even life, at risk. If you happen to notice any of these symptoms, the last thing you should do is try to deal with them on your own. The safest thing to do is to call your doctor, especially if you recognize more than 5 of these signs.

Subtle Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Fragile bones

Your bones become weaker because of rheumatoid arthritis and medications that treat it, such as steroids. When both of these two are in the equation, you are way more likely to break a bone when you fall. However, by keeping an active life, exercising, and walking, you can enhance your bone strength.

Also, in some patients with old rheumatoid arthritis or even other rheumatoid disorders, stress fractures and insufficiency fractures aren’t so uncommon. They might be caused by osteoporosis that the patient is stuck with after suffering from corticosteroid therapy, joint stiffness, or deformity of their joints.

Luckily, a minimum of 30 minutes of daily walking could prevent all that.

Chest pain

Patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of developing heart disease. So as time passes, there’s a possibility of having build-up plaque in their arteries. Doctors are calling this atherosclerosis, and it can lead to a heart attack. Another common symptom is also chest pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a possible reason for suffering from another painful heart problem known as pericarditis. Pericarditis happens when thin layers of tissue around your heart are inflamed. You can experience severe chest pain that’s similar to a heart attack. While it might not be a heart attack, if you feel this pain, call 911.

Rheumatoid arthritis
Photo by CGN089 from Shutterstock

Dryness

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause dry eyes, which makes you more likely to get an eye infection. People with this disease are at risk of developing another autoimmune condition known as Sjögren’s syndrome, which is an autoimmune disease.

Your immune system is attacking some parts of your body by mistake. The glands that make tears and saliva are attacked, which causes a dry mouth and dry eyes. You might also have dryness in other places that need to be moisturized, like the nose, throat, or skin.

Sjögren’s syndrome might attack other parts of the body too, such as joints, lungs, kidneys, digestive organs, nerves, and blood vessels.

Eye problems

Although this complication is rare, rheumatoid arthritis can cause sclera, which is an inflammation in the white part of your eye. Two of the most common symptoms are redness and eye pain. You can also experience blurry vision.

Dry eyes can get infected, especially if they’re left untreated. Suffering from dry eyes can damage the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface of the eye that makes your eye focus. They can also be a symptom of Sjögren’s syndrome.

If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, visit your ophthalmologist for a proper evaluation. Early treatment can prevent these vision-threatening complications.

Fever

Fever usually sets in when there’s an infection in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis medications such as biologics and steroids are good against the disease, but they also slow down the immune system. While they’re efficient when it comes to joint pain and swelling, it’s a bit harder for your body to fight off unpleasant surprises such as the flu.

Rheumatoid arthritis makes you prone to infections, just because it directly affects your immune system. You might also experience mild fever, as a symptom of a rheumatoid arthritis flare up. This is the moment when you know that the inflammation has gotten out of control. If your fever gets too high, the first thing your doctor will do is to look for an infection.

rheumatoid arthritis
Photo by one photo from Shutterstock

Difficulty hearing

Rheumatoid arthritis is known to increase the risk of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss occurs when there’s some damage to the outer and middle parts of the ear, which makes it difficult for the ear to properly conduct the sound.

Sensorineural hearing loss is when the damage in your ear is deeper, and it affects the inner ear and nerves. This specific type of hearing loss doesn’t allow the brain to interpret sound. You can also experience mixed hearing loss, which means you’re at risk of suffering from both types of hearing impairment.

Up until this day, researchers haven’t succeeded in finding out why rheumatoid arthritis causes hearing loss.

Mood changes

And as if it weren’t enough, rheumatoid arthritis is also linked to depression, anxiety, and many other mood problems. Given the fact that this disease causes a lot of pain, fatigue, and even stiffness that makes everything harder, depression and anxiety are expected to be presented.

They might also come from the pain caused by inflammation. For example, some people with rheumatoid arthritis suffer from fibromyalgia. This disease is responsible for causing muscle pain and sometimes even leads to depression and anxiety.

On top of that, stress makes all of your symptoms way worse. If you notice that you experience constant mood swings, talk to your doctor.

Numbness or tingling

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the small nerves located in your hands and feet. You might feel your hands or feet a bit numb or as if you’re being stuck on pins and needles. If these little blood vessels in your hands or feet are shutting down, your fingers or toes might feel colder or number.

They might even change color when there are colder temperatures outside, turning either white, red, or blue. Rheumatoid vasculitis, which affects blood vessels, is responsible for causing numbness, tingling, burning, and pain in your hands and feet caused by damaged nerves.

If you feel like your hands or feet are numb, or if you notice that they drop or go limp when you try to raise them, visit your doctor.

Stomach pain/ indigestion

Rheumatoid arthritis and the medicines used to treat it are directly linked to mouth and stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, acid reflux, diarrhea, and constipation. Painful diverticulitis, which is the scientific term for inflamed pouches in your GI tract, and colitis, also known as the inflamed colon, are also in the equation when you have RA.

RA drugs such as NSAIDs often cause ulcers or an upset stomach. Also, sometimes belly pain might come as a sign of RA complication, also known as rheumatoid vasculitis. It’s when inflammation grows in your blood vessels. Among other symptoms, you can also experience weight loss and a lack of appetite.

Difficulty breathing

If you experience trouble breathing and you don’t know why, maybe you should blame rheumatoid arthritis. Some people that suffer from this condition, especially men who smoke or used to, are more likely to suffer from serious lung problems.

When rheumatoid arthritis inflammation is causing scar tissue to form in your lungs, you will notice chronic cough, shortness of breath, weakness, and a constant feeling of tiredness. RA can also inflame the tissue that lines the lungs, and this may lead to shortness of breath or pain and discomfort when you breathe.

If you have unusual breathing problems or coughs, visit your doctor right away.

If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading: 9 Shocking Reasons Why Your Stomach Hurts All The Time

9 Ways You Can Combat Hair Loss in 2022

…Have you ever experienced any hair loss issues?

I don’t know about you, but I believe that hair loss is one of the most annoying and even depressing things that can happen to someone, whether you’re a female or a male.

You work so hard on keeping your hair moisturized, shiny, healthy, long, and without split ends, and suddenly, you notice that all your efforts are in vain.

There are quite a few things you can do to prevent your hair from falling like crazy, but not all treatments work for everyone. You need to find the reasons that are behind this problem and look for ways that are suitable in your case.

For instance, there are women who experience hair loss after pregnancy (a phenomenon called telogen effluvium), but this problem might resolve itself on its own. There are also other factors that can make your hair more sensitive, such as stress, lack of nutrients, lack of sleep, and so many other things.

Even though it’s normal for your hair to shed daily, if you notice that your hair falls in extremely large amounts, it might be time to consider talking to your doctor about this issue.

Here are some ways you can combat hair loss in 2022.

hair loss
Photo by Lightspring from shutterstock.com

9 Ways You Can Combat Hair Loss in 2022

1. Vitamin A 

Vitamin A is a substance that is composed of a few ingredients, in part retinoid. Several studies have discovered that retinoids are great for speeding the hair growth process.

In addition to that, vitamin A works wonders for other things as well, such as keeping the scalp healthier, stronger, and able to retain more hairs, and it can also regulate sebum production.

For external treatment, you can look for shampoo, conditioner, and hair masks that contain this ingredient. However, you shouldn’t forget that you can speed the process by consuming foods that are rich in vitamin A, such as spinach, sweet potatoes, and sweet peppers.

2. Try the Mediterranean diet

In conformity with a study from 2018, a diet that is rich in fresh herbs, lean proteins, and raw vegetables can help reduce the risk of extreme hair loss.

In addition to that, this diet was also linked to healthier and glowy skin, shinier hair, and a leaner physique. If you want to try eating more foods that are part of the Mediterranean diet, make sure to include salmon, basil, green salads, and parsley in your diet.

If you have no idea where to start, you can google meal ideas for your specific needs and you will be happy to see the quality of your hair improved!

3. Multivitamin

There are a lot of scientists who discovered that substances such as zinc, iron, selenium, and vitamins A, B, C, and D are key ingredients for hair growth.

You can find packs of daily multivitamins at the grocery stores, and drugstores or you can talk to your doctor about this. For a stronger effect, make sure to include foods in your diet that are rich in these vitamins and minerals, such as dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin, cauliflower, carrots, squash, and asparagus.

4. Ginseng

Ginseng is a miraculous substance that contains a lot of phytochemicals that are great for hair growth and a healthy scalp. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough studies for ginseng, but you can talk to your doctor about its benefits and how it might help you reach your hair growth goals.

hair loss
Photo by Africa Studio from shutterstock.com

5. Coconut oil

If you’ve read articles about celebrities’ beauty tips, you already know that all of them include coconut oil in their routines. Whether they use it as a body moisturizer, for cooking, or as a hair mask, this is a key ingredient for many of them.

And they are right to do so because according to a review of studies from 2018, research thinks that coconut oil is great for preventing your hair from getting damaged due to ultraviolet light exposure and grooming.

This magic oil contains lauric acid, which helps bind the proteins that are in the composition of your hair. As a result, your hair will be shinier, softer, and stronger.

If you can heat some coconut oil in your microwave or in the store for a few seconds and massage it into the scalp. Make sure to apply some of it on your ends as well, to protect them from aggressive brushing and breakage.

You can leave the coconut oil on for 30 minutes or even overnight and wash your hair as usual. You can repeat the whole process once a week if you want to prevent hair loss and help your hair grow stronger and healthier.

6. Essential oils

Scientists believe that essential oils are great products that can help you reduce hair loss. The “recipe” for this is to use oils that include peppermint, lavender, lemongrass, and rosemary and mix a few drops with a sufficient quantity of jojoba oil, carrier, or grapeseed.

You can mix it with coconut oil as well if you want the process to be faster and more efficient. After you get the mixture ready, apply it to the scalp for 10 minutes before you jump in the shower to wash your hair.

7. Eating more protein

I’m sure you’ve heard that food is medicine and we should pay more attention to our diets if we want our bodies to look a certain way or improve our overall health.

The same rule applies to your beauty regimen, because if you have a diet that is rich in healthy and nutritious foods, you will notice that your hair looks like it’s straight out of a shampoo commercial, and you feel better and energized throughout the day.

Speaking of food, your hair follicles are made mostly of keratin, which is a special kind of protein. Several studies have discovered that people who had problems with their hair falling out were actually lacking protein in their diets.

Given the fact that your hair is made out of protein, you need to eat more of it to actually nourish it. Make sure to include natural foods that are packed with protein, such as fish, turkey, chicken, beans, chickpeas, nuts, eggs, peas, and low-fat dairy products.

hair loss
Photo by Svitlana Hulko from shutterstock.com

8. Regular washing

Even though everyone wants to have clean hair every single day, washing it too often does more harm than good. Even though there are people who say that you can wash your hair every single day with the condition to use a mild shampoo, researchers think that this information is not that accurate.

There is no key formula regarding this topic, but for the average person, washing their hair every other day or every 2 to 3 days is perfectly fine. However, if you notice that your hair is visibly oily and your scalp is itching, these are signs that you need to shampoo your hair.

Make sure to use products that contain mostly natural ingredients and that don’t make your hair even more sensitive.

9. Olive oil

Another natural ingredient that works wonders for your hair is olive oil. You can use it the same as coconut oil, if you want to protect it from dryness and breakage.

In addition to that, make sure to use olive oil in your diet as well, because it’s one of the key ingredients of the Mediterranean diet (see number 2 on our list).

CONCLUSION 

To sum up this article, we can say that if you want to get rid of hair loss problems and keep your hair as healthy and as strong as possible, there are a few ways you can do that.

Make sure to include more foods that are rich in protein into your diet, do hair masks that contain olive and coconut oil, try essential oils and the Mediterranean diet, and don’t forget to take your vitamins!

…If you want to know more tips and tricks regarding your health, make sure to check this article out:

8 Warning Signs of Diabetes Few Americans Know Of

diabetes
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As diabetes continues to be one of the most dangerous diseases out there, we can’t help but wonder: How can you tell if you have diabetes? While some of its early symptoms are also the most known, which are higher levels of glucose than you would normally have, there are still many other things we don’t know about this disease.

In fact, the warning signs are so mild, that you might not even notice them. And this applies, even more, when it comes to type 2 diabetes. Some people don’t even know they have it until they notice other signs of long-term damage.

Given all that, let’s discuss some of diabetes’ earliest signs (and don’t worry, all types of diabetes have the same warning signs):