• All You Need to Know about Treating Peyronie Disease All You Need to Know about Treating Peyronie Disease

    Peyronie’s disease can prove to be quite the stumbling block when it comes to your sex life. It may not harm your sex life much if it is mild, but can be quite embarrassing in some cases. Peyronie’s disease is characterized by a condition which leads to a curved penis. In some cases, the condition can be mild where erections are possible, while in some cases, one cannot enjoy intimacy. For the former case, you may not need treatment, but if you are suffering from the latter you will have to seek immediate treatment for Peyronie’s disease. There are several injections and medicines that can help. In some cases, you may even require a surgery. Whatever the case may be, here are a few of the best treatment options for this disease.

    Diagnosis of Peyronie’s disease
    Diagnosing Peyronie’s disease is fairly simple. A doctor may ask for one of the following diagnostic tests to be done.

    • Physical Exam
      Your doctor might feel your penis when it is not erect to determine the amount of scar tissue and its location. He might measure the length of your penis as well. This will help your doctor determine whether your penis has shortened over time. Your doctor may also ask you to bring in pictures of your penis taken at home. This will help your doctor determine the location of the scar tissue, the degree of curvature, and other details necessary to decide the best treatment option for you.
    • Other tests
      Your doctor may order other tests as well as an ultrasound. Your doctor will examine your penis when it is erect. Your doctor will inject your penis with a substance which will make it erect instantly. This will help determine abnormalities during imaging. The tests will show the presence of scar tissue, the location of damage, the extent of damage, and any other abnormalities which will help your doctor best decide a Peyronie’s disease treatment option for you.

    Treatment for Peyronie’s disease

    Pills
    Your doctor may prescribe the use of pills to help straighten your penis. You may have to take the medication for a few months to see if it works or not. Some doctors prescribe the use of a form of potassium or vitamin E supplements as well. If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction as well as Peyronie’s disease, a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction may help.

    Injections
    Another option worth considering is taking an injection to break the scar tissue in the penis. There are certain medications which are known to decrease the pain and curve associated with the disease. There are some injections commonly administered by doctors too. In a clinical study conducted on its application, men who got the injection saw a reduction in their curves by up to 34% on average. Men who got placebo shots saw an average of 18% improvement. You will need up to four rounds of two shots each to see a stark difference in the curvature of your penis and to ensure that it is straightened and back to normal.

    Surgery
    If pills and injections do not work, or if you do not want to take them, surgery is the best Peyronie’s disease treatment option for you. Most men only opt for surgery when the disease has worsened to a great extent or when physical intimacy is difficult or nearly impossible to enjoy. There are three different types of surgical procedures that can be performed to relieve you of your pain and straighten your penis.

    • Plaque incision/excision with grafting
      In this operation, the surgeon cuts open the scar tissue in the penis to release the tightness it creates. The surgeon then cuts the scar tissue out and removes it. Any gap in the region is filled with a tissue graft.
    • Plication
      Plication involves the surgeon sewing your penis to the side opposite to the curvature. This may shorten your penis but it eventually matches the side shortened by the scar tissue and makes it straight or at least straighter than it was before.

    Penile Prosthesis
    This procedure involves the doctor placing two cylinders inside your penis and a small pump within the scrotum. You get an erection by squeezing the pump. This procedure may lead to a shortened penis; nevertheless, it is an effective Peyronie’s disease treatment method.

    Avoiding the obvious is the last thing you should do. It is quite understandable that the disease is embarrassing but not getting treated is not an option. Seek immediate Peyronie’s disease treatment to avoid all the complications that come with it. A physical exam is often enough to determine the presence of a scar tissue in the penis and diagnose the disease. You can choose one of the above-mentioned treatment options and draft your plan of action accordingly.

  • Foods that are good for digestion Foods that are good for digestion

    Probiotic foods are those that have bacteria that is good for digestion. This includes bacteria like lactobacillus, bifidobacterium that help smooth digestion of food. Sometimes, the good bacteria in the gut can get destroyed due to various reasons. This leads to digestive problems.

    Consuming food that has probiotics is thus good for digestion. It can improve mental health, reduce depression, improve skin health, and can also be good for the heart. On the other hand, prebiotics are foods that help the probiotic bacteria grow. They have resistant starch and other nutrients that help gut-friendly bacteria flourish. Consuming prebiotics naturally helps good bacteria. Foods like raw bananas, artichokes, and cooked cold potatoes are good prebiotics.

    Let’s take a look at some of the foods that can improve digestion:

    Yogurt

    One of the best sources for probiotics is yogurt. Since it is formed by fermentation of milk, it contains lactic acid bacteria. It helps prevent diarrhea and is also useful for those who have digestive troubles. Those who want a healthier option can choose low-fat yogurt without sugar.

    Sauerkraut

    Sauerkraut is a good probiotic. However, only unpasteurized sauerkraut should be consumed as it is safer.

    Miso soup

    This popular Japanese soup is made from soy paste that has been fermented. It is rich in probiotics and vitamins and low in calories and fat.

    Kefir

    Kefir is a milk drink that is made from goat’s milk and is fermented. The fermentation ensures the presence of probiotics. Apart from the positive effect on the stomach, it is also good for bone health and improves general immunity.

    Tempeh

    Tempeh is a fermented product that contains probiotics and is made from soybeans. Apart from the probiotic benefit, it also has vitamin B12 that is essential for the body.

    Sourdough bread

    This is a type of bread that is fermented and is thus rich in probiotics. They are good for digestion.

    Fermented pickles

    Pickles that are fermented would have probiotics and hence are good for digestion. Sour pickles which are made with sea salt ensure the growth of gut-friendly bacteria. Pickles made from vinegar should be avoided as they do not contain probiotics.

    Kimchi

    This is a specialty Korean dish that is made by fermenting vegetables with lactic acid bacteria. Apart from probiotics, it also has vitamins and antioxidants.

    Chocolate

    Studies have shown that chocolate, when eaten with probiotics, help protect the good bacteria, ensuring it is absorbed in the intestine. The good bacteria, in return, helps to extract antioxidants from chocolate before digesting it. Remember, the chocolate must be eaten along with probiotics.

    Probiotic foods have many benefits and can be very helpful in aiding the process of digestion. They also help in boosting mental health and improve general immunity. They must be part of a balanced diet.

  • Effective Shaving Tips You Should Follow Effective Shaving Tips You Should Follow

    Shaving with finesse is an art and can really transform the appearance of your skin. A soft, glowing, and smooth skin will lift your spirits as you see yourself in a mirror after a nice shave. However, a daily shave, if not done properly, can cause cuts and give you coarse skin. Following proper shaving tips can be a savior in this case.

    Generally, men have thicker skin, a lot of facial hair, and large sebaceous glands that tend to make their skin oily. Moreover, every person has a distinctive hair growth pattern. Thus, it is imperative to know how your hair grows and follow important shaving tips, so you can prevent razor bumps. Stand in front of the mirror to study your face and get acquainted with the direction of the hair growth on your face.

    Applying more pressure to the blade will only make you cut your hair below the surface of the skin. As this hair grows back, it will curl beneath the skin thereby causing a razor bump. It is best to change blade regularly since a slightly dull blade will make you press harder on your face resulting in ugly and painful nicks and cuts. A sharp blade will help to shave the beard right at the surface without giving any razor bumps.

    If you do not follow the right shaving tips accurately, you may end up saddled with rough skin, painful ingrown hair, ugly razor burns, and aching scratches and cuts.

    Important shaving tips

    Prepare your skin

    • Never directly use the razor on the face. It will only cause friction, leading to irritation, unnecessary pain, grazing, and razor burns.
    • Avoid applying shaving cream directly on a dry face. Rinse your face with a good quality pre-shave cleanser and warm water. This will remove extra oil and dead skin cells, which clogs the blades.
    • Warm water moistens and softens the facial hair and makes them easy to cut. The steam coming from the hot water helps to open the pores. You can also apply a hot damp towel on the face for a few minutes.

    Use a high-quality shaving cream for a smoother shave
    A good shaving cream is not foamy, but rich and creamy so it can provide proper lubrication. It also moisturizes facial hair and shields the skin from the sharp blades. For best results, apply and leave the shaving cream on the face for few seconds before shaving.

    Use a high-quality shaving brush
    This is an essential tool since it helps to evenly spread the cream on every strand of facial hair. Thus, it becomes easy to cut and have a smooth shave.

    Also, it has an exfoliating action and helps eliminate dead skin cells besides minimizing the risk of irritation or razor bumps and blemishes.

    A good quality brush will help to create a rich buttery lather and better lubricate the beard and skin.

    Apply the correct shaving cream application technique
    Apply the cream in a circular motion around the parts with facial hair and end up with a skyward stroke away from the face.

    Use a sharp razor
    A dull blade will cause itchiness, rashes, and razor burns. Therefore, replace the blade or cartridge after every five to six shaves. Also, it is important to prepare the razor by soaking or rinsing it in warm water before using.

    Never shave in the opposite direction
    Shaving against the grain where the hair grows makes you susceptible to razor cuts, inflammation, razor bumps, and infections.

    Shave the lip and neck area using the right technique
    Puff your cheeks. This technique will expand the skin around the mouth area and thus the blade can glide through safely on this extremely sensitive part of the face. You can stick the tongue between the gum and lip area in order to stretch the lip area. Shave the neck area in the end so that the shaving cream or gel can soften up the hair, thus making it easier to shave. Moreover, try to tilt your head back and pull the lower part of your neck down in order to stretch the skin.

    Use short and gentle strokes for shaving
    Never forget to rinse the razor in between strokes in order to prevent clogging.

    Rinse with cold water after shaving
    This is important to close the pores. After this, you can pat dry with a soft, clean towel.

    Apply aftershave lotion and moisturizer to rehydrate facial skin
    Apply a good moisturizer instantly after you put down the razor. This will help soothe skin and replenish moisture.

    Do not over shave
    Over shaving can lead to skin irritation, rashes, and razor burns.

    The aforementioned shaving tips will make sure that the shaving process does not have a harsh and drying effect on your skin. Opt for one right now!

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  • Essential Vitamins for Preventing Hair Loss Essential Vitamins for Preventing Hair Loss

    Hair loss is a common condition that affects thousands of men and women across the country. A person can experience it on the scalp or other parts of the body. Frequent hair loss can affect a person’s self-esteem and can be an indicator of underlying health conditions.

    It is vital to know about the essential vitamins for preventing hair loss that can help in controlling the condition.

    Why does hair loss happen?
    First, let’s take a quick look at the causes and symptoms of hair loss. This condition is often a result of medication, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle or hereditary factors. Male pattern baldness or excessive loss of hair from the scalp, commonly known as alopecia, is mostly a result of genetic factors.

    Different people may experience different types of hair loss. Men and women lose their hair in different ways. Some people may experience symptoms such as thinning of hair or bald patches while others may find clumps of hair fall after brushing or washing their hair.

    People who have gone through radiation or chemotherapy experience hair loss all over the body, although this hair grows back once the treatment is complete.

    Other factors such as age, traumatic experiences or nutritional deficiency can also result in hair loss. The intake of nutrients in the form of vitamins is essential for preventing hair loss.

    Essential vitamins for preventing hair loss

    Vitamin A
    This vitamin is one of the best options for controlling hair fall. The cells in the body need vitamin A to grow and develop. This vitamin also helps the glands in the skin release a greasy substance known as sebum which conditions the scalp and maintains the overall health of the hair. However, an excess quantity of vitamin A can cause hair loss.

    Vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, kale, and spinach are rich in beta-carotene which gets converted into vitamin A in our bodies. Dairy and animal products like milk, yogurt, cod liver oil, and eggs also contain this essential vitamin.

    B-vitamins
    According to research, a B-vitamin known as biotin is one of the best vitamins for hair growth. Some studies show a connection between a lack of biotin in the body and hair loss. Other B-vitamins help in the creation of red blood cells that are instrumental in carrying oxygen and other nutrients to the scalp and nourishing the hair follicles. This is an important process in the development of new hair follicles.

    B-vitamins are a part of a wide range of foods such as meat, seafood, almonds, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains.

    Vitamin C
    Vitamin C is another essential nutrient that can help prevent hair loss. It protects the hair against free radical damage, a process in which reactive oxygen molecules in the body cause harm to cells, proteins, lips, and DNA.

    Free radical damage can result in oxidative stress that is harmful to the hair. Additionally, the body requires vitamin C to create collagen which is necessary for maintaining the health of the hair and controlling its aging process. Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges, strawberries, and peppers are all excellent sources of vitamin C.

    Vitamin D
    Research has shown a link between low levels of vitamin D and alopecia. Vitamin D helps in the creation of new hair follicles and is believed to be important in the process of producing new hair.

    However, most people have a vitamin D deficiency. People need to go out in the sun to absorb this vitamin. Food sources that provide vitamin D are cod liver oil, fatty fish, some types of mushrooms, and fortified rich foods like whole grains, milk, and plain yogurt.

    Vitamin E
    Vitamin E is an antioxidant like vitamin C, and it helps in the prevention of oxidative stress. Studies have known that this as one of the most beneficial vitamins for preventing hair loss.

    People struggling with hair loss experienced over 30 percent improved hair growth after taking vitamin E supplements for eight months. Good food sources include sunflower seeds, spinach, almonds, and avocados.

    Dietary supplements and other nutrients
    Vitamin supplements are necessary if you are unable to include all essential vitamins in your diet. For example, most vegetarians or vegans lack vitamin B12 as it is mostly present in animal food sources. Supplements work best if you already have a deficiency.

    An overdose of vitamin or mineral supplements can be dangerous. It is imperative to consult a doctor about the best hair growth vitamins that are right for you.

    Other nutrients that are instrumental in controlling hair loss are iron, zinc, folic acid, and protein. Zinc is necessary to maintain the functioning of the oil glands around the hair follicles. However, too much of this nutrient can harm the hair.

  • All You Need to Know about Type 1 Diabetes All You Need to Know about Type 1 Diabetes

    Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas almost stop producing the insulin hormone that is needed to allow the glucose (sugar) to enter the cells and produce energy. This chronic condition is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. It usually occurs when the immune system destroys the beta cells in the pancreas.

    Different medical research reports have reflected that several factors, including some viruses and genetics, may lead to this chronic condition. According to these medical reports, usually, type 1 diabetes can appear during the adolescence or childhood, and it can develop slowly in adults as well.

    Till date, different medical studies on this chronic condition have not come up with a permanent cure or remedy. However, the treatment mainly focuses on keeping the blood sugar levels in control with insulin. Additionally, some lifestyle changes along with a healthy diet can help prevent complications caused by type 1 diabetes.

    Symptoms of type 1 diabetes
    Due to this chronic condition, glucose from food items is unable to enter the cells and produce energy. Instead, it starts to build up in the blood, resulting in high blood sugar. It also causes the cells to starve. To prevent the life-threatening health complications caused by type 1 diabetes, patients require proper treatment. Here is a list of some of the most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes that will help you understand when to consult a doctor.

    • Frequent urination: A patient with type 1 diabetes may feel like urinating quite often as the blood has extra sugar in it.
    • Dehydration: The patient may become dehydrated due to frequent urination.
    • DKA (Diabetic ketoacidosis): The combination of acidic ketones, dehydration, and extra glucose in the blood causes ketoacidosis. If not treated on time, DKA can become life-threatening.
    • Weight loss
    • Blurred vision
    • Extreme hunger
    • Increased thirst
    • Mood swings and irritability
    • Weakness and fatigue

    In the case of children, you may notice the problem of bed-wetting at night. Yeast infection is another symptom of type 1 diabetes. Babies can suffer from the diaper rashes caused by yeast infection. Girls with this chronic condition can also suffer from yeast infection too. You may notice fruity-smelling breath as well.

    Now that you know the symptoms of type 1 diabetes, it is vital to keep an eye out for the same. If you notice any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, you should consult a medical expert to get an accurate diagnosis as well as timely treatment.

    Complications associated with type 1 diabetes
    Over time, the complications associated with this chronic condition can affect the major organs of the body including the blood vessels, heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes. Such developments can be life-threatening as well.

    • Neuropathy (Nerve damage): Excess blood sugar levels can injure the capillary (tiny blood vessel) walls. These capillaries are responsible for keeping the nerves nourished, especially in your legs. It can cause numbness, burning, pain or tingling sensation that usually begins at the toe tips or fingertips, and with time, spreads upwards. On failing to control the blood sugar levels, the affected limbs may lose sensation altogether. Nerve damage can affect the gastrointestinal tract and may cause problems like vomiting, nausea, constipation or diarrhea. It can also lead to erectile dysfunction in men.
    • Blood vessel and heart diseases: The risk of different cardiovascular problems increases with type 1 diabetes. It may also raise the chances of stroke, heart attack, atherosclerosis (artery narrowing), and angina (disease of the coronary artery with chest pain).
    • Nephropathy (Kidney damage): Millions of tiny blood vessel clusters are present in the kidneys that help in filtering the waste from the blood. This chronic condition can damage the entire filtering system. In the worst-case scenario, it can lead to irreversible end-stage kidney disease or kidney failure.
    • Foot damage: Untreated type 1 diabetes can increase the risk of different foot complications. Without the right treatment, it may lead to severe infections that can eventually require amputation of the foot, toe, or leg.
    • Eye damage: Type 1 diabetes can also affect the blood vessels of the retina, and without proper treatment, it may lead to blindness. With this health condition, a patient faces a higher risk of other vision-related issues like glaucoma and cataract.

    Other than all the complications mentioned above, this chronic condition can lead to problems during pregnancy as well. It may increase the risks of stillbirth, birth defects, and miscarriage.

    Thus, it is vital to get timely treatment for type 1 diabetes. Additonally, one should follow a healthy lifestyle to prevent any complications.

     

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