12 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps fast and easy

12 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps fast and easy

12 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Razor Bumps fast and easy

Congratulations! If you are reading this, you have taken the first step to treat razor bumps- also called as razor burn, ingrown hair or psuedofolliculitis barbae. This troublesome skin problem is typically faced by African American men, post shaving. However, according to a recent survey conducted by the International Dermatological Institute, nearly 79% men who shave suffer from some kind of skin infections including razor bumps. These shaving problems not only look ugly; they actually lead to premature aging of the skin. Even women who shave their arms, legs or bikini areas are known to suffer from ingrown hair which can cause severe pain and burning. In this guide, we will study 12 natural remedies to help you get rid of razor bumps painlessly and quickly.

Problems associated with shaving

Problems associated with shaving

On an average, men and women start shaving at the age of 13. Men only need to shave their faces and underarms, though many are known to shave their chest, arms, legs and pubic areas. Women typically shave their legs, arms, underarms and the bikini region. The simple act of shaving actually causes a great deal of stress on our skin. During shaving, you actually physically exfoliate the skin which tends to impact its health. The most common and visible sign of shaving includes ingrown hair, razor burn, scratches, nicks and cuts. Shaving in a hurry during the morning rush hour is often the main culprit behind improper and over-exfoliation of the skin which tends to compromise its delicate lipid barrier. The epidermis of the skin relies on this lipid barrier for protection from the harsh environment. Furthermore, the use of improper after-shave products containing alcohol tends to harm this lipid barrier even more. The result: the weakened barrier is not able to protect the skin as a result of which it appears dehydrated and irritated. Overtime, the shaved skin’s dermis obtains a greenish darkish color that leads to a prematurely aged look.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a skin condition associated with shaving and consists of ingrown hair and razor bumps. It is typically seen in black men or men and women having curly hair. In women, the bikini area where the hair is naturally curly is more prone to Pseudofolliculitis barbae or razor bumps.

During shaving, the razor cuts the hair from the skin’s surface. If the hair in the shaved area is curly, it grows with a kink in the form or a tightly wound corkscrew which makes it turn inwards. A part of hair remains inside the skin forming ingrown hair. Razor bumps also occur when the hair turns at an improper angle. When such a curled hair is shaved, the end of it forces the hair back into its follicle which grows inside the skin rather than coming out. The body naturally considers such inward turned hair as a foreign object and tries to eliminate it by triggering an inflammatory response. As a result, ingrown hair and razor bumps cause redness, itching, swelling, pus and folliculitis. Left untreated, razor bumps can get infected and may even need antibiotics for treatment.

Symptoms of razor bumps

Itching

Stinging

Redness

Discomfort

Rash

The symptoms could last for several hours or even a few weeks. As already stated, untreated razor bumps could cause serious breakouts and blisters.

Preventing razor bumps

Perhaps the best treatment for razor bumps is prevention. To prevent razor bumps use the following natural remedies:

Avoid shaving too closely or too quickly.

Provide adequate lubrication before shaving.

Shave in the direction of hair growth (also called shaving in grain of the growth as opposed to shaving against the grain).

Avoid shaving completely if the skin is already irritated or sensitized

Avoid applying too much pressure on the skin as this will facilitate removal of skin resulting in friction, redness and irritation.

Avoid shaving with a blunt razor. If possible, use a safety type razor, depilatory paste or small edge clipper to shave. The shave may not be close and satisfactory but will be good enough until your ingrown razor bump issue is under control.

Avoid tweezing if you have kinky, curly hair. Tweezing breaks the hair’s shaft below the skin’s mantle causing curly hair to re-enter the skin.

You can also prevent razor burn, ingrown hair and razor bumps by using pre-shaving products that include following ingredients:

Camphor -This is antiseptic in nature and firms the skin up for a better shave.

Clove flower oil – This helps soften the hair and prepares the skin for the razor.

Glycerin -This allows the razor to slide smoothly on the skin.

Sodium Hyaluronate – This moisturizes and lubricates the skin to enable the blade to glide smoothly across the skin.

Wheat germ extract -This protects the skin’s lipid barrier to prevent redness and irritation.

Yeast extracts – This combats irritation and reinforces the lipid barriers to prevent post-shaving skin irritation.

Baby oil- This helps soften the skin prior to shaving to help you get rid of ingrown hair.

12 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Razor Bumps

1. Exfoliate before you shave

The best natural way to exfoliate the skin for treating razor bumps is using AHA and BHA based products (alpha and beta hydroxyl acids). These moisturize and lighten the hair and also soften sebum in the hair follicles to prevent ingrown hair. You could go for an exfoliation peel at a spa or salon or simply use these products in the comforts of your home. AHA mainly includes lactic acids while BHA includes salicylic acid. Use a gentle salicylic acid based face washes and cleansers to cleanse the face and reduce ingrown hair.

2. Avoid wearing underwear to get rid of ingrown hair in bikini area

Ladies: do not shave or wax before a bikini wax or Brazilian wax treatment- let the hair grow properly. Avoid wearing underwear for a couple of days and especially at night before the treatment. Do avoid wearing sweaty clothing-change sweaty clothes immediately as the sweat softens the skin and tends to facilitate penetration of curly hair increasing hair in-growth in the region. Avoid scrubbing, picking or poking the skin as this can make matters worse and increase bacteria that lead to folliculitis.

3. Apply Rubbing Alcohol or rub a Deodorant Stick on the shaved region

Both these home remedies keep the skin dry and prevent chaffing and irritation after shaving. They will also prevent the hair from turning inwards. Rubbing alcohol actually closes the skin’s pores to prevent and treat razor bumps on the legs and pubic area.

4. Warm and Cold Compress

Warm and cool compresses can help you treat pain and irritation caused by razor bumps. After shaving, immediately use a cool ice pack to chill the irritated skin. Cover the ice in a thin cloth and apply all over the razor bumps. You can also use heat packs by heating a soft cloth on a hot skillet and applying it on the ingrown hair. Once the skin irritation has ceased, follow up with a soothing skin cream containing gentle and natural ingredients like Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Calamine etc.

5. Distilled Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar is one of the best natural remedies to soothe razor bumps and inflammation. Dip a clean cotton cloth or Q-tip in raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and apply it on the face or legs-wherever your skin has the tendency to develop ingrown hair. Apply the vinegar all over the affected region. It will sting a bit, but will prevent potential shaving issues like folliculitis. You can also use white vinegar to apply on the skin after shaving. This will not just balance the ph of the skin; it will also create a protective barrier to prevent bacterial skin infections.

6. Exfoliate and Scrub gently during bath

The best natural remedy for preventing and treating ingrown hair is to exfoliate gently daily during bath time. Use a gentle scrub containing microbeads, or other natural ingredients like olive oil and sugar. You can make a homemade exfoliating scrub containing brown sugar and olive or coconut oil. Apply the mixture on the affected areas in circular massaging motion. This will gently remove the ingrown hair which can be waxed or shaved later. You can even use an exfoliating scrub or face wash containing walnut shells to remove the ingrown hair. an average, men and women start shaving at the age of 13. Men only need to shave their faces and underarms, though many are known to shave their chest, arms, legs and pubic areas. Women typically shave their legs, arms, underarms and the bikini region. The simple act of shaving actually causes a great deal of stress on our skin. During shaving, you actually physically exfoliate the skin which tends to impact its health. The most common and visible sign of shaving includes ingrown hair, razor burn, scratches, nicks and cuts. Shaving in a hurry during the morning rush hour is often the main culprit behind improper and over-exfoliation of the skin which tends to compromise its delicate lipid barrier. The epidermis of the skin relies on this lipid barrier for protection from the harsh environment. Furthermore, the use of improper after-shave products containing alcohol tends to harm this lipid barrier even more. The result: the weakened barrier is not able to protect the skin as a result of which it appears dehydrated and irritated. Overtime, the shaved skin’s dermis obtains a greenish darkish color that leads to a prematurely aged look.

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a skin condition associated with shaving and consists of ingrown hair and razor bumps. It is typically seen in black men or men and women having curly hair. In women, the bikini area where the hair is naturally curly is more prone to Pseudofolliculitis barbae or razor bumps.

During shaving, the razor cuts the hair from the skin’s surface. If the hair in the shaved area is curly, it grows with a kink in the form or a tightly wound corkscrew which makes it turn inwards. A part of hair remains inside the skin forming ingrown hair. Razor bumps also occur when the hair turns at an improper angle. When such a curled hair is shaved, the end of it forces the hair back into its follicle which grows inside the skin rather than coming out. The body naturally considers such inward turned hair as a foreign object and tries to eliminate it by triggering an inflammatory response. As a result, ingrown hair and razor bumps cause redness, itching, swelling, pus and folliculitis. Left untreated, razor bumps can get infected and may even need antibiotics for treatment.

Symptoms of razor bumps

Itching

Stinging

Redness

Discomfort

Rash

The symptoms could last for several hours or even a few weeks. As already stated, untreated razor bumps could cause serious breakouts and blisters.

Preventing razor bumps

Perhaps the best treatment for razor bumps is prevention. To prevent razor bumps use the following natural remedies:

Avoid shaving too closely or too quickly.

Provide adequate lubrication before shaving.

Shave in the direction of hair growth (also called shaving in grain of the growth as opposed to shaving against the grain).

Avoid shaving completely if the skin is already irritated or sensitized

Avoid applying too much pressure on the skin as this will facilitate removal of skin resulting in friction, redness and irritation.

Avoid shaving with a blunt razor. If possible, use a safety type razor, depilatory paste or small edge clipper to shave. The shave may not be close and satisfactory but will be good enough until your ingrown razor bump issue is under control.

Avoid tweezing if you have kinky, curly hair. Tweezing breaks the hair’s shaft below the skin’s mantle causing curly hair to re-enter the skin.

You can also prevent razor burn, ingrown hair and razor bumps by using pre-shaving products that include following ingredients:

Camphor -This is antiseptic in nature and firms the skin up for a better shave.

Clove flower oil – This helps soften the hair and prepares the skin for the razor.

Glycerin -This allows the razor to slide smoothly on the skin.

Sodium Hyaluronate – This moisturizes and lubricates the skin to enable the blade to glide smoothly across the skin.

Wheat germ extract -This protects the skin’s lipid barrier to prevent redness and irritation.

Yeast extracts – This combats irritation and reinforces the lipid barriers to prevent post-shaving skin irritation.

Baby oil- This helps soften the skin prior to shaving to help you get rid of ingrown hair.

12 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Razor Bumps

1. Exfoliate before you shave

The best natural way to exfoliate the skin for treating razor bumps is using AHA and BHA based products (alpha and beta hydroxyl acids). These moisturize and lighten the hair and also soften sebum in the hair follicles to prevent ingrown hair. You could go for an exfoliation peel at a spa or salon or simply use these products in the comforts of your home. AHA mainly includes lactic acids while BHA includes salicylic acid. Use a gentle salicylic acid based face washes and cleansers to cleanse the face and reduce ingrown hair.

2. Avoid wearing underwear to get rid of ingrown hair in bikini area

Ladies: do not shave or wax before a bikini wax or Brazilian wax treatment- let the hair grow properly. Avoid wearing underwear for a couple of days and especially at night before the treatment. Do avoid wearing sweaty clothing-change sweaty clothes immediately as the sweat softens the skin and tends to facilitate penetration of curly hair increasing hair in-growth in the region. Avoid scrubbing, picking or poking the skin as this can make matters worse and increase bacteria that lead to folliculitis.

3. Apply Rubbing Alcohol or rub a Deodorant Stick on the shaved region

Both these home remedies keep the skin dry and prevent chaffing and irritation after shaving. They will also prevent the hair from turning inwards. Rubbing alcohol actually closes the skin’s pores to prevent and treat razor bumps on the legs and pubic area.

4. Warm and Cold Compress

Warm and cool compresses can help you treat pain and irritation caused by razor bumps. After shaving, immediately use a cool ice pack to chill the irritated skin. Cover the ice in a thin cloth and apply all over the razor bumps. You can also use heat packs by heating a soft cloth on a hot skillet and applying it on the ingrown hair. Once the skin irritation has ceased, follow up with a soothing skin cream containing gentle and natural ingredients like Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Calamine etc.

5. Distilled Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar is one of the best natural remedies to soothe razor bumps and inflammation. Dip a clean cotton cloth or Q-tip in raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and apply it on the face or legs-wherever your skin has the tendency to develop ingrown hair. Apply the vinegar all over the affected region. It will sting a bit, but will prevent potential shaving issues like folliculitis. You can also use white vinegar to apply on the skin after shaving. This will not just balance the ph of the skin; it will also create a protective barrier to prevent bacterial skin infections.

6. Exfoliate and Scrub gently during bath

The best natural remedy for preventing and treating ingrown hair is to exfoliate gently daily during bath time. Use a gentle scrub containing microbeads, or other natural ingredients like olive oil and sugar. You can make a homemade exfoliating scrub containing brown sugar and olive or coconut oil. Apply the mixture on the affected areas in circular massaging motion. This will gently remove the ingrown hair which can be waxed or shaved later. You can even use an exfoliating scrub or face wash containing walnut shells to remove the ingrown hair.

7. Baking soda and Oatmeal

Two powerful and natural remedies to treat razor bumps include baking soda and oatmeal. Apply a paste of baking soda and water all over the legs, arms, pubic area or face after shaving. Baking soda acts as a buffer to reduce the sharp stinging sensation caused by abrasive shaving action. You can also powder a little oatmeal in a blender and make a paste with some water. Apply the paste on the shaved areas. Scrub gently to exfoliate and soothe the skin. Let the paste remain on the skin for 30 minutes to prevent redness and inflammation and protect the already sensitized skin.

8. Cornstarch Remedy for ingrown hair and razor bumps

This is a wonderful remedy to treat bumps on face fast. Apply a paste of cornstarch powder in a little water as a mask, post-shaving. Let it remain on the skin for at least 30 minutes. Wash off with ice cold water. Use this remedy several times a day, especially on the day you shave. This natural razor bump treatment will help you get rid of razor bumps over night.

9. Cucumber Aloe Vera and Lemon juice

One the easiest remedies to get rid of razor bumps quickly is a mixture of cucumber juice, aloe vera gel and lemon juice. Mix all three ingredients in equal quantities and apply it all over the face, legs and pubic area. Let the mask air dry naturally. Rinse with cool water. Repeat this treatment several times a week to get rid of irritation and also prevent infections.

10. Tea bags

Used tea bags make a great warm compress which you can apply on the razor bumps. Heat some water in a glass mug and soak the tea bags in it. You can use two to three tea bags depending on the area to be treated. You can also use black tea or green tea bags as both are rich in tannic acid and antioxidants that help heal the skin and fight inflammation. Once the water has turned color, remove the tea bags and chill them in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Apply the cold tea bags all over the irritated, inflamed skin. Let them remain on the skin for at least 20 minutes. Use this remedy for razor bumps twice a week or on the days you shave to prevent pain and burning.

11. Tea Tree Oil for razor bumps

Perhaps the most popular treatment for this skin issue is tea tree oil. Not only is it popular, it is also extremely effective. Tea tree oil is antibacterial and antifungal. It can reduce the risk of infections caused on inflamed skin after shaving. These days, you also get after-shave lotions and gels containing this powerful and potent antiseptic essential oil. Apply tea tree oil on the shaved area-you might experience some burning and stinging for a few seconds. Let the oil remain on the skin for at least 10 minutes before washing off with warm water. You can also mix olive oil and tea tree oil for razor bumps treatment. Use this remedy at least 3-4 times a week to prevent ingrown hair and razor burns.

12. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel toner contains astringent properties that make it an effective remedy for healing all kinds of skin irritations including razor bumps. It contains natural salicylate compounds that prevent blisters and pimples. When used post-shaving, witch hazel helps cleanse and tone the skin and also remove impurities that end up clogging the skin pores. Men must use witch hazel on the face after shaving as it not just prevents ingrown hair; it also fades blemishes and spots left behind by the abrasive shaving action of a razor. Women may use witch hazel on their arms, legs, underarms and also the bikini areas to soothe their skin following waxing or shaving. This will reduce razor bumps and soothe the burning, itching and pain.

Shaving is an essential step in personal grooming but it can lead to several skin issues described above. There are many other effective, natural ways to treat razor bumps fast including application of paste of Aspirin tablets, or even Common Salt mixed with water. These remedies reduce the risk of infections caused by shaving. Whatever you do, never ever scratch, pick or use hot needles or pins to remove the ingrown hair and razor bumps; these methods are dangerous and could lead to serious burns or injuries.

Five common foot problems: Causes and treatment

Five common foot problems: Causes and treatment

Health

Five common foot problems: Causes and treatment

Athlete's foot is most commonly caused by walking in damp areas. It can be highly contagious.

    The feet take a lot of daily abuse from walking, running, jumping, and climbing, so naturally, they are subject to many different types of problems.

From injuries to inflammation , several different types of damage and malfunctions can lead to foot problems.

The feet are made of up 26 bones each, making them one of the most intricate areas of the body. Nevertheless, according to the
College of Podiatry , a person will walk an estimated 150,000 miles in their lifetime, roughly the equivalent of walking around the world six times.

   Improper footwear, diabetes , and aging are some of the chief contributors to foot problems. This article will highlight some of the most common foot concerns, their causes, and when to seek treatment.

Contents of this article:

 1. Athlete's foot
 2. Bunions
 3. Diabetic neuropathy
 4. Ingrown toenails
 5. Plantar fasciitis
 1. Athlete's foot

  Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin, usually found between the toes. However, the infection can spread and cause significant discomfort, itching, and even pain.

Causes

An individual is most commonly exposed to the fungus that causes athlete's foot in a gym, shower, or pool where people walk around barefoot. Fungus tends to thrive in warm, damp areas.

Wearing shoes that are warm and damp can cause the fungus to grow and spread. The condition is highly contagious, and it can spread to other areas of the skin, including the hands, groin, and scalp.

Symptoms

      Athlete's foot causes itching, cracking, blistering, and peeling of the feet. The condition usually starts between the fourth and fifth toes, then spreads. A person can also develop cracks in the heels or skin of the toes.

Treatment

      A person should keep their feet clean and dry, and dry them with a separate towel. Antifungal treatments are available in most drugstores as sprays, powders, or lotions to apply to the feet.
If the fungus is spreading or worsening after treatment, a person should see their doctor who can prescribe oral antifungal medicines for the condition.

2. Bunions

Particularly tight or narrow footwear may cause bunions.

    Bunions are abnormalities of the feet that cause a bump to develop on the large toe joint. This can cause the big toe to turn slightly inward. Doctors call bunions "hallux valgus."
Women are more likely to have bunions due to increased pressures from narrow footwear.

Causes

  1. Wearing tight or narrow shoes can cause bunions to develop. Tight shoes put pressure on the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), which is where the bone of the foot meets the bone of the big toe.
 2. Having a family history of bunions is also a risk factor. Additionally, some conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis or polio , increase the likelihood of developing a bunion.

Symptoms

  An individual with a bunion may have one or more of the following symptoms:

 ● visible bump on the side of the foot
 ● tenderness on or around the big toe
 ●callus or corn on the bone below the big toe
 ●difficulty moving the big toe
 ●pain in the big toe when walking

Treatment

 ● Conservative treatment measures will usually improve the symptoms of a bunion.  ● A person should wear properly fitting shoes without high heels. They can also buy a bunion pad at a shoe store or drugstore that protects the bunion from extra pressure.
 ● Applying ice for 10-minute increments with a cloth-covered ice pack can also reduce inflammation.
 ● A doctor who specializes in foot care known as a podiatrist can prescribe custom-made shoe inserts or a splint that can straighten the big toe. If a person's bunion does not subside and causes continued pain, they may choose to have surgery to correct it.

 3. Diabetic neuropathy

  People with diabetes are more prone to fluctuations in blood sugar. Diabetic neuropathy is not one condition, but a group of conditions that cause damage to the feet due to diabetes.

Causes

 ● Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves, especially those in the feet. Other factors can make this nerve damage worse, such as a history of smoking, alcoholism , or history of diabetic neuropathy in the family.

Symptoms

 ● Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet. This can contribute to a greater risk of a person experiencing cuts or injuries to the feet due to lack of feeling.

Treatment

● Maintaining good health and blood sugar control can help a person treat their diabetic neuropathy. While a doctor cannot reverse nerve damage, they can recommend treatments to prevent it worsening.
 ● A person with diabetes should also go for regular foot exams. They may wish to have their toenails professionally trimmed and seek medical attention if they identify any foot wounds.

 4. Ingrown toenails

Ingrown toenails cause discomfort, and they may become infected if left untreated.

 Ingrown toenails occur when the toenail starts to grow into the nail groove, which can cause significant pain and discomfort.

Causes

 1. Wearing badly-fitting shoes usually causes ingrown toenails. The pressure from shoes that are too narrow at the top or too tight can put extra pressure on the toes.
 2. Other causes include toenails that are not trimmed properly, such as cutting the toenails too short or trauma to the feet due to activity including running. Having a family history of ingrown toenails can also increase a person's risk.

Symptoms

 ● Ingrown toenails will cause redness, swelling, pain, or even drainage from the toenail, which can indicate that an infection is present.

Treatment

There are several ways to treat and prevent ingrown toenails, including:

 ● Washing the feet with antibacterial soap and keeping them clean and dry.
 ● Cutting the toenails straight across after a bath when the nails are soft.
 ● Avoiding cutting the nails in a rounded pattern, as it can increase the risk of inward growth.
 ● Wearing shoes that fit well and do not have a pointy tip.

   If the toenail is infected or at-home care does not improve the condition, a person should see a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon. The orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist may need to remove a portion of the toenail and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

 5. Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of
heel pain , according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
The condition occurs when the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. This ligament is responsible for supporting the foot's arch.

Causes

 1. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition that usually does not have a clear cause. Doctors refer to this condition, as idiopathic plantar fasciitis.
 2. Risk factors include being obese, having a very high arch, having tight calf muscles, and participating in activities that repetitively
stress the heel, such as running.

Symptoms

 ● Plantar fasciitis causes a person to experience pain on the bottom of the heel. This pain is usually worse first thing in the morning when getting out of bed. The pain also worsens with activity.

Treatment

 1. Most people can manage plantar fasciitis with at-home treatment. Resting the foot and applying ice can reduce inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, can help with pain management.
 2. Stretching the foot thoroughly before and after physical activity, as well as throughout the day, may help to reduce heel pain. Wearing supportive shoes can also help.
 3. If an individual's plantar fasciitis does not get better with these treatments, they can try
physical therapy , or see a podiatrist or an orthopedic surgeon for further treatments.
Steroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation, or a doctor may prescribe custom-made orthotics to provide extra support to the heel.

Could a weekly injection get rid of harmful belly fat?

Could a weekly injection get rid of harmful belly fat?

Health

Could a weekly injection get rid of harmful belly fat?

Researchers have found a way to deliver drugs directly to areas of white fat and convert it to brown fat.

      Scientists may be on the verge of an effective new treatment for diabetes and obesity, after designing a drug that can be injected directly into potentially harmful white fat and transform it into "good" brown fat.

    White fat, or white adipose tissue, is a form of body fat that stores calories and accumulates as an energy reserve. It also provides insulation and helps to protect body tissue against injury by acting as a cushion.

      However, consuming too many calories or not getting enough exercise can lead to an excess buildup of white fat. This may lead to obesity and associated health problems, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease , particularly when white fat accumulates around the abdominal area.
Brown fat, or brown adipose tissue, is often referred to as the "good" body fat, as it burns calories to generate heat. As such, researchers have been searching for ways to increase brown fat in the body and reduce white fat, as a means of treating obesity and related conditions.


In previous research , Meng Deng - an assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering, biomedical engineering, and materials engineering at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN - and colleagues found that inhibiting "Notch signaling" in white fat can convert it into brown fat.

In detail, the team found that blocking the activity of a gene called Notch1 in white fat cells increases the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) - which is a protein that promotes fat burning - and leads to the browning of white fat.

Their latest study builds on this finding; the team has discovered a way to deliver a Notch-signaling inhibitor directly to white fat and turn it into brown fat.
Prof. Deng and colleagues recently reported their results in the journal Molecular Therapy.

Notch-signaling inhibitors and nanoparticles

    The Notch-signaling inhibitor used in the study is a chemical compound called
dibenzazepine , which is used as an anticonvulsant.

    In order to deliver this drug to white fat cells directly, the researchers inserted it into nanoparticles comprised of PLGA, which is a polymer approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
On injecting the nanoparticle-drug combination into the white fat of mice, the researchers found that the nanoparticles were easily taken in by white fat cells.

"The particle was actually picked up by the cell. It's like it's being eaten by the cells," says study co-author Shihuan Kuang, a professor of animal sciences at Purdue. "This limits the particle from going anywhere else."

 "Once those engineered particles are inside the fat cells, they can slowly release the drug in the cells, potentially limiting the off-target interactions in other tissue in the body and reducing the frequency of dosing," adds Prof. Deng.

A new treatment for obesity?

  Importantly, the researchers found that the drug effectively inhibited Notch-signaling in the rodents, which converted potentially harmful white fat into calorie-burning brown fat.
Additionally, they found that weekly injections of the drug to a specific area of white fat improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in mice with diet-induced obesity.

Overall, the team believes that their results may pave the way for new therapies that can target specific areas of fat and help to treat obesity, which currently affects more than a third of U.S. adults.


 "Our studies not only substantiate that the local browning induced by the Notch inhibition in WAT [white adipose tissue] improved energy homeostasis, but also offer new avenues to develop a potential therapeutic strategy for [the] clinical treatment of obesity and its associated metabolic syndrome."

Keto diet and its health benefits in reducing risk of cancer

Keto diet and its health benefits in reducing risk of cancer

Health

Keto diet and its health benefits

Overview

   A keto diet refers to a ketogenic diet, which is a high-fat, adequate-protein, low-carb diet. The goal is to get more calories from protein and fat than from carbs. It works by depleting your body of its store of sugar, so it will start to break down protein and fat for energy, causing ketosis (and weight loss).

  One extremely popular version of a keto diet is the Atkins diet.
Read on to learn the benefits of the keto diet.
  Contents of this article:

 1. Aids in weight lossAids in weight loss
 2. Reduces acne
 3. Reduces risk of cancer
 4. Improves heart health
 5. Protects brain functioning
 6. Potentially reduces seizures
 7. Improves PCOS health
 8. Risks and complications
 9. Takeaway

1. Aids in weight loss

   It takes more work to turn fat into energy than it takes to turn carbs into energy. Because of this, a ketogenic diet can help speed up weight loss. And since the diet is high in protein, it doesn't leave you hungry like other diets do. In a meta-analysis of 13 different randomized controlled trials, 5 outcomes revealed significant weight loss from a ketogenic diet.

2. Reduces acne

    There are a number of different causes of
acne , and one may be related to diet and blood sugar. Eating a diet high in processed and refined carbohydrates can alter gut bacteria and cause more dramatic blood sugar fluctuations, both of which can have an influence on skin health. Therefore, by decreasing carb intake, it's not a surprise that a ketogenic diet could reduce some cases of acne .

3. May help reduce risk of cancer

  The ketogenic diet has recently been investigated a great deal for how it may help prevent or even treat certain cancers. One study found that the ketogenic diet may be a suitable complementary treatment to
chemotherapy and radiation in people with cancer. This is due to the fact that it would cause more oxidative stress in cancer cells than in normal cells.

Other theories suggest that because the ketogenic diet reduces high blood sugar, it could reduce insulin complications, which may be associated with some cancers.

4. Improves heart health

  When the ketogenic diet is followed in a healthy manner (which considers avocados a healthy fat instead of pork rinds), there is some evidence that the diet can improve heart health by reducing cholesterol. One study found that HDL ("good") cholesterol levels significantly increased in those following the keto diet. The LDL ("bad") cholesterol went down significantly.

5. May protect brain functioning

  More research is needed into the keto diet and the brain. Some studies suggest that the keto diet offers neuroprotective benefits. These may help treat or prevent conditions like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and even some sleep disorders. One study even found that children following a ketogenic diet had improved alertness and cognitive functioning.
6. Potentially reduces seizures
It's thought that the combination of fat, protein, and carbs alters the way the body uses energy, resulting in ketosis. Ketosis is an elevated level of ketone bodies in the blood.

  Ketosis can lead to a reduction in seizures in people with epilepsy. The jury is still out on how effective this actually is, though it seems to be most effective on children who have focal seizures .

7. Improves health in women with PCOS

 Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that causes enlarged ovaries with cysts . A high-carbohydrate diet can negatively affect those with PCOS.
There aren't many clinical studies on the ketogenic diet and PCOS. One pilot study that involved 5 women over a 24-week period found that the ketogenic diet:

  ● increased weight loss
  ● aided hormone balance
  ● improved luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratios
  ● improved fasting insulin

Risks and complications of the keto diet

The ketogenic diet may have health benefits - including quick weight loss. But it's important to note that staying on the ketogenic diet long-term can have adverse consequences to your health. These include increased risk of:
 ● kidney stone formation
 ● acidosis (high levels of acid in the blood)
 ● severe weight loss or muscle degeneration (for long-term use).

 ●In many cases, immediate side effects of the diet may include:
 1. constipation
 2. sluggishness
 3. low blood sugar

  These symptoms are especially common at the beginning of the diet as your body adjusts.
Your brain and body's primary and preferred source of energy comes from glucose. Because of this, a drastic elimination of carbohydrates isn't typically a sustainable method of reaching optimal wellness.

Takeaway

  Any drastic change in your diet can have potential consequences to your health. Because of this, you should always talk to your doctor or a nutritionist before starting a new diet.

If you're interested in starting the keto diet, you should be extra careful to check with your doctor if you have diabetes , hypoglycemia , or
heart disease .
Because you don't want your body to stay in ketosis for too long, you'll want to discuss other options for dietary changes for an extended period of time.

          The ketogenic diet encourages the elimination of refined and processed carbohydrates. However, not all carbohydrates are created equal. Many health benefits come from a diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense, fibrous carbs, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Green tea could help treat Down syndrome

Green tea could help treat Down syndrome

Health

Green tea  could help treat Down syndrome

A compound found in green tea has shown promise for the treatment of Down syndrome, according to a new study published in The Lancet Neurology 

A green tea  called epigallocatechin gallate could benefit cognitive functioning for people with Down syndrome.

 Study co-leader Dr. Mara Dierssen, of the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona, Spain, and colleagues reveal how the compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) improved the cognitive function of individuals with the condition.

   According to the researchers, their study represents the first time a treatment has shown some improvement in cognitive skills for people with Down syndrome.
According to the National Down Syndrome Society, around 1 in every 691 babies in the United States are born with Down syndrome, and there are more than 400,000 Americans living with the condition.


    Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition in the U.S., occurring when an individual has a partial or full additional copy of chromosome 21, meaning they have three copies of this chromosome, rather than the normal two.
   
       This extra chromosome leads to overexpression of genes, which can cause a number of physical symptoms, including reduced muscle tone, a small head, ears, and mouth, a flattened facial profile, and upward-slanting eyes.


      Individuals with Down syndrome may also experience problems with cognitive function, such as delayed language and speech development, learning and memory impairments, and poor concentration.


     According to Dr. Dierssen and colleagues, research has shown that such cognitive impairments are down to overexpression of a gene called DYRK1A, and studies in mice have suggested the compound EGCG could reduce DYRK1A overexpression.


Now, the new study indicates that the compound could do the same for people with Down syndrome, achieving an improvement in cognitive function.

■Daily dose of EGCG improved three areas of cognitive function

  EGCG is a compound present in green tea. It belongs to a class of antioxidants known as polyphenols , which studies have shown protect the body against cell damage that can cause human disease.

For their study, Dr. Dierssen and colleagues enrolled 84 individuals aged 16-34 who had Down syndrome.

1)Fast facts about Down syndrome

• A form of Down syndrome called trisomy 21 accounts for around 95 percent of all cases

• Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has more than doubled since the early 1980s
• Down syndrome may increase the risk of other illnesses, including
congenital heart defects, respiratory problems, childhood leukemia , and
Alzheimer's disease .

For 12 months, participants were randomized to receive a daily dose of decaffeinated green tea containing EGCG - 9 milligrams per kilogram - or a placebo . Both groups also underwent weekly cognitive training.

The trial was double-blind, meaning the researchers, the participants, and their families were unaware of what treatment each subject received.

All participants underwent cognitive tests and brain imaging at 3, 6, and 12 months, as well as 6 months after treatment had ceased.

2)Compared with participants who were treated with the placebo, the researchers found that those treated with EGCG scored much better in certain areas of cognitive function .

Specifically, they showed significant improvements in three areas:

●Visual recognition memory - the ability to remember and distinguish between objects

●Inhibitory control - the ability to resist distractions and avoid acting on first impulses

●Adaptive behavior - the ability to use conceptual, social, and practical skills for everyday functioning.

Furthermore, on assessing the brain scans of each participant, the team found that those who were treated with EGCG showed greater functional connectivity between nerve cells than those who received the placebo.

"It was surprising to see how the changes are not just cognitive - in the reasoning, learning, memory and attention capacities - but suggest that the functional connectivity of the neurons in the brain was also modified," says study co-leader Dr. Rafael de la Torre, of the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute in Barcelona, Spain.

Overall, the researchers believe their results indicate that EGCG may be an effective treatment for people with Down syndrome.

"This is the first time that a treatment has shown some efficacy in the improvement of some cognitive tasks in persons with this syndrome.

It must be made clear that our discovery is not a cure for Down syndrome and that our results have to be proven in larger populations, but it may be a treatment to improve these individuals' quality of life."

As well as further trials investigating the efficacy and safety of EGCG in larger cohorts, the team plans to assess how the green tea compound may impact the cognitive functioning of children with Down syndrome.

"Our results have been already marginally positive in the adult population, in which cerebral plasticity is limited because the brain is already completely developed," the authors note. "We believe that if the treatment is applied to children, the results might be even better."

  By Dr. Mara Dierssen

As well as further trials investigating the efficacy and safety of EGCG in larger cohorts, the team plans to assess how the green tea compound may impact the cognitive functioning of children with Down syndrome.

"Our results have been already marginally positive in the adult population, in which cerebral plasticity is limited because the brain is already completely developed," the authors note. "We believe that if the treatment is applied to children, the results might be even better."