Indian men increasingly suffering premature hair loss

Indian men increasingly suffering premature hair loss Men in 20s and 30s are opting for hair restoration surgery New Delhi, 30 August 2017: According to statistics, there has been an increase in the number of people with premature hair loss in the last few years. Of every 10 people complaining of hair loss, about 8 are men. As per the IMA, a sizeable number of young men in their 20s and 30s are opting for hair restoration surgery. Premature hair loss is a problem that is increasing in incidence among young Indian men due largely to stress and lifestyle factors. It is normal for a person to lose about 50 to 100 strands of hair a day. However, serious hair loss is a sign that something is not right with the body and is called alopecia. The four major factors responsible for premature hair loss include stress, certain habits such as smoking and drinking, pollution, and poor nutrition. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Alopecia is usually genetic. However, thanks to the lifestyle changes and stress today, younger men are becoming prone to this problem. Hair fall can be a reaction to extreme mental or physical stress. The body typically starts shedding hair after a gap of three months. Other than this, certain diseases which cause mal-absorption of nutrients such as food poisoning can also lead to hair loss. With increasingly stressful jobs, consumption of junk food that is devoid of nutrients and fibre, inadequate consumption of water, and habits such as smoking and drinking, premature hair loss is becoming a major cause of concern among young men.” Nutrition is vital for hair growth. No other part of the human body grows at the rate of half an inch per month, except the bone marrow. It is therefore important to feed it right. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Unless the problem becomes severe and requires treatment, it is possible to bring about an 80% change through lifestyle changes only. One can bring about some simple lifestyle changes such as getting seven hours of sleep, drinking enough water (strands are made up of minerals, which only water can replenish), and eating protein-rich foods at regular intervals, as these can prevent premature hair loss.” Some tips to prevent premature hair loss include the following. • Massage your scalp with lukewarm oil as this will help in improving blood circulation and stimulate hair follicles. • Try and avoid stress through techniques such as yoga and meditation. The stress hormones, epinephrine and cortisol, interfere with the natural growth of hair. • Eat fresh fruits and vegetables as they help in promoting healthy hair growth. It is good to consume food rich in iron, zinc, proteins, and omega three fatty acids. • Quit smoking and drinking. Not only do these habits result in hair loss but also prevent hair growth.

Increase intake of fluids to avoid kidney stones

Increase intake of fluids to avoid kidney stones Those with kidney stones have more chances of developing a chronic kidney disease New Delhi, 22 August 2017: Statistics reveal that the lifetime prevalence of kidney stones is approximately 13% in men and 7% in women. Without treatment, approximately 35% to 50% of those with kidney stones will experience recurrence within 5 years from the first stone. As per the IMA, increased fluid intake spread throughout the day can decrease stone recurrence by at least half with virtually no side effects. Kidney stones are formed due to the accumulation of dissolved minerals on the inner lining of the kidneys. There are several types of kidney stones: calcium stones, uric acid stones, struvite stones and cysteine stones. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common. People with kidney stones are at a significantly higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Lack of water in the body is the primary cause of kidney stones. In the absence of enough water to dilute uric acid (a component of urine), the urine becomes more acidic. This acidic environment is conducive for the formation of kidney stones. Kidney stones can grow as large as a golf ball and have a sharp, crystalline structure. Small stones can pass without pain. Larger stones, on the other hand, can obstruct urine flow. This can be very painful.” Some of the common symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the groin and/or side and back below the ribs, colicky pain, blood in urine, nausea and vomiting, pain on urination, burning sensation during urination, constant urge to urinate and fever and chills (in case of an infection). Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Certain medications can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Long-term use of vitamin D and calcium supplements cause high calcium levels. Family history, dehydration, high protein, sugar, sodium diet, obesity and some disease conditions such as hyperparathyroidism are also risk factors. A previous history of kidney stone increases the risk of developing subsequent stones.” The following tips can help prevent kidney stones. Stay hydrated: This is the best way to avoid kidney stones. When one consumes less water, their urine output decreases making it more concentrated and less likely to dissolve urine salts that cause stones. Consume calcium in right amounts: Eat a moderate amount of foods with calcium, such as milk, cheese and other dairy food. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stone, hence, people believe that they should avoid eating calcium. Reduce dietary sodium: Increased salt in urine prevents calcium from being reabsorbed from the urine to the blood. This causes high urine calcium, leading to kidney stones. Limit foods rich in oxalate: Dietary oxalate is typically found in spinach, chocolate, beets, nuts, rhubarb, strawberries, tea and wheat bran. Eat less animal protein: Foods high in animal protein are acidic and increase uric acid. High uric acid levels may cause both uric acid and calcium oxalate kidney stones. Maintain a healthy body weight through diet and exercise.