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.

Lifestyle changes and stress can cause premature ovarian failure in women

Lifestyle changes and stress can cause premature ovarian failure in women Although the condition cannot be reversed, certain treatments and lifestyle changes can control associated symptoms and risks New Delhi, 20 August 2017: A recent survey has indicated that about 4% of Indian women experience signs of menopause between 29 and 34 years of age. This is alarming given the fact that most women reach menopause between the age of 45 and 55. As per the IMA, the reason behind this is likely to be Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), some contributing factors for which include changing food habits and work culture with increased stress. POF is a loss of normal function of the ovaries before the age of 40. Women with this condition can have irregular or occasional periods for years and might even become pregnant.However, it is not the same as premature menopause. 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, "POF results from the loss of eggs (oocytes). The atmosphere today, lifestyle habits, food adulteration as well as consumption of processed food can lead to many changes in a woman’s body. These factors are responsible for the rise in the number of cases of POF in young adults. It is a good idea for women who have missed their period for three months or more to consult a doctor and determine the exact cause. Changes in period cycle may be due to pregnancy, stress, or a change in diet or exercise habits. However, it is best to get evaluated on time.” The symptoms of POF resemble those of a natural menopause and include change in the pattern of periods, hot flashes, mood swings, crying spells, and sleeplessness. A woman can have POF if her FSH level (follicle stimulating hormone) after a blood test is more than 25mIU/L. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Although there is no proven treatment for POF, there are other alternatives such as adopting a healthier lifestyle which can help to a certain extent. Certain treatment procedures focus on the problems that arise from estrogen deficiency. Apart from this, assisted reproductive techniques have shown a ray of hope for those with issues such as these.” Some natural treatment methods can be tried to relieve hot flashes. Here are some tips. • Eat soy as it contains phytoestrogens. Some of the best sources of soy are tofu, soy powder, soymilk, and soy nuts. • Exercise, as an active lifestyle can lower the risk of premature menopause. About 30 minutes of aerobic exercise thrice a week is ideal. • Make sure that you get an ample supply of Vitamin D, E, zinc, and magnesium. • Eat foods that are rich in calcium such as cheese, almonds, green leafy vegetables, milk, fortified cereals like corn flakes, and raisin bran.