High protein diet for weight loss

Can a high protein diet help me lose weight?

 

Every single week there is a new weight loss diet being touted in the news. Gone are low carbohydrate diets. This year we have high protein diets. And the chief reason why high protein diets have come into vogue is because there is some evidence that perhaps these diets may be better able to satisfy hunger and limit the amount of calories one takes. This eventually results in loss of weight.

In the last decade, some researchers have shown that diets high in protein with low carbohydrates along with a lifestyle of regular exercise can not only reduce weight but also decrease blood cholesterol and help control blood sugars. Moreover, at the same time diminish the hunger pangs.

So far, it is not understood how proteins can decrease appetite. Some researchers believe that the high protein diets signal the brain to receive a lower level of appetite stimulating chemicals.

The current Daily Recommendations for protein range anywhere from 10%-35% of total calories- meaning that for an average adult one can consume anywhere from 45- 200 grams of protein a day. Most Americans have no problem getting this much protein and in fact, get twice that amount daily. The other question being asked is if it possible to eat too much protein and be safe? In general, as long as one does not have kidney disease, there are no dangers to eating a high protein diet.

The majority of individuals obtain their protein from either animal or plant foods. This includes poultry, fish, dairy, cereals, nuts, grains and legumes.

One final word, just eating a high protein diet will not help you lose weight.  There is no diet that alone can help you lose weight by sitting on the couch, except starvation. No matter what diet you choose, you must eat less and walk more. Eating in excess of 2000 calories./day will make you gain weight if you do not exercise. Best advice, all these diet stuff is a bunch of BS. If you want to lose weight, eat less and walk more.

Perlane to erase wrinkles

Is Perlane a good dermal filler for my wrinkles?

Perlane is an old hyaluronic acid dermal filler obtained from non-animal sources. Perlane was first introduced for treatment of fine lines and wrinkles on the face. However, it was soon observed that this dermal filler could also be used to treat mild acne scars and augmentation of lips.

Unlike other dermal fillers, Perlane possess no risk of allergy because it is not derived from animal sources. Perlane also does not have to be tested for allergy prior to injection.

Perlane injections are usually done as an outpatient in a clinic or a spa. The injections only take a few minutes but the procedure is not painless. When injected this dermal filler increases the volume and erases fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Like all dermal fillers, Perlane is not a permanent treatment for wrinkles. The cosmetic benefits of perlane last anywhere from 2-6 months.  Most people require touch ups in the future to maintain the cosmetic benefit. Unfortunately, screws up during the procedure are not uncommon.

Perlane for lip augmentation

Are Perlane injections for lip augmentations worth it?

Perlane injections costs anywhere from $500-$1000 per syringe . The cost varies depending on the surgeon and his/her experience. Before you embark on these injections, please read the online reviews. About 40% have a good result and the 60% have a result that sucks. Common complaints are pain, excess bruising, poor cosmetic result, prolonged pain, keloids and so forth. 

Complications tend to be more common in people with fair skin and smokers. Best advice, if you have no problems how you look like (and do not give a crap what others think), save your money and go for a vacation. If you do not like your wrinkles or lines, try some Prozac-it is a lot cheaper and will make you love yourself.

Facial extractions

Do facial extractions help make skin smooth?

Extraction is just another fancy term for skin cleaning the removing a whitehead or blackhead. The removal or extraction may be done manually with fingers or the technician may use a variety of instruments. In most cases, the technician will first rinse the face, apply a variety of chemicals, use humidifiers and try to soften the skin. The extraction process is done afterwards. There are some physicals methods of extraction which when performed well, can clean all the debris, dirt and dead skin from underneath the superficial layers of the skin.  However, when the pores are large, one needs chemical based treatments to extract all the junk. These treatments work quickly and rapidly improve skin texture and aesthetics. The majority of chemical extracting agents unplug debris, eliminate bacteria, decrease the oiliness, remove blackheads and even out the skin edges. Chemical extracting agents generally fall into one large group known as peeling agents. Moreover, the formulation of each peeling agent may contain a variety of herbs, aromatic oils, fruit juices, vitamins, minerals, herbs, fragrances and so on. 

For people who do not have time and want their blackheads removed, a visit to the spa can help. The treatment also helps get rid of oil on the clogged pores. One visit may cost anywhere form $100-$300. The results depend on the technician and status of your skin. Do not expect miracles, because the results are not permanent.

Bedwetting and DILDOS

I am a 32-year-old female and have a bed-wetting problem; my doctor has tried me on several medications but no luck. Now he recommends the use of vaginal cone to tighten, my pelvic muscles. Does this device work?

I am not a gynecologist but my experience with these specialists has not been positive. Some are just terrible doctors, lack basic knowledge, have poor surgical skills (constantly f..ing up during surgery) and recommend crap therapies.

Just think about it. Do you think putting a dildo in your vagina several times a day is going to tighten up the vaginal muscles? Dildos have been around a lot longer than these crap cone devices and yet urinary incontinence persists. There are millions of women who use a dildo on a regular basis and yet they also have a problem with bedwetting.

I think insertion of cones and crap-like that is just a bunch of bullshit. Next, these idiotic doctors will probably come up devices to be inserted into the rectum to tighten the anus for fecal incontinence. These cones are also expensive and there is ZERO evidence that they work. Moreover, you will need to use gallons of KY gel because inserting a cone without lubrication is very uncomfortable. Finally, the cone has to be manually held as it may slip out or in. Realistically, this is not a practical therapy. You must remain at home for months to do this treatment- certainly you won’t be going to work and taking time out every hour to insert the cone. These cones are also expensive.

Please stop going to such morons. If I were you, I would seek help from a decent urologist. If you really want to try this therapy using a sex toy, try a moderately large size dildo. Place it in your vagina for 10-15 minutes every 1-2 hours and squeeze your thighs at the same time. Do it many times a day. To spice up your life, you may want to use a vibrator mode dildo. This way, even if your bedwetting does not get resolved, you will still get some sexual excitement- a win win situation. Good luck.

What causes psoriasis?

Why does one develop psoriasis?

Unfortunately we do not know why this serious skin disorder occurs. However, there are certain risk factors that increase the risk of you developing the disorder. 

If you have a family history of psoriasis in the family, then there is a good chance you may develop it also. About 40% of people with psoriasis have a positive family history

 It is now believed that certain viral and bacterial infections may also increase the risk of developing psoriasis. Individuals with HIV are more likely to develop psoriasis than the general population. People who develop strep throat are also at an increased risk.

 While stress does not cause psoriasis, it can certainly aggravate the disorder. 

Obese individuals are at a higher risk of developing psoriasis than thin people. In obese individuals, the psoriatic plaques often develop in the skin creases and folds (also known as inverse psoriasis).

In general, the majority of disorders or diseases in medicine are simply due to bad luck. 

Hand psoriasis

I have had psoriasis on my hand for a few years. It has not progressed so far. Will it stay the same?

In some lucky people, psoriasis remains stable and localized. In others, it becomes a major disorder and causes disabling arthritis. The condition is difficult to treat and relapses are common. Hopefully yours will stay the same. When it progresses, combination of topical medications and phototherapy are often required for treatment.

Feet Swelling during Menstruation

Why do I always develop swollen feet and ankles during menstruation?

Almost 40-70 percent of women complain of swelling of their ankles and feet during menstruation. The degree of swelling is variable but most women do notice it. Fluid swelling during menstruation is common and usually starts just a few days prior to the menstrual periods. The fluid swelling usually extends just above the ankles and may occasionally affect the hands.

The fluid retention is related to the hormonal levels and is only a transient phenomenon. However, women may find it difficult to wear shoes and may feel fatigued.

Unfortunately fluid swelling can't be cured but can be reduced with some simple home remedies. Avoid eating salty foods 5-7 days prior to the beginning of your period. Moreover, limit your intake of water to no more than 4-6 glasses a day. You may also want to wear compression stockings or support hose. There are many types of elegant compression stockings that can be worn up to the knee or ankle to treat swelling during menstruation. These stockings must be put on first thing in the morning and worn all day. The stocking can be taken off at night. If you are up on your feet all day, these compression stockings will provide long lasting relief and also prevent the aching and fatigue.

Whenever you are sitting or lying down, raise your feet a few inches off the ground. At bedtime, place a pillow underneath the feet and you will notice decrease in swelling immediately.

Even though some doctors prescribe water pills or diuretics to reduce the body water, these pills are not recommended for most women with menstrual feet swelling. The water pills can dehydrate you, lower your potassium and make you more tired. In addition, there is always a chance that you may develop a side effect to the medication. These are the same ignorant doctors who prescribe water pills for swelling from varicose veins and lymphedema.

Feet swelling during the menstruation can easily be treated with home remedies and a doctor's consult is not required in most cases.

The Blue Chemical Peel

A blue Peel is a chemical peel used to treat acne scars and fine wrinkles on the face. A blue peel uses a trichloroacetic acid (TCA) as a peeling agent. Because the peeling agent has the possibility of causing permanent damage to the skin and underlying structures, a blue dye is added to the formula. This blue dye allows the physician to monitor the dept of correction and appropriate level of treatment.

The Blue Peel is done as an outpatient in the physician’s office. There are numerous concentrations of TCA available and the physician will determine what is the best concentration for your skin condition.

When the TCA is applied to the skin, it peels of the most superficial layers of the skin and replaces them with fresh new skin, which is smooth, fresh and provides a softer texture.

The light strength Blue peel does jack shit; the higher concentration blue peel can turn you into godzilla if you are not careful.

Get a Nose Job

I would like to get a nose job done but am afraid of complications. should I go ahead?

The nose appears simple to most people, but I can tell you one fact-surgery on the nose is a demanding procedure and requires great skill to achieve a good cosmetic result. For every sexy looking celeb that you see with a good nose job, there are probably 10 other people who have a real crappy job. The surgery is full of complications. So be realistic and know what you want. 

The major factor in having minimal complications is your surgeon’s skill and experience. So choose your provider well. There are no refunds in plastic surgery. A great surgeon for a nose job may charge you anywhere from $5,000-$10,000. 

If your nose bothers you too much and you do not have the money, try some Prozac, it is cheap, works well and you will learn to love your nose. If you have the money and do not like your nose, go take a vacation and think about it. People in America run into surgical problems because they often seek unnecessary cosmetic surgery- in many cases, the problem is in the head and nothing to do with breasts, lips, nose or the face.

Deviated septum

I have a deviated nasal septum. Is surgery always necessary?

No, surgery is not always necessary. Men usually tolerate nasal septum deviation better than women. Women will make up all kinds of symptoms just so that they can have surgery on the nose. The primary reason why people undergo surgery on the nose is cosmesis.

In a few cases, the deviated nasal septum will cause obstruction of the nasal passage, nosebleeds and sinus infections. Pain is rare just from a nasal septum deviation. 

My advice is that if it does not bother you and you have no symptoms, leave it alone. Surgery to correct the septum can be done but recurrence is not unheard off. Finally do remember that if you have any disease like allergic rhinitis or polyps or hay fever, you can rest assured, none of these will disappear after surgery. So be realistic. IF you are going to get the deviated septum just for cosmetic reasons, be prepared to pay several thousand dollars.

Prudoxin for acne

I was recently prescribed prudoxin for my acne. Does it work?

Prudoxin (doxepin) is actually a very old antidepressant. It was developed in the 50s for treatment of depression. However since then many better and safer drugs have become available. Sometimes doxepin is also used as a sleeping aid. The topical version of doxepin, known as prudoxin is frequently sold as a treatment of acne. It does relieve itching in some cases. 

As far as acne is concerned, you are better off washing your face with urine-that is how great this product is- f..ing useless. Any doctor who prescribes prudoxin for acne is a first rate idiot. The drug does not work for acne. Most people who use prudoxin for acne complain that it causes a severe burning sensation. If you have acne, stop going to morons who prescribe prudoxin- go and see a real skin doctor. And ask for a retinoid cream.

Refissa for Acne

I have been given a prescription of Refissa for my acne. I noticed that is has caused worsening of my acne. Is this okay?

Yes, it is ok. Mild side effects include dry lips, stinging, swelling of the face, crust dry skin, nosebleeds, upset stomach, and loss of hair. Initially when the drug is applied, the peeling actions of the drug will make your skin look worse. However, within a few days you will start to see clearing of the acne and redness.

In rare cases, Refissa can cause damage to the pancreas that may present with abdominal pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. If these side effects occur, one should seek immediate medical attention.

It is an excellent drug and you will get rid of your acne in no time. There are not many medications that deliver, but this is one of them.

 

 

Belly fat

Why does belly fat occur?

Why people develop belly fat remains a mystery. There are a lot of theories and speculations but no one really knows. Some health professionals claim that belly fat is due to age, others claim hormones, and yet others claim genes. One fact is known- as you get older, belly fat increases. This is especially true in females after menopause. There has been a lot of research which shows that gaining belly fat is not good for health. Experts claim that excess belly fat increases chances of heart attacks, high blood pressure, diabetes, and ever some cancers. One should not be disheartened by such news. Unlike fat anywhere else on the body, belly fat can be decreased by changes in diet and lifestyle.

One of the reasons why fat occurs around the belly is due to age and slowing down of metabolism. With age, the body slows down in its ability to breakdown fat, and this eventually results in fat accumulation in the body. Women generally tend to gain more weight after menopause due to slowing of metabolism. During this time period, the fat distribution also changes, and fat starts to gather around the belly and there is less fat in the arms, legs, and hips.

When belly fat accumulates, it is not only on surface of the abdomen but deep down there is a heavy-rim laddened down with fat. This deeper layer of fat around the belly has been associated with heart problems, diabetes, and breathing problems.

Even though everyone agrees that there is a decrease in metabolism of fat with age, why does fat disproportionally deposit in the belly? No one has the answer, but most experts claim it is genes- you just have a tendency to collect fat in that part of the body. While hormones have been blamed, it is not understood why hormones would cause fat to be deposited solely around the belly. The odd observation is that some women notice a rapid gain in fat around the belly without gain in weight anywhere else on the body. Even though one may not have fat elsewhere on the body, except the belly button, this is also linked to medical problems.

A fascinating finding has been that once fat gathers around the belly, these fat cells in turn become active and produce chemicals or hormones that affect your health. Studies on fat cells from the belly have been found to produce hormones that counter insulin and cause diabetes. When these fat cells produce estrogen, the risk of breast cancer is increased. Currently there is effort being made to determine which hormones are produced and how they influence health. Individuals who have belly fat should start making changes in their diet and start to walk, if they want to avoid health problems later in life.

Vitamin K for spider veins

Can I use Vitamin K creams to get rid of my spider veins? 

Millions of women have spider veins and the majority dislike them. Spider veins commonly occur on the face, outer thigh, and lower leg. While these skin lesions do not cause symptoms, they are not aesthetically pleasing. Some women only have a few spider veins, but a few unlucky women develop multiple spider veins.

Spider veins do not cause any symptoms and if one has pain, swelling, aches or itching, then the cause is not spider veins. Spider veins are only treated for a cosmetic reason. If you have any type of symptom, then the problem will not be cured by treating spider veins.

In the last decade, hundreds of treatments for spider veins have come and gone. Almost each week there is a new cream, lotion, potion, or liquid to help one get rid of spider veins. The latest in a long line of creams is vitamin K. 

There are vitamin K based products in every type of formulation on the market. These creams are sold in beauty parlors, pharmacies, cosmetic shops and at many spas. In each case, exaggerated claims are made such as applying the cream twice a day can erase the spider vein, make the skin soft, reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture and so on. Most vendors of these products claim that vitamin K can remove spider veins in a few weeks.

Vitamin K is known as a fat-soluble vitamin and is generally taken by mouth. In the hospital setting, it is sometimes administered as an injection in individuals who have bleeding disorders. All humans have large stores of vitamin k and do not require supplementation. Vitamin k is readily available from the diet when one eats vegetables and legumes. It is very rare for a health care worker to prescribe vitamin K for healthy individuals.

So do these vitamin K creams really work?

There is zero evidence that vitamin K can erase spider veins. There is not one scientific study which shows that vitamin K has the ability to reduce, prevent or remove spider veins. There is not one individual who can honestly come forward and claim that vitamin K creams removed his or her spider veins. One can eat, drink, slurp, or even use vitamin K as a suppository- the end result is just a waste of money.

 Spider veins have no relation to vitamin K and there is no cream, herb or lotion which can be applied on the skin that will remove spider veins. Every single vitamin K cream sold on the market is simply false advertising with lots of false promises- such is the world of cosmesis

Individuals who have spider veins have three options, do nothing, try sclerotherapy or laser. Vitamin K based creams or any other creams are a waste of money, time and are best considered junk therapy. These expensive creams do little more than moisturize your skin.

If you have spider veins and are not bothered by them, leave them alone. For those who seek vanity, perhaps laser is the best option. Remember though, laser is expensive, painful and spider veins do recur.

Propecia for hair growth

Can finasteride (propecia) grow hair?

Finasteride is the generic name for the brand names proscar and propecia. Finasteride was initially marketed for treatment of enlarged prostate. However, during the clinical trials it was observed that some men complained of hair growth. The amount of hair growth during these trials was never quantified and in most cases was mild. This did not stop the drug company from turning the product around and marketing it for males going bald. There is both a 1 mg pill and a topical solution available for hair growth. The company claims that the 1 mg pill can lower levels of DHT and help minimize hair loss. A lot of numbers are given by the company on the success of this drug in restoring hair.

So what is the real evidence?

If there ever was a scam, than this is it. Finasteride at best only grows a strand of hair here and there. There is not an individual on this universe that can step forward and claim to have decent hair growth following use of finasteride. Individuals have used finasteride for more than 5-10 years, and in the majority, the drug has done nothing. The drug is expensive and in 99.9999999% of individuals, it does nothing. In the other 0.000001% of individuals, they may get some pubic hair growth.

Therefore, the best advice for those who have loss of hair or baldness, get used to the condition, or get a wig. There is no drug out there that will grow more than 1-2 hairs a year. Unfortunately, there is nothing in the drug market that works for hair growth. If you have no money and are going baldness, get used to that bald look, wear a hat or get rid of your mirror. If you have money and are going baldness get a wig. Hair transplant is an option, but it is exorbitantly expensive and often does not work great. Baldness sucks especially when it occurs in the prime of your life, but I would rather be bald and have money, then be bald and having wasted all my money on a worthless drug.

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Silicone implant leak

Can a small leak in silicone breast implant change shape of my breast?

After a silicone breast implant, if you have pain or change in the shape or size of your breast, a leak must be ruled out. When the breast implant is first inserted, a fibrous capsule or scar tissue forms around the implant. When the silicone leaks, it incites an inflammatory reaction of this scar tissue. This will present as pain and hardening of your breast. You will notice that the skin texture around the leaked site is different or firm. Many women complain of an odd ache or discomfort when a leak occurs. You need an MRI-which will cost you close to $1,500.