
A disruption in hormonal balance can produce a variety of signs, from gaining weight to persistent tiredness. Appropriate treatment can address many of the root causes. Hormones act as your body’s chemical communicators. Made by the endocrine glands, these potent substances circulate in your blood and direct tissues and organs on how to function. They regulate many key bodily processes, including metabolism and reproductive function. When a hormonal imbalance occurs,…

Are you constantly drained and stressed? Many people believe our nonstop, caffeine-fueled lifestyles wear down the adrenal glands, and some swear by adrenal extracts to reverse the damage. Read on to learn why that view is likely incorrect. (img by Healthdirect) What are the adrenal glands? Your adrenal glands rest on top of your kidneys. Each gland has two sections: an outer layer (the adrenal cortex) and an inner core…

Dumbbells offer a simple, versatile way to add resistance to exercises for the biceps, triceps, forearms, and shoulders. They come in many weight options and are suitable for use at home or in the gym. Well-developed, toned arms do more than enhance appearance and self-esteem. Working your arm muscles also delivers important health advantages. Improved arm and shoulder strength can lower your risk of injury, help your posture, increase muscle…

Strength training—also known as weight or resistance training—is a key component of any fitness plan. It helps increase your strength and builds muscular endurance. In strength training you move your body against some form of resistance, such as: your own body weight free weights, like dumbbells or barbells resistance bands, sometimes called tubing or workout bands resistance machines, for example cable stations, single-exercise machines, or multi-gym setups Strength training is…

The dumbbell chest fly is an exercise designed to strengthen the chest and shoulder area. It’s typically performed while lying on a flat or incline bench, though there’s also a standing variation. Continue reading to discover how to execute this movement, its variations, advantages, and precautions. Which muscles does the dumbbell chest fly target? The dumbbell chest fly primarily targets the following muscles: chest shoulders triceps Other benefits include the…

Xanthan gum is a common food additive used to thicken and stabilize products. While it may offer some health advantages, excessive intake can lead to digestive complaints. Surprisingly, items as different as wallpaper adhesive and salad dressing share a common ingredient. That ingredient is xanthan gum — a substance you may not recognize by name but probably eat several times each week. Because it appears in numerous industrial items and…

Coconut oil may assist in combating scalp infections, repairing split ends, and supporting healthier hair growth. However, it also comes with some potential downsides. Coconut oil is a lipid extracted from fresh or dried coconuts. At room temperature it appears as a solid, white butter-like substance and liquefies when warmed. This natural oil has long been used as a food, for cooking, and as a beauty and hair treatment. There…

Dreams of losing your hair can mirror a worry about real hair loss, but they may also point to anxieties about things like mortality, illness, or diminished sexual attractiveness. Often, these dreams signal stress. As you run your fingers through your hair in the dream, you notice everyone watching you. Some faces register shock — and is that person over there laughing? You look at your palms and see clumps…

Keratin treatments smooth the hair cuticle, creating a glossier finish. They can also speed up drying time. However, they tend to be costly and sometimes include ingredients that may pose health concerns. Often called a Brazilian blowout or Brazilian keratin treatment, a keratin service is a chemical process typically performed in a salon that can leave hair appearing straighter for up to six months. That said, these treatments may raise…

Keratin is a structural protein present in your hair, skin, and nails. It plays a key role in preserving skin integrity, aiding wound repair, and keeping hair and nails resilient and healthy. While keratin supplements are often promoted to reduce hair shedding, speed nail growth, and improve skin texture, many wholesome foods can naturally encourage your body’s keratin creation. Below are 10 foods that help stimulate keratin production. 1. Eggs…