Female pattern hair loss is the most common type of balding seen in women. It is when the hair starts to thin on the crown and the front of the head.
One of the major causes of the thinning of hair in women is hormonal imbalance and it is likely to occur during periods of hormonal changes, such as puberty, childbirth or most commonly menopause.
The thinning of the hair can also be triggered by trauma to the body. This trauma could be emotional, psychological or physical. So if you have recently undergone shock or any type of surgery then this could be your body’s way of reacting to the damage caused.
In these cases the hair loss is usually temporary and the hair will grow back as before. Another common reason for female balding is your family tree – hair loss can be largely genetic so take a look at your parents to see if it could have been passed down to you.
Hair follicles need nutrition just like your body. If you are not eating correctly this could increase the thinning of hair. It is for this reason that hair loss is commonly seen in women with severe eating disorders.
Many women suffer thyroid problems and this could also cause hair loss. If you are experiencing hair loss it may be time for a check up to see if you have any underlying health problems.
Keeping your hair clean and washed will eliminate bacteria which could be causing your hair to fall out. Also take care on how you treat your hair on a daily basis – if you are constantly pulling your hair back into ponytails or other styles then this could be causing damage and breakage.
There are ways of treating female pattern hair loss but they are not always successful. Hair can be cosmetically disguised to look fuller by using perms or dyes which will make the hair seem fuller.
There may not be an immediate cure for female baldness but there are certainly ways of coping and slowing down the hair loss.
Massage will help improve the circulation through your scalp and could improve hair growth. You can do this manually in the shower or you can purchase a special head massager to do it for you. Try massaging twice a day.
Unlike the baldness seen in men, it is highly unlikely that a woman will loose all her hair. This fact is comforting as there are many ways you can hide or disguise your condition. Try a simple change in hair cut or making use of hair bands or mini clips to style your hair.
If you are planning on using medication to aid in the re-growth, make sure that it specifies that it is for female use. It is best to always check with your doctor first to rule out any underlying health issues and also make sure that the prescribed medication is the best one for you.
Other options to replace or regrow hair are surgical and these include hair grafts using your own hair and hair transplants. These are not always successful and as they are surgical procedures, there is the risk of complications.
Hair loss in women can be very traumatic and often has a severe effect on self esteem and confidence. The most important thing to try and remember is that there are many ways to disguise it and even though you may look a little different you will still be the same person inside. Women are lucky in that they have more options than men to disguise their hair loss, but female pattern hair loss is all the more devastating because hair is such a part of a woman’s identity.
Is it really possible to prevent a divorce from taking place? In theory, yes. You can give your reasons why the divorce should not take place. Of course, this does not work in a divorce which was filed on the grounds that there has been an irreconcilable difference in the marriage in which case, divorce is usually justified and granted.
Can You Prevent A Divorce?
Where one spouse claims that the other spouse has committed things which form the grounds of a Fault Divorce, then the said claim is subject to proof and this is where the spouse who is not willing to be divorced may then defend the petition. For instance, where the ground for divorce is adultery, the complaining party would have to prove that adultery took place. If adultery is not proven, divorce does not take place. If adultery is proven but it is also proven that the adultery was condoned by the party who filed for divorce, this may be a ground to defeat the petition.
In some scenarios not unlike Hollywood movies, connivance is pleaded by the party who contests the divorce. The party who contests the divorce pleads that the ground so complained of was actually set up by the party who is petitioning for a divorce. For instance, the wife sets up her husband in a compromising situation with another woman knowing full well that adultery might take place. It is not easy to argue connivance but it is not impossible and it depends on a case by case basis.
In some situations, provocation is used as a defence to argue that the marriage should not be dissolved. In provocation, it is alleged that the other party was the chief cause of the situation complained of in the divorce petition. For instance, the wife might be such an unreasonable person at home that the husband could not tolerate living under the same roof as her and decides to stay with his colleague instead. At that, the wife claims that the husband has abandoned her and the family. The Court will then inquire to see whether the abandonment was due to the wife’s provocation.
That said, the above defenses do not usually work and are rarely advised by attorneys. Firstly, such defenses can result in protracted litigation and involves a lot of time and costs. Witnesses may be required to prove the defense and they will be subject to much cross-examination. All in all, it is likely that Courts would not order that the divorce petition be dismissed. It is all too important to appreciate that when one party decides to call it quits, reconciliation is usually difficult. It is thus better to just move on.
When it comes to tracking your workouts, there is no better app than FitTrack.
With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, FitTrack allows you to easily log your exercises, set goals, and track your progress over time.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, this app has everything you need to stay motivated and reach your fitness goals.
Why FitTrack is the best fitness app for tracking workouts:
– Easy-to-use interface that makes logging workouts a breeze
– Comprehensive exercise library with detailed instructions and videos
– Goal-setting feature to help you stay motivated and focused
– Progress tracking tools to monitor your performance and see how far you’ve come
– Integration with other fitness apps and devices for seamless data syncing
2. Top Nutrition App for Healthy Eating
best-weightlifting-apps
Eating healthy is a crucial part of maintaining a fit and active lifestyle.
With the help of the MyPlate app, you can easily track your daily food intake, set nutrition goals, and make informed choices about what you eat.
This app provides personalized meal plans, recipe ideas, and even grocery shopping lists to make healthy eating a breeze.
Why MyPlate is the top nutrition app for healthy eating:
– Easy food tracking with a large database of foods and their nutritional information
– Personalized meal plans based on your dietary preferences and goals
– Recipe ideas and cooking tips to keep your meals interesting and delicious
– Grocery shopping lists to help you stay organized and make healthier choices at the store
– Integration with fitness apps to provide a holistic view of your health and wellness
3. Best Meditation App for Stress Relief
In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to relax and unwind is essential for both physical and mental well-being.
The Calm app is the perfect companion for anyone looking to reduce stress and improve their overall quality of life.
With a wide range of guided meditations, sleep stories, and soothing sounds, Calm helps you find peace and tranquility wherever you are.
Why Calm is the best meditation app for stress relief:
– Guided meditations for beginners and experienced practitioners alike
– Sleep stories and music tracks to help you relax and fall asleep faster
– Breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques to promote relaxation and focus
– Daily calm reminders to help you incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine
– Integration with other wellness apps for a holistic approach to self-care
4. Top Running App for Outdoor Workouts
If you enjoy running outdoors, the Nike Run Club app is a must-have.
This app offers a variety of features to enhance your running experience, including GPS tracking, personalized coaching, and challenges to keep you motivated.
Whether you’re training for a marathon or just want to improve your fitness level, the Nike Run Club app has everything you need to take your running to the next level.
Why Nike Run Club is the top running app for outdoor workouts:
– GPS tracking to accurately measure your distance, pace, and route
– Personalized coaching plans tailored to your goals and fitness level
– Audio-guided runs with professional athletes and coaches to keep you motivated
– Challenges and leaderboards to compete with friends and other runners
– Integration with music apps to create the perfect playlist for your run
5. Best Yoga App for Flexibility and Strength
Yoga is a fantastic way to improve flexibility, build strength, and reduce stress.
With the Down Dog app, you can practice yoga anytime, anywhere.
This app offers a variety of yoga classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
Each class is customizable, allowing you to choose the duration, difficulty level, and focus area that suits your needs.
Why Down Dog is the best yoga app for flexibility and strength:
– Customizable classes to fit your schedule and preferences
– Beginner-friendly tutorials and modifications for each pose
– Variety of yoga styles, including Vinyasa, Hatha, and Restorative
– Options for targeted workouts, such as core strength or hip opening
– Integration with other fitness apps to track your progress and set goals
6. Top Sleep App for Better Rest
A good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and well-being.
With the help of the Sleep Cycle app, you can improve your sleep quality and wake up feeling refreshed.
This app uses your phone’s accelerometer to analyze your sleep patterns and wake you up during your lightest sleep phase, ensuring a more natural and energized start to your day.
Why Sleep Cycle is the top sleep app for better rest:
– Sleep analysis based on movement and sound to track your sleep quality
– Smart alarm that wakes you up during your lightest sleep phase
– Sleep aids, such as relaxing sounds and guided meditations, to help you fall asleep faster
– Sleep notes feature to track factors that may affect your sleep, such as caffeine or exercise
– Integration with health apps to provide a comprehensive view of your well-being
7. Best HIIT App for High-Intensity Workouts
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a popular and effective way to burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness.
The 7 Minute Workout app is perfect for anyone looking to get a quick and intense workout in a short amount of time.
This app offers a variety of bodyweight exercises that can be done anywhere, making it ideal for busy individuals.
Why 7 Minute Workout is the best HIIT app for high-intensity workouts:
– Short and intense workouts that can be completed in just 7 minutes
– Variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups for a full-body workout
– Customizable workout plans based on your fitness level and goals
– Video demonstrations and audio cues to ensure proper form and technique
– Integration with fitness trackers to monitor your heart rate and calorie burn
8. Top Mindfulness App for Mental Well-being
Mindfulness is a powerful practice that can help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.
The Headspace app is a leading mindfulness app that offers guided meditations, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques to help you cultivate a sense of calm and clarity in your daily life.
Why Headspace is the top mindfulness app for mental well-being:
– Guided meditations for various situations, such as stress, sleep, and anxiety
– Bite-sized mindfulness exercises that can be incorporated into your daily routine
– Sleepcasts and music tracks to promote relaxation and better sleep
– Mindful movement exercises, such as walking or stretching, to bring mindfulness into your everyday activities
– Integration with other wellness apps for a holistic approach to self-care
9. Best Weightlifting App for Strength Training
If you’re into weightlifting and strength training, the StrongLifts 5×5 app is a game-changer.
This app follows the popular 5×5 training program, which focuses on compound exercises and progressive overload to build strength and muscle.
With its simple interface and built-in workout tracker, StrongLifts 5×5 makes it easy to stay on track and see results.
Why StrongLifts 5×5 is the best weightlifting app for strength training:
– 5×5 training program that focuses on compound exercises for maximum strength gains
– Built-in workout tracker to log your lifts and track your progress over time
– Warm-up and rest timer to ensure proper technique and recovery between sets
– Plate calculator to help you load the correct weights on the barbell
– Integration with fitness apps to provide a comprehensive view of your training
10. Top Fitness App for Overall Wellness
For those looking for a comprehensive fitness app that covers all aspects of wellness, look no further than MyFitnessPal.
This app allows you to track your workouts, monitor your nutrition, set goals, and connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
With its extensive features and user-friendly interface, MyFitnessPal is the ultimate tool for achieving and maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Why MyFitnessPal is the top fitness app for overall wellness:
– Comprehensive tracking of workouts, nutrition, and weight management
– Extensive food database with accurate nutritional information
– Personalized goals and recommendations based on your individual needs
– Community support and motivation through challenges and forums
– Integration with other fitness apps and devices for seamless data syncing
One of the biggest problems there is with losing weight isn’t dieting or exercise, it’s hormones. Hormones control pretty much everything in your body. This includes the way you body processes and handles food. If you don’t have the right hormonal balance then your body doesn’t break up fat properly, leaving you with more fatty deposits.
The foods that we eat today have had a big impact on our hormonal levels. That’s why there are people who swear by all natural diets. These things work too. But not necessarily because they’re a good diet. It’s because the people on them take in the right levels of food to fix their hormones. Fatty foods especially have these very bad hormones in them as well as processed food.
The Organifi Philosophy and Review
Organifi green juice is a product put together by Drew Canole. It works to correct this hormonal imbalance caused by the wrong foods. It restarts your body and makes your new diet more effective, and makes your current diet less damaging. It works to reduce the amount of fat creating hormones and, at the same time, unleash more of the fat burning hormones. The more of those hormones the better.
About Drew Canole
Drew Canole helped change a lot of lives with his work with FitLife but he always wanted to do more. There are people who don’t have the time or the energy to dedicate themselves to a big diet or exercise plan. They need something simpler. At first that sounds silly; everyone wants some easy solution. A solution that doesn’t exist. But Drew tried his best anyway.
Drew and his team set out to try and find as many nutrients they could that contribute to health. They scoured pretty much the entire world trying to find this information. After a long time came a list of eleven foods, herbs, and supplements that contribute to a healthy body. It still wasn’t enough though. These ingredients are spread out across the world and he wanted something more convenient than that. That’s when he came up with Organifi.
How Exactly Does Organifi Work?
Organifi green juice takes these eleven ingredients and puts them in a great tasting drink that boosts your metabolism and powers up your body. All you need to know how to do is stir a spoon. That’s all it takes to make Organifi. All of the ingredients work together to boost your energy, metabolism, and fat burning. There are three main ways that it works.
The first step in losing weight is lowering stress. Stress is a major factor in weight loss that almost everyone ignores. See when you get stressed your body releases a hormone called Cortisol. Cortisol is good for getting rid of stress but it’s very, very bad for getting rid of fat. It brings your metabolism to a standstill. The first thing that Organifi green juice does is lower your stress levels and bring down the Cortisol levels in your body.
The second step is to clean up those nasty toxins polluting your body. How bad they are for your body isn’t completely known but one thing about them that is true is that they make it difficult for you to lose weight. That’s why people regularly detox themselves. Organifi also detoxes you and helps clean your body of toxins before it cleans it of fat.
The final step is restoring the balance of hormones in your body. The processed food we eat these days is packed full of estrogen. Estrogen is fine and dandy in small doses. It’s the main female hormone after all. But one thing it does is cause your body to go out of whack. Hormone imbalances make your entire body slow down. It brings down everything. Organifi gets rid of the excess estrogen and brings in positive hormones to replace it.
Inside the Organifi Green Juice
One of the main ingredients in Organifi powder is a herb known as Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is a little-known herb that lowers the amount of Cortisol in your body and helps trigger fat burning in your body. On top of that it works differently to other destressers. Most things that calm you down also sedate you. Ashwagandha destresses you without taking away your energy. It helps you sleep better at night and overall just improves the health of your body. And Ashwagandha is just one of eleven ingredients. The other ten work just as well.
There’s no need to spend a lot of money on a juicer or on hard to find herbs and ingredients either. No need to trawl the vegetable aisle at your store and hoping to find all this stuff. When you buy Organifi green juice you aren’t sent a recipe to follow, you’re sent Organifi powder. All you need to do is mix it with some water. Stirring a spoon is all it takes.
Everything that goes into Organifi is completely natural and organic. It’s free of pesticides and other nasty things that damage your body. It’s certified organic by the USDA. It also helps boost your brain as well as your body. Balancing these hormones improve the look of your skin and provides a healthy boost to your immune system.
Discover 4 homemade recipes that use apple cider vinegar to improve skin and hair
If you are part of the group of women who love homemade recipes for beauty, know that the new discovery of a single product from your pantry can help improve the appearance of your skin and hair.
Apple cider vinegar is more suitable than the others, as it contains properties of the fruit such as vitamins and antioxidants. In addition, in the composition of vinegar we have anti-inflammatory and anti fungal properties that help to balance the pH of the skin and scalp.
It is important that the person is not allergic to the product and that they follow the recipes correctly. Dermatologists and capillary specialists confirm that vinegar contains properties that aid in hair and skin treatments.
Here are four tips where vinegar is used and indicated to improve the appearance of skin and hair:
1 – Shinier hair
Many women wash their hair inappropriately. Whoever washes their hair too much or does not remove excess product correctly, runs the risk of having lifeless and oily-looking hair more quickly. The recipe is easy and practical: add four drops of vinegar to 200 ml of ice water. After washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner, always removing excess product correctly, apply the solution of water with vinegar on all hair, including scalp. There is no need to rinse the product.
2 – Cleaning the scalp
Vinegar contains antifungal actions that help prevent and treat common diseases that affect our scalp such as dandruff and scaling. Experts recommend that you have your own shampoo at home to treat this type of fungi.
3 – Deep cleansing of the face
Vinegar contains properties that balance the pH and help cleanse the skin. It acts as a natural astringent. Just mix the equivalent of half a glass of filtered water, about 100 ml, with the same amount of vinegar and leave in the refrigerator. Apply the solution after washing your face with the specific soap using cotton. With your skin ready, just use your usual fire hydrant and don’t forget the sunscreen. This solution can be used every day as a daily tonic.
4 – Smooth and hydrated skin
Because of its acidity, vinegar has the action of closing the pores of the skin keeping it hydrated and smooth for longer. The recipe is easy, you only need half a cup of vinegar mixed with your daily body hydrant. Apply every time you get out of the shower or feel the need. The skin’s shine and hydration are instantaneous.
Probiotics has become a new “buzzword” in the world of medicinal and alternative health. It has spurred numerous studies and researches to test the safety and efficacy of these probiotic strains. There are a myriad of valid reason as to why the world has taken on a keen interest in the health benefits of probiotics.
Tips for Choosing Probiotics
Since time immemorial, our body has coexisted with a bevy of bacteria and micro-organisms. They can be situated in our intestinal linings, stomach and on our skin. Among these multitude of bacteria exists one that lends valuable benefits to our body. Probiotics are live micro-organisms that help our immunity to combat harmful pathogens and assists in the proper absorption and assimilation of the nutrients we take in. As every person’s natural bacteria composition vary, the right activity between these beneficial bacteria and our body is essential to promote good health.
As these probiotics are becoming more of a staple in the people’s regular diet, doctors as well as skeptics warn us of the possible probiotics side effects and risks that may be brought about by these bacteria. Some of the reported untoward effects include rashes, pimples, bloating, and muscle spasms. Though they are very rare and mild, if these symptoms persist, it is better to immediately seek professional help.
However, the benefits we get from healthy bacteria far outweigh the side effects that may be experienced. To effectively enjoy the benefits and rewards from these friendly bacteria, education is a must. We should learn the most we can on both its advantages and disadvantages, seek the help of a health care professional to help you know more about probiotics. Keep in mind that everyone is unique and your body may not react the same way as others do. Here are some tips to help you choose the right strains of probiotics for you.
Consider your Health Needs
As there are a great number of strains available, some strains may be more suited to what your body needs, if you suffer from constipation, then a probiotic drink may do the trick, if you suffer from serious illnesses however, then a more potent dosage of probiotics may be required.
Look for Scientific Backing
As more studies are conducted on these strains, be careful to choose those that have been scientifically proven safe and effective. For example, a probiotic strain found in kefir has been proven to help the digestive system and boost immunity as well as provide alternative hangover cure while saccharomyces boulardil has been proven effective in managing chron’s disease.
Assess your Lifestyle
Depending on your lifestyle, you may either take them as food or as supplements. If you are on the road most of the time, then choose a probiotic supplement that can easily be stored and transported at varying temperatures.
Could Testo Fuel Be The Ultimate Testosterone Booster ? We Think So…
As keen sportsmen and gym goers, we have tried many popular sports and body building supplements over the years.
One of our favourite forms of supplementation are Testosterone Boosters, and over the years we have sampled the effects of many of the more popular brands and some not so common.
TestoFuel Review –
We came across Testo Fuel last summer…its a naturally formulated Testosterone booster originally developed in the UK by sports supplement company Stacked Brands.
From the first glance we just felt that this was something a bit better than the norm, just one look at the ingredient profile showed that the makers had made a massive effort to blend together many of the most powerful and sought after testosterone boosting ingredients available.
They have certainly succeeded ( in our opinion) with their impressive formula which reads as follows:
They have blended ZMA with massive doses of Vitamin D and D-Aspartic Acid – both highly publicised and officially proven testosterone boosting ingredients.
The added masterstroke is the inclusion of Oyster Extract – this is relatively unused in Testosterone Boosters, which surprises us – Oyster is many times higher in Zinc content than the finest lean Beef Steak – Zinc is a crucial component in the development of testosterone.
Taking Testo Fuel
Dosing is simple, you take 4 capsules a day ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner And Bedtime).
There is no need to cycle, Testo Fuel told us that you can take the product without the need for cycling or taking rest periods for as long as you wish.
There is no aftertaste, or any of those unpleasant side effects that you can get with some boosters.
Our Results
When we started taking Testo Fuel neither of us felt any effects or changes for a week – 10 days or so, but then gradually and steadily, we both started feeling much stronger, our muscle definition started to change and as for our workouts….. in one week my bench went from 95 to 110lbs – I have never experienced a gain like that EVER..
Another thing that we both noticed was a very welcome spike in sex drive ( Thanks Testo Fuel!!)
Guaranteed
Another Plus Point is the fact that TestoFuel are the only booster that we have ever come across that is sold with a full 90 Day cash back guarantee – simply put if you buy and use Testo Fuel as directed and fail to see any gains, the makers will give you a full refund – without question..
Just like there are different skin types and blood types, hair experts have also classified hair into different types to make it easier for people to determine how should take care of their own hair. Although all hair consists of the cuticle layer and the cortex layer, textures and structure’s res can largely differ from one type of hair to another. Different hair types require different levels and techniques of care for the hair to stay healthy and look great at all times. For example, while one hair type will benefit from products that reduce oil, another hair type will be damaged if the same products are used on it. This is one of the major reasons why determining your own hair type is such an essential part of maintaining healthy, beautiful and damage-free hair. The same rules apply if you’re wearing a weave as well!
The 12 Different Hair Types
A total of 12 hair types have been identified, and every person’s hair can be classified into one of these categories. There are four primary types of hair that have been identified, and each of these types has three sub categories that also tell important details. After classifying your own hair type into one of these categories, you will be able to determine what type of products to use on your hair, what accessories are safe to use, and whether or not using certain styling equipment is appropriate for your hair.
Straight Hair
The first hair type is known as type one. This is straight hair that does not naturally curl when air dried. Straight hair, or type one hair, can be classified into three sub categories, based on the specific characteristics it possesses:
1A – This hair type is usually thin and soft. It possesses a shine and the hair is generally very fine.
1B – This hair type has a medium texture. It also possesses a higher level of body when compared to type 1A.
1C – While this is also a straight hair type, it is coarser than the other type one hair. This hair type is considered to be more difficult to style in curls when compared to type 1A and 1B.
Interesting fact:
Since type one hair is very straight and does not have any type of curls, the sebum that is expelled from the scalp travels towards the end of hair strands. This means that type one hair is oilier than other hair types. This is why people with this type of hair tend to use products that contain ingredients that reduce oil on the scalp, instead of products that add additional oils and moisture.
Type two hair is wavy, but does not curl naturally. This hair type is less oily than type one hair, but it is not dry either. Type two hair, or wavy hair, can also be sub categorized:
2A – Type 2A hair is usually easy to deal with, and it can be easily styled. The hair can be styled straight or curls can be added, depending on the person’s preferences. People with this hair type generally complain that their strands are thin.
2B – This type of hair is characterized by waves that start from the head, but the waves do not appear as curls.
2C – This hair type is somewhat coarse and people find that it frizzes quickly.
Curly Hair
Type three hair has a curly texture. This hair type is less oily than the first two types of hair. People often associate the curls that people with type three hair have with the letter “S”. The three sub categories of curly hair include:
3A – This type of hair has loose curls.
3B – This type of hair has more curls than 3A. In some parts of the head, the curls may be ringlets, and in other parts formed like corkscrews.
3C – A thicker version of curly hair that is somewhat more difficult to manage than 3A and 3B.
Kinky Hair Type
Kinky hair is most common in African Americans. This type of hair is known as type four and it include tight coils. Kinky hair is usually very fragile and seems to be “wiry”. The three sub categories of this hair type include:
4A – This type of hair includes a lot of coils that seem to be very tight. When stretched, the curls will look similar to type three hair, forming an “S” shape.
4B – The curls in 4B hair are less defined than 4A’s curls, and the hair rather forms the letter “Z” when stretched.
4C – People often find that 4C hair type is very difficult to manage as it becomes dry rather easily. Hair is thicker than with 4A and 4B, and the curls are even less defined. The letter “Z” is also represented when this type of hair is stretched.
Interesting Fact:
Unlike straight hair, the tight curls that form in type four hair causes sebum to only reach a few inches down the hair strands. This means that type four is the driest type of hair, and that’s why it is treated with moisturizing products instead of products that reduce oil.
Conclusion – Hair Type
While hair types may seem straightforward, determining your own hair type can be a difficult task. Yet, it is still an essential step to take in order to properly care for your natural hair and keep it looking at its best all the time. Instead of studying each individual hair type thoroughly to determine where your hair should be categorized, you can save time and take a hair types quiz. Simply answer a few questions and you’ll be presented with your hair type.
The ketogenic diet (often abbreviated as “keto”) is a nutritious diet that, according to almost two dozen studies, can improve your health, your weight loss, and your quality of life. This diet, through its prioritization of low carb intake and high fat intake, may prove beneficial for conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer.
This beginners’ guide will take you through what the keto diet is, how it works, the health benefits it can have, and other frequently asked questions you may have had about keto.
What Is a Ketogenic Diet?
Ketogenic diets are high-fat and low-carb in nature, and can be compared in many ways to the Atkins diet or other low-carb diets. The idea behind keto is that, by lowering your carb intake and replacing it with fat, your body will be put into a changed metabolic state referred to as ketosis. Ketosis makes your body much more apt at burning fat in order to have more energy. This process also turns fat into ketones, which can supplement additional energy to the brain for both physical and mental health benefits. Some of the benefits of ketogenic diets include significant decreases in blood sugar and insulin levels, as well as increased ketones.
Several different varieties of the ketogenic diet exist and include:
The standard ketogenic diet (SKD): This diet, which will be the basis for most of the information in this article, is a very low-carb diet with moderate protein and high fat intakes. The proportions of each come out t0 5% carbs, 20% protein, and 75% fat.
The cyclical ketogenic diet (CKD): Unlike the SKD, this diet incorporates limited periods of higher carb intake, i.e. your meal plan may have 5 days on keto and 2 days with high carb intake.
The targeted ketogenic diet (TKD): This variety of the ketogenic diet is built around your exercise routine and schedules your carb intake around fueling your workouts.
The high-protein ketogenic diet: This variation on the standard ketogenic diet is similar to the SKD, but the fat intake is lowered in order to incorporate more protein. The ratio most often used is 5% carbs, 35% protein, and 60% fat.
Of these variations of the ketogenic diet, only the standard and high-protein variation have undergone extensive enough study to prove their effectiveness. Cyclical and targeted ketogenic diets are meal plans that are much more intricate and advanced, and due to the emphasis on exercise involved, are recommended for athletes and bodybuilders. For most people interested in the ketogenic diet, the standard ketogenic diet is the most thoroughly-researched and recommended.
Ketogenic Diets Can Help You Lose Weight
Ketogenic diets have been shown to be effective methods of weight loss and lowering factors of risk for various diseases. As a matter of fact, this diet has shown more success in these area than the often-recommended low-fat diet. Better still, a ketogenic diet allows you to stay full and lose weight without logging meals or calorie intake and still getting the nutrition you need.
In one study, subjects on a ketogenic diet lost 2.2 times more weight than those on a low-fat diet with calorie restrictions. Triglycerides and HDL cholesterol levels also showed significant improvement. In another study that compared the ketogenic diet to a diet recommended by Diabetes UK, subjects on keto lost 3 times more weight than those on the recommended diet.
Several factors contribute to the results keto provides over a low-fat diet, including increased protein consumption, which on its own provides many benefits. Increased ketone levels, lower blood sugar, and improved insulin sensitivity may also be important factors. In summary, a ketogenic diet can aid in weight loss much more effectively than a standard low-fat, calorie-restricted diet without leaving you hungry.
Ketogenic Diets for Diabetes and Prediabetes
Diabetes is a condition characterized by metabolic changes, high blood sugar, and impairments to the proper functioning of insulin in the body. Studies have shown that a ketogenic diet can help you lose excess fat, which is very closely linked to the development of type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetic conditions, and metabolic syndrome.
In one study, the ketogenic diet improved insulin sensitivity by as much as 75%. Another study of subjects with type 2 diabetes found that 7 of 21 people surveyed were able to stop using all diabetes medications after switching to keto. A third study showed that the ketogenic diet group lost 24.4 pounds on average compared to the 15.2-pound average of the group with higher carb consumption. In addition, 95.2 of the people eating a ketogenic diet were able to stop or reduce their diabetes medication compared to 62% of the higher-carb group. Considering the links between weight and type 2 diabetes, this is a huge breakthrough that shows the effectiveness of keto compared to higher-carb, lower-fat diets.
The ketogenic diet can encourage both fat loss and insulin sensitivity, which leads to dramatic health improvements in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Other Health Benefits of Keto
Studies have shown that, despite the ketogenic diet’s origins as a means for treating neurological conditions such as epilepsy, it is actually a diet that can provide benefits and improvement of risk factors for a broad swathe of conditions, including:
Heart disease: A ketogenic diet can improve risk factors for heart disease such as HDL cholesterol levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, and body fat.
Cancer: Keto is currently being used for slowing tumor growth in and treating several types of cancer.
Alzheimer’s disease: A ketogenic diet shows signs of slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease as well as reducing symptoms associated with it.
Epilepsy: Through research, a keto diet has been shown to provide significant reductions in seizures in children with epilepsy.
Parkinson’s disease: One study so far has found that a ketogenic diet can improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Supplements for a Ketogenic Diet
While no supplements are required for a ketogenic diet to be successful, some supplements can help aid in your nutrition and increase the results from ketosis. Here are some particularly useful supplements to keep in mind:
MCT Oil: MCT oil is an energy-providing supplement added to drinks or yogurt that can increase ketone levels and is easily made available on sites like Amazon.
Minerals: Minerals such as salt can be vital when beginning on a ketogenic diet due to changes in both mineral and water balance in the diet.
Caffeine: Caffeine has many proven benefits, including energy and performance boosts as well as fat loss.
Exogenous ketones: This is another supplement that can improve ketone levels.
Having the ability to sit and have the mental focus to accomplish the task at hand can be a difficult task for many. Whether you are studying for your college finals or trying to finish a project on a deadline, we all want the ability to shut out all distractions and focus on the task at hand.
Often times that is much easier said than done. With cell phones, TVs, Facebook, and co-workers to distract us it is very easy to lose the ability to focus and get distracted.
When I worked in a office it used to happen to me all the time. I’d be trying to finish a report when I’d hear my co-workers talking about plans for the weekend, or their kid’s birthday parties. Sometimes it would feel like it was nearly impossible to block out distractions.
In college I used to study in the quietest part of the library so that I could have no distractions. If I knew now what I do about mental focus supplements I could have probably done things different.
My Focus Factor Review
Focus Factor is a mental focus supplement that helps the brain function more effectively. Some of these companies make claims that are unrealistic. However, from my research Focus Factor reviews online have given the product considerable recognition as a quality product. Factor Nutrition Labs, LLC is the company behind Focus Factor.
Focus Factor is one of the more affordable mental supplements available. You can buy Focus Factor online from a number of different online retailers.
You should always ease your way into trying a new supplement. Focus Factor side effects may occur in a person whether they follow the recommended dosage. I would never encourage anyone to take more than recommended dose of any mental focus supplements. Until you’ve eased your way into a product you never quite know what it will affect you. Supplements can be helpful in aiding with specific issues, but cannot not always solve an underlying health problem.
Focus Factor Ingredients Are Designed For Increased Mental Focus
The list on the back of the bottle for this product is fairly long. Some Focus Factor reviews mention that this product may not include some of the more power ingredients available for focus. Very important to follow dosage instructions and try the product out, if you have to take more pills that recommended try out another mental focus supplement. Each supplement is designed a little different so find a mental focus supplement right for you.
The ingredients in Focus Factor are a mixture of vitamins, minerals and Focus Factor’s proprietary formula. Check out our full focus factor review of ingredients in this top mental focus supplement.
Where to buy Focus Factor?
Buying Focus Factor online is pretty easy. A number of e-commerce stores have Focus Factor readily available to ship to your doorstep. Most companies offer a return process, so you don’t have to stress out about buying a product online.
If this Focus Factor review didn’t convince you this is a supplement you’re interested, click here and find out more about Focus Factor.
