Hair Loss Issues and Medications

Being vain in today’s generation is an accepted norm and with the existence of everything which helps us achieve our better self, the world is conceived to offer all the solutions for every problem.

One of the most embarrassing moments in one’s life which many people do experience but are afraid to admit is hair loss. Admit it or not, with a lot of emerging products from hair coloring to achieving the perfect curl, we knowingly damage our hair for the sake of beauty. Fortunately, we have existing solutions for this issue as well.

According to a study conducted by the Peterson Group, an online community dedicated to know the real effects of Complementary, Alternative and Integrative medicines in the new generation’s health and lifestyle, there are various choices available to prevent hair loss. Treatments can range from medications, surgery, laser therapy, wigs and hairpieces. Physicians may suggest combination of one or two method in order to get the best results.

It is important to know the cause of your hair loss to prevent any complications. If your hair loss is caused by a certain internal disease, a treatment may be needed. This will include drugs to reduce inflammation and suppress your immune system. Warning signs should be watched out for. Only your legitimate doctor can treat it properly for you.

Medications are available to treat pattern baldness. Two medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hair loss are:

1.            Minoxidil (Rogaine). Minoxidil is an over-the-counter liquid or foam that you rub into your scalp twice a day to grow hair and to prevent further hair loss. It may be used by men and women. With this treatment, some people experience hair regrowth, a slower rate of hair loss or both. The effect peaks at 16 weeks and you need to keep applying the medication to retain benefits. This medication is not allowed to be imported to some countries including Singapore, Jakarta, Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Possible side effects include scalp irritation, unwanted hair growth on the adjacent skin of the face and hands, and rapid heart rate (tachycardia).

2.            Finasteride (Propecia). This prescription drug is available only to men. It's taken daily in pill form. Many men taking finasteride experience a slowing of hair loss, and some may show some new hair growth. You need to keep taking it to retain benefits.

Rare side effects of finasteride include diminished sex drive and sexual function and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Women who are or may be pregnant need to avoid touching crushed or broken tablets.

There are cases of deaths due to adverse effects of drugs taken without any prescription from the doctor and we would like our readers to be informed of the possible outcome when you continue taking medications which you have little knowledge of. Please review your options cautiously and consult your doctor when side effects occur.

Supplements for Athletes

Physical fitness and good health is very important for athlete. Each athlete has his own goals and body to take care of. There is a special training program and nutrition plan from which each supplement is being weighed and estimated, each food reviewed. Everyone has to have an edge of a healthier lifestyle than others.

The Peterson Group, an online community aiming for to create awareness on the real effects of alternative, complementary and integrative medicines, has athletes registered as members. We ask them what supplements they are taking and how sure they are on its effectiveness. We have gathered their answers and here are the results of the survey:

Caffeine for Endurance

Caffeine has given an edge to tennis players, cyclists, soccer players, runners, rowers, and others in scientific studies. In some trials, the stimulant boosted athletes’ speed. In others, it helped them last longer before they spent all their energy. Some studies show that caffeine can curb soreness after exercise, too. This kind of nutrient cannot only be found in coffee. You can take in caffeine through energy drinks and shots, tablets, chewing gum, sport gels and sprays. A little warning from our athlete friends though, each individual has special caffeine needs so you must first read the label before taking it.

Creatine

Experts consider creatine safe for healthy people, such as athletes. Some people take a higher dose for the first week -- about four servings of 5 grams each per day -- to “load” their muscles with the supplement. Then they drop to a “maintenance” dose of about 2 grams per day.

Beta-Alanine for Burning Muscles

Athletes take beta-alanine in a capsule or a drink powder to curb that burn so they can push through the exercise. A cyclist states that he take beta-alanine for 4 weeks which is backed up by some studies conducted in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Ergogenic Drugs

Ergogenic drugs are substances that are used to enhance athletic performance. These drugs include illicit substances as well as compounds that are marketed as nutritional supplements. Many such drugs have been used widely by professional and elite athletes for several decades. In recent years, research indicates that younger athletes are increasingly experimenting with these drugs to improve both appearance and athletic abilities.

In the United States, they have released the Athlete Guide to the 2015 Prohibited List just recently. The list is intended to provide practical guide on the detailed information regarding how prohibited drugs can affect an athlete.

CAM Review: 5-HTP

With a lot of CAM and Integrative Medicines lurking in the market today, you just might not know you are already purchasing one. But because of the desire for illness to get cured, trials are made to those medicines which are said to heal even without scientific bases. From this, labs and medical practitioners identify medicines even without doing a clinical testing but mainly on observations of what a certain herb or supplement can do to a person.

The Peterson Group, an online community with an aim to identify the real effects of Contemporary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Integrative medicines to be able to determine its importance to the society. One supplement that was to our attention is 5-hydroxytriptan, better known as 5-HTP which is being used by some people in an effort to support their mental health and immune system.

5-HTP has been used for a variety of conditions including anxiety, various sleep disorders, hyperactivity disorders, cerebellar ataxia, depression, primary fibromyalgia syndrome, and migraines. This type of CAM is mostly used in developing cities like Jakarta, Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Bangkok, Thailand.

However, medicinal use of 5-HTP has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and much of the information available regarding 5-HTP's use is anecdotal and not supported by research. FDA fears that the supplement is one of the products manufactured by fraudulent importers who take advantage of the mainstream demand of the product and its price.

It's also important to note that not all of the research available on 5-HTP includes studies done in humans, and more research is needed to determine if 5-HTP is a safe or effective supplement. Although FDA and the authorities have not done any arrest on the illegal exchange of 5-HTP, they never lack warning individuals on the possibility of scam.

For what it’s worth, 5-HTP is said to have the following effects:

• 5-HTP and Weight Loss - Some studies show that 5-HTP appears to help support weight loss by causing a decrease in appetite.

• 5-HTP and Anxiety - Given the fact that 5-HTP is a building block or precursor to the mood-enhancing chemical serotonin, scientists have explored the potential benefit of 5-HTP in lowering anxiety.

• 5-HTP and Depression - Because of serotonin's known benefit in treating depression, 5-HTP is thought to possibly play a beneficial role in alleviating the symptoms of depression.

Human Growth Hormones

In every continent and every nation, each culture has their own pride and their own insecurities. Americans may want to get some tan like many Asians. Being Asian, however, may have a lot of insecurities than any others. One of the most known complex of Asians especially those living in, let’s say, Cambodia, the Philippines or Indonesia is height.

The average height of a typical South East Asian male is 163 cm. Asian people that stand 175cm. and above are mostly from South Asia where records of tallest men and women are reported to come from. Because of this, many Asians are tagged as “midgets” or “little people” which, of course, can hurt anyone’s pride.

According to a study of The Peterson Group, an online community which has an aim to bring awareness to the real effects of Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicines, a supplement has been discovered to increase the usual growth of an individual.

Products which are said to contain Human Growth Hormone (HGH) have been patronized by those who are not that blessed when it comes to height. However, experts say that hope is unfounded. And worse, these products can be harmful as most are products of fraudulent acts without any aim to help you grow but to make money out of the great desire to be taller than what is supposed to. A teenager in Jakarta, Indonesia was even reported to be hospitalized and it was later found out that he has taken height increasing supplements which is believed to contain HGH, only, it was a scam.

HGH, produced by the pituitary gland, spurs growth in children and adolescents. It also helps to regulate body composition, body fluids, muscle and bone growth, sugar and fat metabolism, and possibly heart function. Produced synthetically, HGH is the active ingredient in a number of prescription drugs and in other products available widely over the Internet.

HGH Uses and Abuses

In a review, synthetic human growth hormone was developed in 1985 and approved by the FDA for specific uses in children and adults. In children, HGH injections are approved for treating short stature of unknown cause as well as poor growth due to a number of medical causes, including:

• Turner's syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects a girl's development

• Prader-Willi syndrome, an uncommon genetic disorder causing poor muscle tone, low levels of sex hormones, and a constant feeling of hunger

• Chronic kidney insufficiency

• HGH deficiency or insufficiency

• Children born small for gestational age

In adults, approved uses of HGH include:

• Short bowel syndrome, a condition in which nutrients are not properly absorbed due to severe intestinal disease or the surgical removal of a large portion of the small intestine

• HGH deficiency due to rare pituitary tumors or their treatment

• Muscle-wasting disease associated with HIV/AIDS

But the most common uses for HGH are not FDA-approved. Some people use the hormone, along with other performance-enhancing drugs such as anabolic steroids in an attempt to build muscle and improve athletic performance. Yet HGH's effect on athletic performance is unknown.

Supplements for Weight Loss

There are more than thousands of supplements emerging in the market today. And there are a lot of people depending on supplements for their daily wellness. Despite government’s warnings on the possible effects of using supplements and other complementary, alternative and integrative medicines, the greater public has tried different CAM especially for existing problems of weight loss.

There isn't a lot of science backing up the claims, and some have health risks. A doctor’s prescription is best to rely on before taking any medications or herbs. Also, Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has cracked down on some weight loss supplements that had prescription drugs in them that weren't noted on the label. You can't always tell what you're getting.

The FDA does regulate dietary supplements, but it treats them like foods rather than medications. Unlike drug manufacturers, the makers of supplements don’t have to show their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market.

The Peterson Group, a non-profit organization bringing awareness on the effects of non-scientific based and herbal medicines which are being patronized by a lot of people from all over the world, has found some common ingredients found in over-the-counter supplements and remedies for weight loss.

1. Chitosan

This is a sugar that comes from the hard outer layers of lobsters, crabs, and shrimp. It’s said to block the absorption of fats and cholesterol.

The reviews on whether it works for weight loss are mixed. Doses from 1 to 5 grams have been studied.

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database says there is “insufficient reliable evidence to rate” chitosan for weight loss. Some studies show it may help, and others show it doesn’t. And many of the studies aren’t very good. Still, cities like Jakarta, Indonesia, Taipei, Taiwan and Singapore are continuously promoting the use of chitosan with their drugs and food.

2. Chromium Picolinate

Chromium is a mineral that enhances the action of insulin, a hormone critical to metabolism. Your body also needs it to store carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

There are claims that chromium supplements can:

• lower appetite

• help burn more calories

• cut body fat

• boost muscle mass

But one review of 24 studies examining the effects of 200 to 1,000 micrograms (mcg) of chromium a day found no significant benefits. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database says that chromium is "possibly ineffective" for weight loss.

Rarely, chromium supplements can cause side effects such as:

• insomnia 

• irritability 

• headache

Also, at least three people have developed kidney and liver damage when taking chromium. People with either kidney or liver problems should not take it.

3. Beta Glucan

A concentrated soluble fiber derived from yeasts, mushrooms, and algae, beta-glucans come in many forms but all have the effect of lowering cholesterol with the additional benefits of weight loss and helping control diabetes.

CAM also dominates Cancer Fight

The treatment for cancer has been developed ever since its discovery. Thousands of victims have lost their lives because of the lack of solution despite billions of dollars invested for the elimination of this killer illness. In frustration, many people with cancer and families of these victims result to anything that can help them including complementary and alternative treatments. If cancer makes you feel as if you have little control over your health, alternative cancer treatments may offer some feeling of control. But many alternative cancer treatments are unproved and some may even be dangerous.

To help you sort out the real treatments from scam CAMS, The Peterson Group, a non-profit organization with an aim to deliver awareness on the real effects of CAM, prepared these alternative cancer treatments that are experts on the field claim. There is also a growing evidence that these treatments may provide some benefits:

1.       Acupuncture

Reviews show acupuncture may be helpful in relieving nausea caused by chemotherapy. Acupuncture may also help relieve certain types of pain in people with cancer. This process is widespread not only in China where it originated but to its neighboring countries as well from the Buddhist country of Thailand, Islam country of Indonesia where reports show increasing practice in Jakarta to the liberal states in United States.

2.       Aromatherapy

People with cancer that is estrogen sensitive, such as some breast cancers, should avoid applying large amounts of lavender oil and tea tree oil to the skin.

3.       Exercise

Exercise may help you manage signs and symptoms during and after cancer treatment. Gentle exercise may help relieve fatigue and stress and help you sleep better. Many studies now show that an exercise program may help people with cancer live longer and improve their overall quality of life.

4.       Hypnosis

Hypnosis may be helpful for people with cancer who are experiencing anxiety, pain and stress. It may also help prevent anticipatory nausea and vomiting that can occur if chemotherapy has made you sick in the past. When performed by a certified therapist, hypnosis is safe. But tell your therapist if you have a history of mental illness.

5.       Massage

Massage can be safe if you work with a knowledgeable massage therapist. Many cancer centers have massage therapists on staff, or your doctor can refer you to a massage therapist who regularly works with people who have cancer.

Glutathione: An Anti-Oxidant and Whitening Trend

In Asia, reports of the rampant usage of said “whitening” pill and products that have contents of glutathione, a small protein composed of: cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine – amino acids involved in the detoxification process of the body, thus strengthening the immune system. It is among the top nutrients needed by the body to maintain good health, prevent disease and delay the skin’s ageing process.

In Jakarta, Indonesia and India, a lot of people, especially women are using products which claim to have glutathione. Before anything else though, The Peterson Group, a world-wide non-profit organization with an aim to identify both the negative and positive effects of alternative, integrative and complementary medicines, would like to introduce what Glutathione really is and its importance in our health.

In layman’s terms, glutathione is basically a naturally occurring substance that acts as an antioxidant, an immune system booster, and a detoxifier. It is something that can help your body repair damage caused by stress, pollution, radiation, infection, drugs, poor diet, aging, injury, trauma, and burns.

A handful of researchers are saying the antioxidant glutathione can do all that and maybe more.

Antioxidants -- the most well known of which are vitamins C and E -- are important for good health because they neutralize free radicals, which can build up in cells and cause damage. Because glutathione exists within the cells, it is in a prime position to neutralize free radicals. It also has potentially widespread health benefits because it can be found in all types of cells, including the cells of the immune system, whose job is to fight disease.

Further reviews on its effects show that glutathione is also associated with skin whitening. It is known to help remove dark spots and blemishes, prevents wound scars and outbreak of pimples, and delay formation of wrinkles and age lines.

Glutathione injections were one of the big time news from the media. It was reported later though that there are fraudulent sellers of products which claims to have high dosage of glutathione within it. Fraud people also act as doctors in injecting chemicals which they claim as glutathione for such a low price to the public. After subsequent use of these chemicals, serious side effects and fatal complications were reported. So what’s the culprit? Definitely the fake and the sub-standard ones! Also, FDA has warned the community that Glutathione injections are not an approved skin whitening products. Therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to take caution when using these chemicals. You’ll never know, your dream of achieving a luminous skin may end up to a scary result.

Understanding Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is known all around the region for its different names. It may be Tylenol in Jakarta, Indonesia or Paracetamol in the Philippines. You have probably taken acetaminophen at one time or another for fever or pain relief.

When used as directed, taking acetaminophen is generally safe and effective. But it can be harmful if it’s not taken correctly. The Peterson Group, a non-profit organization bringing awareness to the public on the effects of Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicines has taken the step to further review this over-the-county drug, which according to many is one of the thousand placebo medicines in the market.

Benefits

Acetaminophen is the most commonly used medicine for pain relief in the United States. For most people, when used as directed, it safely reduces fever and relieves many kinds of mild to moderate pain -- from backaches, headaches, and sprains to arthritis and menstrual cramps. And when it’s taken correctly, side effects are rare.

Another benefit of acetaminophen is that it doesn’t cause stomach upset or heart problems -- both possible risks with the other major type of OTC pain relievers, called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Risks

When taken incorrectly, however, acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Specialists also gives out warning that this drug increases risk of liver damage if you drink more than three alcoholic drinks every day, take more than the recommended dose (overdose), or if you take any additional drugs that also contain acetaminophen at the same time.

How to Use Acetaminophen Safely

• For some health conditions, talk with your doctor first. Ask your doctor about taking acetaminophen if you have liver disease or have three or more alcoholic drinks a day. If you’re at higher risk for liver damage from acetaminophen -- even at the recommended dose -- your doctor may advise you not to take it.

• Take it as directed. Take acetaminophen as instructed on the Drug Facts label or follow your doctor’s instructions very carefully. Don't take it for longer than 10 days without checking with your doctor.

• Make sure to use the correct dosage. Don’t take more acetaminophen than directed or take it more often than directed. Taking more than recommended can damage your liver -- and won’t provide any more pain relief.

• Don’t take other medications with acetaminophen. Read labels carefully so you don’t take more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time. Acetaminophen is an active ingredient in more than 600 different OTC and prescription medicines, including pain medications, fever reducers, and cold and flu symptom remedies.