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7 Signs of Toxic Kidneys

September 8, 2017 by Chris Butler

Our kidneys are always at work. Day and night, they help eliminate toxins and waste products from the body. In addition to the key roles that kidneys plan in toxin and waste removal, they are also responsible for:

Regulating the amount of fluid within the body
Maintaining internal homeostasis (balance) is crucial to the health
Creating urine from by-products

Numerous kidney conditions affect different areas of the organ. Most situations do not impact the whole kidney and its structure. Instead, most disorders stem from problems with the renal artery and renal vein (the blood vessels to and from the kidney), tissues within the kidney, or the ureter, responsible for transferring urine from the kidney to the bladder.

Kidney disorders are unique in that their symptoms are very similar, if not the same. Here, we discuss the seven most common symptoms of kidney disorder.

Let’s go!

7 Signs of Unhealthy Kidneys

1. Irregular urine odor

Urine odor can vary from person to person. Much of this has to do with someone’s diet, level of hydration, physical activity level, or the temperature in their environment.

Most people have a sort of “musty ammonia odor” due to the trace amounts of urea in their urine. (Urea is an organic element essential to the process of urination.)

If a kidney malfunction is present, it’s common for urine to give off either a fishy or sweet smell. A change in urine odor can also occur from diabetes, liver disease, and even certain supplements.

2. Changes in urine color

In a healthy person, urine will have a pale yellow hue. Those who drink a lot of water may have lighter-colored or clear urine, both of which are normal. Dehydration may produce a dark yellow color, which is not necessarily dangerous but should remind you to drink more fluids.

Urine that is brown, black, orange, pink, or red is abnormal and could signal an underlying disorder or disease. Blood in the urine (hematuria) produces red to pink-colored urine – and should prompt us to visit a doctor to rule out a serious condition.

3. Visible changes in urine

Urine is composed of approximately 95 percent water. The other 5 percent are a mix of minerals, metabolized drugs, and other substances. The high water concentration usually produces clear to dark yellow urine depending on hydration levels.

When there are visible changes, such as pus or froth in urine, it is necessary to have a check-up. Excess protein in the urine may also signify a problem, but it isn’t always visible. Pus or saliva in the urine may result from an underlying infection.

4. Pain in the abdominal area

As the kidneys are situated in the abdominal cavity, wherein many other organs lie, it can be challenging to pinpoint the source of pain without a doctor’s help. However, kidney pain tends to be located around the edges of the abdomen and the back.

Despite popular belief, a burning sensation while urinating is usually not a kidney problem. Instead, it’s more likely to be a urinary tract infection or UTI. Of course, a UTI necessitates medical intervention and treatment.

5. Urine frequency

Typically, a healthy person will pass from approximately 16 to 100 ounces of water, depending on the water consumed. (It’s considered beneficial to be in the sixty to the hundred-ounce range.)

Kidney problems can produce excess or shortage of urine expelled. An oliguria condition will cause a person to make less than the average amount of urine. Polyuria is when a person expels more than 100 ounces of water daily. Again, water intake has a lot to do this. But sudden changes in urine frequency without altering fluid intake may cause concern.

6. Swelling, nausea, and shortness of breath

Swelling, especially of the legs, may surface as the kidneys cannot expel the average amounts of urine. This condition is more broadly described as “water retention.” Shortness of breath may occur as the blood’s pH levels are erratic, which burdens the respiratory system more. Nausea (a comprehensive symptom) may surface as byproducts accumulate in the bloodstream.

7. Other symptoms

As with many other vital organs, the kidney can produce seemingly unrelated symptoms. Some symptoms reported by medical professionals upon diagnosing a kidney condition include confusion, headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps, seizure, and skin discoloration.

Prevention and treatment

It is also important to mention that certain racial and ethnic groups are at a higher risk for kidney failure than others. Compared to Caucasians, the rate for African-Americans is nearly four times higher; Native Americans and Hispanics, 1.5 times higher, and Asians at 1.4 times higher.

The two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes (approx. 44%) and high blood pressure (28%). Per kidney.org, the top five ways to protect your kidneys are:

Eating healthier foods and having a well-balanced diet
Limiting salt and caffeine intake
Prioritizing rest (not overworking)
Regular exercise
Reduction of sugar and fat intake

Reducing stress whenever possible is the best preventative measure you can take, not just for preventing kidney disease but nearly every other adverse health condition.

Urinary strip tests may be purchased at certain pharmacies. Self-screening is a good idea to rule out the more severe kidney conditions, but it is still advisable to seek a professional opinion.

Treatment depends on whether the condition is acute (short-term) or chronic. A critical kidney condition may be due to many things, and a doctor must order tests to determine the appropriate treatment. Provided treatment is administered correctly. The recovery rate is high.

Chronic kidney conditions generally require dialysis or a transplant. Again, the earlier the situation is discovered, the better.

It is vital to have a comprehensive physical done every year. If you should identify with any of the above-mentioned symptoms, please seek the advice of a medical professional.

10 Ways to Have Healthier Kidneys

If you hope to avoid these issues later in life, make these healthy lifestyle choices.

1. Control your blood pressure

One of the best ways to have healthier kidneys is to control your blood pressure. Normalize your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle that includes staying physically active and eating well for your heart foods. Heart-healthy foods include foods such:

Avocados
Beans
Berries
Dark chocolate
Fatty fish
Fish oil
Leafy greens: Mustard greens, Swiss chard, kale, collard greens, and spinach
Walnuts
Whole grains

2. Stay physically active

Exercise lowers your risk of developing unhealthy kidneys. It helps avoid heart disease and high blood pressure, both significant contributors to sick kidneys and related problems. Staying active also enables you to control your cholesterol. Evidence shows that exercising and limiting a sedentary lifestyle leads to healthier, better-functioning kidneys. Choose activities that keep you moving, such as:

Aerobic exercising
Biking-indoors or outdoors
Dancing
Swimming
Skiing
Walking

3. Eat a healthful diet

A healthy or salubrious diet includes consuming natural foods instead of processed foods. Choose fresh vegetables and healthy fruits, whole grains, and lean meats. Try low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Avoid fast foods which are loaded with sugar and fat. Try swapping out unhealthy ingredients in your recipes for healthier choices. Some simple healthy food swaps include these:

Swap out your white potatoes for sweet potatoes
Eat rye bread instead of white bread
Choose brown rice rather than white rice
Choose olive oil with balsamic vinegar and spices instead of store-bought salad dressing
Use Greek dressing instead of sour cream
Eat frozen grapes instead of popsicles

4. Get screened regularly

If you have a family history of similar problems, get screened regularly for kidney disease. Screening involves a urine test to look for damage. You may need a blood test to gauge how well your kidneys work—the urine test checks for albumin, a protein. The blood test looks for GFR, and glomerular filtration rate, which checks how well your kidneys filter. Also, if your family history involves heart disease, you need to get checked out because heart disease and kidney disease go hand in hand.

5. Manage your diabetes

Kidney disease develops slowly with few to no symptoms. You can have kidney disease and not know it until it’s advanced. But if you have diabetes, you are at a high risk of kidney disease. Approximately one out of every three adults with diabetes ends up with kidney disease. Your kidneys comprise millions of tiny filters called nephrons. Diabetes damages nephrons, so they don’t work, causing damage to your kidneys.

6. Take medications properly

Anytime you take medication, there is a risk. Even over-the-counter drugs have side effects that can be harmful. Therefore, it’s essential to take any medication properly. Here are the medicines that can be harmful to your kidneys.

Pain meds: Pain medications such as naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, and aspirin can cause damage if misused. Many people have unknowingly damaged their kidneys from overmedicating with these drugs. Never take more than the recommended daily dose of these medications. If you want healthier kidneys, find other ways to deal with your pain, such as
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Massage
- Herbal remedies
Antibiotics are prescription drugs, but they can still damage your kidneys if taken improperly. Some countries have over-the-counter antibiotics. Never buy online antibiotic drugs. They may contain ingredients that have harmful side effects on your kidneys.
Prescription laxatives: Typically, over-the-counter laxatives are okay, but prescription laxatives can harm your kidneys. These laxatives use sodium phosphate crystal deposition, which may cause a sudden loss of kidney function or injure your kidneys. This is called phosphate nephropathy.

If you must take medications, always take them as your medical provider advises to avoid damaging your kidneys.

7. Lose weight if you need to

Extra weight can harm your kidneys. Being overweight ups your risk of diabetes and hypertension. Both conditions can cause kidney disease. If you’re overweight, here are some ways to reduce your risk of kidney disease.

Make some lifestyle changes: Start exercising and control your portion sizes.
Control your blood sugar to avoid diabetes.
Control your blood pressure.
Figure out your Body Mass Index (BMI). A normal BMI should be around 18 to 25. If your BMI is 25 to 30, you’re overweight, and if your BMI is over 30, you’re obese. Try to lose weight and exercise to gain muscle, healthier than fat.

8. Curb your alcohol

Alcohol upsets the function of your kidneys, so they can’t filter as well. It also lessens your body’s ability to regulate fluids and electrolytes. Alcohol is dehydrating, and that affects your kidneys.

9. Suspend your smoking

Both smoking and secondhand smoke put you at risk for cardiovascular disease, which harms your body’s veins and arteries. This directly affects your kidney’s ability to filter your blood. Smoking can damage your kidneys in several ways, including:

Reduced blood flow to your kidneys
Narrowing of your blood vessels, including the blood vessels in your kidneys
Arteriosclerosis is the thickening of your arteries, including your kidneys

The CDC says that if you have kidney disease when you quit smoking, it can slow its progression.

10. Drink plenty of fluids

If possible, drink at least a liter and a half of daily water. But you may need to drink more water during the summer. Some health conditions also require that you drink more water. Other factors that affect how much water you drink include:

Gender
If you’re pregnant
Breastfeeding
Hot climates

Water helps clear out the sodium and toxins from your kidneys. When you drink plenty of fluids, you will have healthier kidneys. If you’ve had kidney stones, drinking lots of water to flush out your kidneys is essential.

Final Thoughts on Toxic Kidneys and How to Improve Them

Your kidneys work day and night to eliminate toxins and waste from your body. These vital organs are worth protecting. Keep an eye out for signs of poor health. Of course, this damage can occur with few to no symptoms, so keeping them healthy is critical. Keeping your weight down, limiting your alcohol consumption, following medication instructions, and suspending smoking are ways to have healthier organs.

What Is Your Health Telling You, According to Your Hands?

September 8, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Your hands and nails are a physical indication of your health. The appearance of your fingernails and hands can also give you insight into any potential underlying health problems.

It’s very easy to ignore our hands, too. Aside from the occasional nail-clipping, when was the last time you really looked at your palms and digits? This article will examine what your hands may reveal about your overall health.

“I always make a point of shaking hands when I meet a patient for the first time. Not only is it the best way to put a patient at ease, but hands and nails can be one of the best windows into the body’s internal workings.” ~ Dr. Richard Russell, consultant respiratory physician

8 Things Your Hands Reveal About Your Health

1 – Blue or white fingertips

If you look at your fingertips, you’ll notice a white-pink coloration. The pink, of course, is the blood circulating underneath.

If your fingertips appear too blue or too white, it is a possible sign of poor blood circulation. One condition, known as Raynaud’s syndrome, occurs when small blood vessels become sensitive to temperature change.

In the worst cases, blue or white fingers may also signify low oxygen levels in your body. Contact your doctor for an appointment right away.

2 – Pale nail beds

Nails beds comprise skin area from the cuticles to fingertips, and where the nails lay. Similar to your fingertips, there’s a pink-to-red hue.

If your nail beds appear overly white, it may indicate iron deficiency anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia occurs when there’s a lack of red blood cell circulation.

3 – Trembling hands

There are several reasons why the hands may tremble a bit. Maybe you’ve had one-too-many cups of java, are anxious, or take specific prescription meds (e.g., antidepressants, asthma drugs.)

If your hands are frequently shaky, scheduling a checkup with your family doctor is a good idea. They’ll want to look over your medical records, and take additional measures to rule out possible neurological causation.

Here’s what hand tremors reveal about your health.

4 – Weak grip

According to a study of over 140,000 adults in 17 countries, a weak grip indicates a higher risk for stroke or heart attack.

The strength of grip is considered a good measure of overall health, including muscle strength (and why doctors have you squeeze their fingers during routine checkups.)

5 – Scaly skin patches

Sometimes the skin gets red and scaly simply because of inadequate moisture. This is something we can easily treat through basic skin care.

However, if scaled and flaky skin patches aren’t responsive to self-care, it’s time to schedule a checkup. Red, rough patches can indicate skin conditions ranging from mild to severe.

Perhaps the most important reason to visit a doctor when dealing with persistent scaly skin is to rule out the possibility of precancerous growths (these usually appear as small, wart-like dry patches.)

6 – Swollen hands and fingers

Occasional swelling of the fingers and hands isn’t too big of a deal. Dehydration, excess sodium intake, and hormonal cycling can all cause these areas to swell. Increasing your water consumption and laying off the sodium for a while are two good preventative measures.

If swelling of the hands/fingers is accompanied by stiffness or pain, it may indicate a more serious condition. Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone production), rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic sclerosis symptoms include stiffness/pain and swelling of the hands and fingers.

7 – Sweaty palms

As with trembling hands, sweaty palms can be induced by anxiety or caffeine overload. (Tip: if you’re a coffee lover, carry a water bottle around with you to maintain adequate hydration.)

Chronically “clammy” hands may indicate menopause or thyroid conditions, or hyperhidrosis, in which overactive sweat glands produce excessive amounts of perspiration.

Doctors can prescribe stronger antiperspirants to help curtail the sweating.

8 – Longer ring fingers

This one is rather peculiar. Per a study publishing in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism, women whose ring fingers are longer than their index (the “number one” finger), are twice as likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knees.

For men with a significantly longer ring finger, the physical feature correlates with having more children and better relationships – but an increased risk of prostate cancer. (Gee, thanks.)

This physical feature has been linked to several other things, including higher aggression and skilled athletic ability in both men and women. Having a longer ring finger is generally a male feature, though it’s still a rarity.

Final Thoughts on What Your Hands Tell Your Doctor About Your Health

It’s easy to fall into the trap of researching symptoms and conditions out of worry. While educating yourself on health and medical issues is good, overreacting to any similar symptoms (real or perceived) is not.

The truth is that no amount of self-research can replace personal medical advice. This means a face-to-face consultation with a licensed physician or specialist.

Many people tend to either overreact or underreact. Neither is conducive to health.

So breathe deep, relax, and – if you deem it the best action – call your doc.

All of us at Power of Positivity wish you good health. (Where’s your water bottle?)

7 Signs of Restless Leg Syndrome

September 8, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Restless leg syndrome, or RLS, is a medical condition wherein someone feels an urge to move their legs.

Approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population is estimated to be affected by RLS. There is no at-risk demographic, though the condition is slightly more widespread in women than men.

Similar to many complex medical conditions, physicians commonly misdiagnose or – even worse – ignore RLS. Mild symptoms of RLS are often treated as an anxiety disorder, which is bad.

Though a minority of anxiety (and depression) patients report RLS-like symptoms, the proposed treatment (which generally includes anti-anxiety or antidepressant meds) is an egregious error. Especially since such medications are potent and addictive, among other reasons.

Understanding how we feel is up to us

Understanding your own symptoms and feelings greatly assists, if not trumps, those of medical experts in certain circumstances. Though doctors are often highly educated and bright, nobody can understand many of the nuances going on in your body and brain.

It behooves us to do two things: (1) write down any and all symptoms; don’t worry about what’s real and what’s not. (2) Explain clearly (again, writing it down if needed) what’s going on with you. With this information in hand, you’re ready to see your chosen professional.

Getting back to RLS

RLS, while it may seem like a relatively simple condition, is anything but. Misdiagnosis is potentially very dangerous. Prescription drugs (such as anxiety/depression meds) that alter your brain’s chemistry is something to take very seriously.

Thus, we’re going to take a look at seven of the most common signs of RLS. We hope this information proves both useful and beneficial to those who may be suffering from the condition.

7 Signs of Restless Leg Syndrome

1. An “irresistible” urge to move your legs

Of all signs, this is perhaps the most important. Though anxiety and depression may provoke a “nervous twitch,” someone with RLS continuously moves their legs to relieve the discomfort.

If you’re always feeling an insuppressible urge to move your legs, it most likely is NOT an anxiety/depression disorder.

2. Sleep deprivation

Molly McGarvey, now 62, explains her battle with RLS-related sleep deprivation:

“During my early 40s, I could not sleep through the night for about four years. I still wonder how I managed to make it to work and function. I’d come home from work, fall asleep on the couch, get up to go to bed, and then would be up all night.”

Sadly, McGarvey’s marriage ended due to her condition. She explained the reason for her divorce as…

3. Edginess and irritability due to RLS symptoms

That’s right, this woman’s marriage ended because of RLS. Then, she couldn’t deal with the chaos her condition was causing.

After visiting a sleep clinic, she received an RLS diagnosis. After receiving the appropriate medication, her symptoms began to improve dramatically. “I remember waking up the next morning, having slept an entire night and couldn’t believe I actually rested.”

4. Severe morning fatigue

Morning fatigue is too often a direct result of poor sleep quality. When you’re only able to get about 1-2 hours of actual sleep, you’ll inevitably wake up tired.

Of course, this fatigue is felt throughout the workday, which makes it literally impossible to perform even the most routine of tasks correctly. RLS sufferers feel this way because the human brain can not function to even a portion of its capabilities without adequate rest.

5. Trying to “calm your legs down.”

Julie Vaughn, 49, went through three doctors before finally receiving the correct diagnosis. Mrs. Vaughn, via her intuition, knew her RLS was related to back injury. Yet her pleas went largely ignored. Finally, she had enough.

“After listening to me jabbering about my back problem, a neurologist performed a blood test that detected extremely low levels of (vitamin) B12 and iron: the most common cause of RLS.”

You’d think one of three physicians would know the most common cause of a widespread condition, yeah? Apparently not.

6. Trying to coax your body into sleep

Donna McLellan, fearing she’d be judged due to her condition, remained silent for over 20 years. She took prescribed medications for her chronic migraines, which only made her RLS worse. Her story is eye-opening.

“That’s when (after days of not sleeping) I was up at three in the morning, riding my exercise bike, running up and down the stairs, or outside walking up and down the road.”

She concludes her brief testimony soberly: “It’s one of the most lonely feelings in the world at three o’clock in the morning when you’re trying to calm your legs down and there’s nothing to do.”

7. Patterns of disrupting your partner’s sleep

For individuals in a relationship, they might hear their partner complain about interrupted sleep…again.

“You kicked me twice, I had to move to the couch,” is one of many complaints that someone with RLS hears. Such innocuous dialogue eventually lead to devastating outcomes, such as the as the end of a marriage.

It’s common for someone with RLS to kick their pet while they sleep. “The dog sleeps with me, but I usually hear him yelp and jump off the bed as I’m waking up, so I knew I’ve been kicking him,” McLellan says.

In closing…

It’s so unfortunate that medical conditions deemed ‘not too serious’ can wreak havoc on a person’s life.

RLS is a complicated condition; one potentially exacerbated from any number of underlying neurological, physical, and mental issues. With this in mind, please seek the advice of someone who specializes in sleep or neurological disorders.

Your quality of life depends on your timely and sound judgment. Value your health with the utmost respect it deserves!

We at Power of Positivity wish you nothing but health and happiness!

5 Reasons Women Lose Hair (And How To Fix It)

September 8, 2017 by Power of Positivity

“If you’re able to get to the cause of the problem, then it is likely that the hair loss you experience will reduce or even stop altogether.” – Dr. Raghu Reddy

Hair loss isn’t something that only happens to men. In fact, a lot of women suffer from a loss of hair. In society, women have more stigma connected to their hair loss, and it can be difficult to manage. Emotionally, losing your hair as a woman can be a very devastating time.

Consultant dermatologist Dr. Wong states, “Hair loss is often trivialised as ‘just hair’ or ‘cosmetic’ because it isn’t life-threatening. Yet the psychosocial effects of hair loss due to any cause can be profound and are grossly under recognised. Many patients spiral into depression, anxiety and social avoidance behaviour.”

Men have taken the look of having no hair and made it attractive, but women are still battling to make it socially acceptable to have bald heads. While there are some women who are forgoing all social norms, and rocking the bald head, it can still be a tumultuous time in a woman’s life when hair loss starts to strike. Fortunately, once we know what can cause hair loss in women, we’ll be better able to either guard against it or reverse the effects altogether.

Here Are 5 Reasons Why Women Lose Hair

1. It’s simply because of female pattern hair loss

Much like male pattern baldness, female pattern hair loss is one of the most common reasons that women may suffer from hair loss. About one-third of all women are genetically exposed to female pattern hair loss. “In fact, around 40% of women by age 50 show signs of hair loss and less than 45% of women actually reach the age of 80 with a full head of hair,” explains Dr. Leona Yip, Research Fellow, St Vincent’s Hospital.

It can strike anywhere from puberty to menopause, starting with gradually thinning a woman’s hair. It’s caused by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone, which is found in both men and women, and an excess can cause the hair follicles to shrink, which causes hair loss.

2. It’s because of an autoimmune condition called Alopecia Areata

This is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body’s immune cells are prone to attacking one another. In this case, alopecia areata causes patches of hair loss because the immune system is attacking the hair follicles. While this can lead to just patches of lost hair, it can also cause total baldness. Other symptoms also include splitting of the nails, dents or white spots.

3. Hair-fall is likely due to PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

Bosley mentions, “Women suffering from PCOS have increased levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the androgens responsible for hair loss in both male and female pattern baldness.”

PCOS is a condition that can cause a range of problems with a woman’s health. It’s a condition that causes an imbalance in female hormones, and the ovaries overproduce testosterone. This can cause women to grow excess body hair where it isn’t wanted, and cause a loss of hair where it is – namely, a bald patch on the top of the head. An overgrowth of leg hair, body hair and facial hair is also common with PCOS.

4. Hair fall is also attributed to medication

Antidepressants, beta-blockers, and some anti-inflammatory drugs can cause hair loss in women. Of course, this isn’t always the case, and many women who experience hair loss with the use of medication are most likely already susceptible to hair loss in the first place. Changing medication can reverse or half the hair loss entirely.

5. Hair fall is also due to pregnancy

New York city based hair-restoration surgeon, Dr. Carlos Wesley mentions, “Estrogen levels rise and are at an all-time high, and that has a positive impact on skin and hair. About nine weeks after birth, you lose 30 percent of your hair. It does come back, but it comes back thinner, finer.”

When a woman becomes pregnant, her body undergoes enormous hormone changes. Fortunately, this is more of a temporary condition rather than a long-lasting one. Women can experience hair loss during any stage of the pregnancy, but most often hair loss happens soon after the baby is born, due to another flood of hormonal changes, as Dr. Wesley mentioned above.

While hair loss can be difficult to manage and even a little embarrassing to admit to, it’s something that many women deal with and it should be nothing to be ashamed of. There are plenty of ways to help stop, reverse and prevent hair loss.

4 Ways To Prevent Hair Loss

1. Hormone replacement

This treatment is often prescribed after menopause. Women who suffer from hair loss after menopause may find that hormone replacement can help with many side effects, like hot flashes. However, it’s also good for restoring hair loss.

2. Hair transplant

This is useful for women who find their hair loss happening closer to the front of their head, but the rest of their hair remains thick and healthy. This is where hair transplant makes a good option for women dealing with hair loss. For the best results, hair transplants must be done in two or three sessions, with about six months between each session. While expensive and time-consuming, it’s a good option for women struggling with re-growing their hair.

3. Aldactone

This medication is mostly used to reduce the amount of fluid in your body without reducing your potassium levels. It’s a good alternative for other diuretics. However, this medication is often an antiandrogen, which means that the dihydrotestosterone in a woman’s body can be tamed. It can help stop this particular hormone from attacking hair follicles and killing off a woman’s healthy hair.

4. Rogaine

This treatment is most well-known for helping men with their male pattern baldness. It isn’t just for men, though! Rogaine is a topical medication that also works for women. While this treatment can take months, the results are pretty promising. Rogaine isn’t known for restoring a full head of hair in severe hair loss cases, but it can be enough to help restore thinning hair and lost patches.

Hair loss in women doesn’t have to be a hopeless cause. Just because hair loss in men and the treatments surrounding it are more well-known, doesn’t mean that there isn’t hope for women who suffer from hair loss, too. There are plenty of treatments to common causes of hair loss that can help restore both a woman’s hair and her confidence.

4 Behaviors A ‘Chaos Manufacturer’ Displays Before Revealing Themselves

September 8, 2017 by Power of Positivity

Have you seen the 2008 movie The Dark Knight? If so, do you remember the brilliant performance by Heath Ledger as the Joker? If you answered yes, you already have a great frame of reference for this article. See, the Joker calls himself “an agent of chaos, ” and he most certainly is.

For novices, Joker is an uber-intelligent psychopath who wears makeup and an outfit that resembles a clown’s.

Here’s a short list of Joker’s shenanigans: robbing the mob, detonating a hospital, firing shotgun shells into a SWAT van, and torching around 100 million of cash (illegally obtained, of course.)

He is chaotic. Joker is an agent – a manufacturer – of chaos.

Ok, so that’s a bit extreme…

Yeah…most people, even the highly psychopathic and sociopathic, probably wouldn’t attempt any of the above-mentioned things. Many of them do, however, have the urge to do so. Reading through many confessions of both groups, such urges were quite evident.

Chaos is disorder. Someone who manufactures chaos gets a twisted thrill from disrupting the normal mechanisms of society.

Hence, a reason why a chaos manufacturer is often slapped with the Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) label. We’ll delve a bit more into potential signs that someone may have APD or a similar condition like Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Psychopathy, it should be noted, has recently been reclassified as APD by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

Some real stories about chaos

On Quora, the following question was asked:

“What is it like to be a psychopath?”

The responses in the thread seem. One of the replies, which serves as the primary source, was published in the well-esteemed Business Insider Science section.

In fairness, there are plenty of stories from individuals who were abused, mistreated, institutionalized and stigmatized for being “wired differently.” A minority of people diagnosed as psychopathic, narcissistic, or antisocial actively attend therapy and “blend in” with society.

As we’re all human beings, it’s important that such individuals are mentioned as to avoid the over-stigmatization that people within these groups already face.

The responses chosen are quite long, so only the pertinent sections are quoted word-for-word. We’ll use these quotations to contextualize the four signs of a ‘chaos manufacturer.’

The four behaviors that chaos manufacturers show before revealing themselves…

1. Manipulation

Many (most?) people with APD/NPD will habitually manipulate others to get what they want. Many individuals of these types are quite intelligent and cunning, which makes it quite easy for them to “get over” on unsuspecting people.

“My parents described my behavior as cold and distant. I had absolutely no sense of loyalty and would use people to get what I wanted,” said one participant.

“I have little trouble talking my way into and out of whatever I want, enabling me to do whatever I want,” said another.

2. Lack of empathy

Whereas most “normal” people possess some concern for others, this just does not apply to a chaos manufacturer. Even the most well-adjusted sociopaths and narcissists admit this:

“I have almost no ability to empathize with others, and even at the death of those close to me, I did not feel sorrow. Instead, I knew that I should be feeling sorry, and so I exhibited the emotions that I knew I should be feeling.”

Here is a response from a diagnosed psychopath:

“You are wired how you are wired. As much as we feign empathy and guilt, we feel none of it, and never will. It is without our ability to do so.”

3. Emotional detachment

It is not hyperbolic to say that sociopaths, narcissists, and psychopaths’ ability to register typical emotion is nearly nonexistent. More specifically, all three groups of individuals lack the cognitive apparatuses necessary to “feel” emotions aside from those that are self-derived.

“(Pretending) to feel things can be very taxing. I see it as more of a chore than a benefit. I choose to face it like an acting challenge. Every day I hone my skill a bit more, and my goal is to shed some genuine looking tears at a funeral someday.”

“I enjoy not experiencing emotions in the same way as others. Everything they seem to go through looks exhausting and stupid.”

4. Emotionally abusive

Deliberate manufacturing of chaos is a form of emotional abuse. All of the behaviors mentioned above, if intentionally exhibited for personal gain, falls under this category.

Some, though not all, narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths acquire escalating feelings of pleasure as they exploit increasing numbers of people. Mostly, these feelings serve to stoke these individuals’ ego, which is sizeable, if not insatiable. Here are a couple of testimonials to wrap things up:

“Being cold and heartless was always an advantage because I could skip from one friendship to the next, using all of them until they had no further use.”

“I can get almost everything I want. However, I have to be very careful not to step on too many of society’s laws. But like any psychopath, I can walk a certain line that lets me take what I want without putting me behind bars.”

On the extreme end of things, here is how one person describes their condition: “Chaos entertains you. Just imagine – being a spectator in a room full of people fighting with each other and knowing you were the source of it…”

Now, that sounds like the Joker.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/quotes

8 Reasons Some People Don’t Like You (And How to Change It)

September 7, 2017 by Power of Positivity

In the movie, There’s Something About Mary, a pleasant yet borderline-obsessed Ben Stiller hires a private eye (Matt Dillon) to locate his high school crush Mary (Cameron Diaz). In the end, many less-than-ideal suitors all vie for Mary’s attention. None can give a good reason exactly why they all like her.

Switching gears…

Let’s think about this question for a minute. Is a person’s personality – “something” that makes them who they are – a reasonable basis not to like them?

Yes and no.

The “Two Types”

On the one hand, there are the “rough outliers”– people who, for whatever reason – go out of their way to inflict pain and suffering on others. These types of characters are hard not to dislike. Think of the schoolyard bully who ends up in jail or prison for bludgeoning some innocent bystander.

Then, some are misunderstood. Think of the shy or socially awkward kid who had trouble fitting in at school. Such people often grow up thinking they’ll never be accepted – and are too often correct, sadly.

There’s a big difference between an extreme outlier and someone misunderstood, right? As far as Mrs. Clinton goes, we’ll leave that one up to you, dear reader! (Please refrain from rude and inappropriate comments.)

If any material covered resonates too closely, we’ve added a “fix” for each behavior. Enjoy!

8 Reasons Some People Don’t Like You (And How to Change It)

Now that we’ve distinguished the two types, we can discuss why someone may be ostracized.

1. You try to impress everyone

“Nobody likes a showboat.” Does anyone remember someone telling them this? (Probably your grandmother or mother!)

It’s true. People who rev their engines or walk like they’re in a fashion show aren’t going to resonate well. They’re likely to be called out as arrogant and childish.

Fix: Ask a few people for their honest opinion of you. Keep a list of things you’re grateful for – and resist the urge to seek external validation.

2. You’re smart

People can’t get enough of Will McAvoy’s (Jeff Daniels) speech in HBO’s former series The Newsroom.

Daniel’s character rails everyone, from millennials to America’s lack of progress and everything in between. In lamenting over the latter, Daniels quietly says “We aspired to intelligence … It didn’t make us feel inferior.”

He’s right.

We see this problem in schools, where smarter kids who think differently face constant bullying. Inexcusably, it’s also in the workplace, where bright and driven people are fearful of standing out.

Fix: Have a bit more confidence in yourself. Learn the fine art of not giving a damn about people who envy you in the first place.

3. You’re a “know-it-all”

Catch you off guard a bit? Sorry!

There’s a fine line between someone intelligent and someone who’s a know-it-all.

Firstly, intelligent people don’t usually brag about their gifts; this is one area where know-it-alls have trouble. They could care less if their idea has merit, practicality, or other underlying criteria.

Intelligent people are modest. Though they may be bright, know-it-alls risk having an object thrown in their general direction.

Fix: Maybe you’re trying a bit too hard. Work on practicing some self-restraint. You don’t need to prove your worth!

4. You’re a gossip

You may be the office gossiper if you’re upset about this one being on the list.

Here’s the straight-up truth: gossip should’ve disappeared from your repertoire the minute you left high school. Gossip gets you nowhere except in the bad graces of others.

Gossiping is a dumb behavior – something best left for the tabloids.

Fix: Don’t do it.

5. You’re controlling

Nobody expects nor deserves to be at the beck and call of someone else. Controlling (and manipulating) behavior is abusive, period.

Sarah Newman, MA, explains the rationale behind controlling behaviors:

“One (theory) is that people who can’t control themselves turn to controlling others … A person full of insecurities has to exact a positive sense of self from other people because their self-esteem is too low to do it for themselves.”

Fix: First, understand what controlling is and is not. Accept any underlying insecurities and regrets if you’re in the former group. Seek help from a therapist or practice mindfulness meditation.

6. You don’t listen

The sixth reason on our list – not listening – is something we all do from time to time. The human brain is wired for novelty, and listening can be, well … boring.

But active listening is a great and highly sought-after skill. We may not like what someone is saying, but if it’s something you need to hear, it benefits us to give our full attention to the speaker.

Fix: Active listening is a skill, and like any other skill, it is attainable. Understand the value (personal and professional) of being a good listener. Research, read, and practice active learning techniques.

7. You don’t think before speaking

Some people can talk off the cuff better than others. In fact, some people convey their thoughts better this way. For example, extroverts are typically much better at this than introverts.

Then there are the blabbermouths – people who have chronic diarrhea of the mouth. Such individuals who add their ignorant two cents all the time. Perhaps it isn’t their fault; after all, someone must learn before they can implement.

Fix: In his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the late Dr. Stephen Covey says “Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood.”

The fix depends on your willingness to become a better listener. Don’t be afraid of uncomfortable silence. If you need some time to think about an answer, let the other person know!

It’s important, however, to hold yourself accountable. At the same time, don’t be too self-critical!)

8. You try too hard

Trying too hard – more specifically, wasting efforts on shallow things – is a behavior that many people either don’t appreciate or understand. Here are some examples:

– People who try too hard to fit in.

– Those who try too hard to look good.

– People who try too hard to “be the best” – and don’t back it up.

Fix: You may be afraid of being alone; you may be scared of being seen as inferior. As someone who’s dealt with the issue at hand, one solution is to practice self-compassion and self-acceptance.

Be you! You ARE worthy!

A parting quote …

The infamous Japanese swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi, wrote in his book The Five Rings:

“There is nothing outside of yourself that will ever enable you to get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything is within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.”

Let us all take heed and carve our own life’s path.

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7 Signs of Unhealthy Kidneys

1. Irregular urine odor

2. Changes in urine color

3. Visible changes in urine

4. Pain in the abdominal area

5. Urine frequency

6. Swelling, nausea, and shortness of breath

7. Other symptoms

Prevention and treatment

10 Ways to Have Healthier Kidneys

1. Control your blood pressure

2. Stay physically active

3. Eat a healthful diet

4. Get screened regularly

5. Manage your diabetes

6. Take medications properly

7. Lose weight if you need to

8. Curb your alcohol

9. Suspend your smoking

10. Drink plenty of fluids

Final Thoughts on Toxic Kidneys and How to Improve Them

8 Things Your Hands Reveal About Your Health

1 – Blue or white fingertips

2 – Pale nail beds

3 – Trembling hands

4 – Weak grip

5 – Scaly skin patches

6 – Swollen hands and fingers

7 – Sweaty palms

8 – Longer ring fingers

Final Thoughts on What Your Hands Tell Your Doctor About Your Health

Understanding how we feel is up to us

Getting back to RLS

7 Signs of Restless Leg Syndrome

1. An “irresistible” urge to move your legs

2. Sleep deprivation

3. Edginess and irritability due to RLS symptoms

4. Severe morning fatigue

5. Trying to “calm your legs down.”

6. Trying to coax your body into sleep

7. Patterns of disrupting your partner’s sleep

Here Are 5 Reasons Why Women Lose Hair

1. It’s simply because of female pattern hair loss

2. It’s because of an autoimmune condition called Alopecia Areata

3. Hair-fall is likely due to PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

4. Hair fall is also attributed to medication

5. Hair fall is also due to pregnancy

4 Ways To Prevent Hair Loss

1. Hormone replacement

2. Hair transplant

3. Aldactone

4. Rogaine

Some real stories about chaos

The four behaviors that chaos manufacturers show before revealing themselves…

1. Manipulation

2. Lack of empathy

3. Emotional detachment

4. Emotionally abusive

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/quotes

The “Two Types”

8 Reasons Some People Don’t Like You (And How to Change It)

1. You try to impress everyone

2. You’re smart

3. You’re a “know-it-all”

4. You’re a gossip

5. You’re controlling

6. You don’t listen

7. You don’t think before speaking

8. You try too hard

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