Author: everbella
The Reasons Your Hair May Be Falling Out: STRESS
If you’re experiencing any degree of hair loss, it could be caused by a range of issues. This can make it even more frustrating when you’re struggling to pinpoint the cause but not finding any answers. To help, I want to do a series of articles that outline the many reasons you may be experiencing hair loss – or just having trouble with your hair’s growth.
In today’s article, we’re going to look specifically at stress.
Perhaps one of the most common reasons for your hair to start falling out, the burden of daily stress is something we can unfortunately all relate to, regardless of where your stress is coming from. Whether it’s work related, due to a family situation, or even something highly emotional such as losing a loved one, this stress can affect your hair.
There are three different ways stress can contribute to hair loss. Let’s take a look at what they are, and then discuss what you can do if you think stress may be the cause of your hair loss.
1. Telogen effluvium
The adult scalp contains approximately 100,000 hair follicles. At all times, your hair is cycling through four phases of growth.
Let’s take a look at these four stages:
Anagen: the growing phase – this is the longest phase, averaging about 3-5 years, but lasting as long as 7 years in some cases. During this phase, hair follicles are pushing out hairs that will continue to grow until they are cut or they end their lifespan and fall out. At any time, most of the hairs on your head are in this stage.
Catagen: the transition phase – this stage picks up right where the anagen phase left off, lasting about 10 or so days. At this time, hair follicles shrink, growth slows, and the hair separates from the follicle.
Telogen: the resting phase – this typically lasts around 3 months. After the hair separates from the follicle in the catagen phase, new hairs begin to form in the follicle. The recently-separated hair remains in place, neither growing nor falling out.
Exogen: the shedding phase – this phase is why you lose, on average, 50-100 hairs per day. These hairs are in the exogen phase and have come to their time to fall out. During this phase, which lasts about 2-5 months, new hairs are growing in the follicles to replace the fallen hair.
As it turns out, stress can affect the phases of hair growth. This type of hair loss is called telogen effluvium. It occurs when the cycle gets stuck in the telogen phase, allowing the hair to easily shed and fall out.
If this is the cause of your hair loss, you’ll notice that your hair easily falls out when you run your fingers through it, brush it, or shower. What’s worse, then, is that this lost hair doesn’t get replaced.
2. Trichotillomania
Sometimes referred to as “hair-pulling disorder”, trichotillomania is a condition – often induced by long-term stress – that involves irresistible urges to pull out hair from your scalp, eyebrows, or other areas of your body.
Trichotillomania can vary in severity, with some finding it minor and manageable, while others end up with bald patches on their head that they may go through a great effort to hide.
Signs or symptoms of trichotillomania include resisting the urge to pull, but to no avail, then feeling a sense of pleasure or relief once the hair is pulled. This leads to noticeable hair loss, typically in clusters on the head or even the eyebrows and eyelash. Additional signs or symptoms include the desire to bite, chew, or play with pulled hair.
Ultimately, someone with this condition will typically find that it’s impacting their way of life, causing distress or problems at work, school, or within social situations.
Many people who have trichotillomania also tend to bite their nails, chew their lips, or even pick at their skin.
For some, this may be a deliberate undertaking that provides some sense of pleasure. For others, this is more of a subconscious act that may occur while watching TV or reading without really realizing it.
For both, stress and anxiety is a main cause of the condition. If you’re stressed and think you may be pulling hair – absentmindedly or otherwise – this can not just cause temporary thin spots on your head, but may permanently damage the scalp and hair follicles, stunting further hair growth.
3. Alopecia areata
Alopecia areata is a condition where the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing hair loss anywhere on the body.
Though its cause isn’t fully known, stress is believed to be a contributing factor. A lack of vitamin D is also thought to play a role.
There is no known cure, however the disease can be unpredictable, with many people often finding that their hair grows back on its own within a few years. After that, sometimes it returns, other times the condition is gone forever.
So, what can you do?
If your hair is falling out as a result of stress, essentially all you can do is find ways to manage your stress.
And even if you’re not losing hair, reducing your stress can greatly benefit your health in the short and long term.
Tips on reducing stress
Stress is a natural part of life, but when it becomes excessive or unmanageable, it can be harmful to both your mental and physical health – including your hair.
Below are ten ways that can help you reduce stress levels:
Exercise – When you’re stressed, your body is in fight-or-flight mode. This can lead to muscle tension, headaches, and other physical symptoms. Regular exercise can help your body manage stress more effectively and can also help to improve your mood.
Breathing exercises – Taking a few deep breaths can help calm your body and mind. There are a number of different breathing exercises that you can try, such as the 4-7-8 method (breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds, repeat) or the box breathing technique (same thing as the 4-7-8, but 4-4-4).
Yoga or meditation – Both yoga and meditation can be effective ways to reduce stress. Yoga helps to improve flexibility, strength, and balance, while meditation can help to focus the mind and bring on relaxation.
Get enough sleep – When you’re exhausted, it can be tougher to manage stress effectively. Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and can help to improve your mood and energy levels.
Eat healthy – Eating nutritious foods helps to support your body both physically and emotionally. When you’re stressed, it’s important to avoid foods that are high in sugar and caffeine, as they can further aggravate your symptoms.
Connect with loved ones – Spending time with friends and family can help to reduce stress levels. Whether you stay in touch via text, social media, or in person, simply having someone to talk to can be very helpful.
Take a break – When you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it can be helpful to take a short break. This could involve stepping away from your work for a few minutes to get some fresh air, taking a hot bath, or practicing relaxation techniques.
Organize your time – When you’re feeling stressed, it can be helpful to take a step back and look at how you’re spending your time. Are there tasks that you can delegate or eliminate altogether? Creating a schedule can help to reduce stress and make sure that you’re using your time effectively.
Set realistic goals – When you’re stressed, it can be tough to stay motivated. It’s important to set realistic goals for yourself and to break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable goals.
Seek professional help – If your stress is affecting your day-to-day life or causing significant distress, it may be best to seek professional help. A therapist can provide you with support and guidance as you work to manage your stress levels.
The bottom line
Now you know that stress can cause hair loss, along with why stress can cause hair loss.
This way, you have an actionable plan to get your hair back to its thick and luscious ways – seeking out methods to relax and lower stress levels.
I hope that this blog can help offer some guidance!
If you want to do even more to boost hair growth, read this.
The Most Common Ways People Damage Their Hair (And How To Avoid Them)
Your hair is one of your most important assets. It can make or break your look, and if you’re not careful, it can become seriously damaged. But how can you tell if you’re damaging your hair without even realizing it?
Here are some of the top ways you might be harming your locks:
1. Over-washing
Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. If you’re concerned about your hair’s hydration levels, get a shower cap and wash it less frequently so that those natural oils can do their job.
2. Over-brushing or brushing when wet
Brushing your hair too vigorously can cause split ends and breakage.
Also, brushing wet hair is a surefire way to damage it. When your hair is wet, it’s much more vulnerable to breakage. So, be sure to wait until it’s completely dry before you brush it. If you’re in a crunch and do need to brush it while it’s wet, just be as gentle as possible.
3. Using the wrong shampoo
If you have dry, damaged, or brittle hair, you need to use products that are specifically designed for that type of hair. Using the wrong products can strip your hair of its natural moisture, leading to dryness and breakage.
4. Heat damage
Using heat styling tools too often can damage your hair, causing it to become dry, brittle, and frizzy.
If you use heat-styling tools on a daily basis, you’re likely damaging your hair. Doing so can cause your hair to become dry, brittle, and frizzy.
Try to give your hair a break from the heat every now and then, and opt for air-drying or low-heat styles when you can.
5. Chemical damage from products
Using harsh chemicals on your hair, such as bleaching or coloring it, can damage the hair shaft and lead to breakage.
Also, using too much hair product in general can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy. Be sure to use products sparingly, and only use what you need.
6. You’re not getting regular trims
If you want to keep your hair healthy, you need to get regular trims. This helps to get rid of any damaged or split ends that could cause further damage up the hair shaft.
Your hair stylist will also know what to look for and be able to help guide you through how to keep your hair as healthy as can be.
Keeping your hair damage-free
If you’re concerned that you might be damaging your hair, there are some signs to watch out for. Dry, brittle hair that breaks easily is a sign of damage, as is frizzy, unmanageable hair. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take steps to protect your hair and prevent further damage.
For more insight on this, check out my article “5 Signs Your Hair Needs A Protein Treatment”.
The most important thing you can do to prevent hair damage is to be gentle with your locks in every way possible.
Avoid washing your hair too often, brush gently, and use a mild shampoo that’s appropriate for your hair type. If you use heat styling tools, be sure to use a heat protectant spray and avoid using them too often. And if you color or bleach your hair, be sure to use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to prevent damage.
By following these tips, you can help prevent damage to your hair and keep it looking its best!
Another way is to help your hair from the inside.
The Many Benefits of Glutathione – Why You Should Supplement
How much do you know about glutathione?
Whether you don’t know a lot, or you know a little bit and want a refresher, today’s blog is for you!
In my opinion, glutathione is so important because – like collagen – your levels of glutathione can greatly impact how you age. In today’s article, you’ll learn why.
Let’s jump right in…
What is glutathione?
Glutathione is a small molecule that is produced naturally by the body.
It’s involved in many important processes, including detoxification, and plays a vital role in protecting cells from damage.
The body makes glutathione from three amino acids: cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine.
Like collagen, glutathione levels can become depleted due to age, poor diet, stress, and exposure to toxins.
Since it’s difficult to get glutathione from food sources, supplementing can help to replenish levels and support overall health.
Here are the top reasons to take glutathione:
1. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that scavenges free radicals, helping to protect cells from damage.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress, leading to cell damage, and subsequently a range of health issues.
Glutathione is effective at neutralizing free radicals, preventing them from causing oxidative stress, and lowering the risk of illness. This is a large reason why researchers believe low glutathione levels are linked to a greater risk of several fatal diseases. [1]
It’s been dubbed “the master antioxidant” since it can be found in nearly every cell within the body, meaning it can strike anywhere, anytime!
2. Glutathione is essential for detoxification
The liver is responsible for filtering out toxins from the body, and glutathione plays a key role in this process.
Glutathione binds to toxins and helps break them down so that they can be excreted from the body.
Without adequate glutathione, toxins can build up and cause damage to cells and organs.
Additionally, glutathione has been shown to help support the cells within the liver following damage brought on by excessive alcohol or other liver-damaging circumstances. [2]
3. Glutathione supports immune function
Glutathione is involved in many aspects of immune function. It helps to protect cells from damage caused by toxins and infection while playing a role in the production of immune cells.
It also helps regulate the innate immune system, allowing for a more robust, targeted, and accurate response. [3]
4. Glutathione levels decline with age
Like I mentioned above, glutathione is similar to collagen in that levels deplete with age.
That’s because as we get older, our bodies simply produce less and less glutathione. [4]
This can lead to a decline in overall health and an increased risk of disease as free radicals take over and toxins build up.
Supplementing with glutathione can help to replenish levels and support our health as we age.
5. Glutathione may improve exercise performance
Glutathione plays a role in energy production and muscle function. Supplementing with glutathione has been shown to improve exercise performance in some studies.
For example, one study found that those supplementing with glutathione had less muscle fatigue following a workout. [5]
This effect is thought to be due to the ability of glutathione to protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.
You can try glutathione risk-free
As you can see, glutathione is important.
That’s why they call it the master antioxidant.
What people may think of as symptoms of “getting old”…
Could just come down to low glutathione levels.
But you can take control of your health…
And how you look and feel as you age.
EverBella’s sister company, Purality Health, has a highly absorbable micelle liposomal glutathione.
Like Complete Collagen+, it’s of only the highest quality.
And you can try it for 6-months risk-free!
If you find it’s not for you…
Simply return it for a FULL refund.
To learn more about Purality Health’s highly-absorbable liposomal glutathione…
Including ingredients, reviews, and even more benefits…
The Many Layers Of The Skin
The skin is the body’s largest organ, weighing in at about — on average — six to nine pounds.
It’s made up of several layers, including the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer. The skin protects the body from injury and infection and regulates body temperature. It also plays a role in immunity and communication. The skin can be affected by a variety of diseases and conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, and others.
In today’s article, I want to break down the layers of the skin, the skin’s function, along with some other interesting details so that you can understand just how much is going on in this outer layer of your body!
Let’s jump right in…
The layers of the skin
The three layers of the skin are the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer.
The epidermis is the outermost layer and is made up of several layers of cells, including the stratum corneum, stratum basale, and stratum spinosum.
The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis and consists of dead skin cells that are held together by a protein called keratin.
The stratum basale is the innermost layer of the epidermis and consists of cells that are constantly dividing and renewing the skin.
The stratum spinosum is the layer of the epidermis that contains the most cells.
The dermis is the middle layer of the skin and is made up of connective tissue. This is where the majority of the skin’s collagen is found. It contains blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
The subcutaneous layer is the deepest layer of the skin. It is made up of fatty tissue and contains nerves, lymph nodes, and blood vessels.
Sweating, immunity, and melanin
The skin regulates body temperature by sweating and by vasodilation and vasoconstriction. Sweating is the process of releasing sweat from the sweat glands. Sweat is mainly water, but it also contains trace amounts of salt, proteins, and carbohydrates. It helps to regulate body temperature by evaporating and cooling the body.
Vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels. It increases blood flow and allows more heat to be released from the body.
On the contrary, vasoconstriction is the narrowing of blood vessels. It decreases blood flow and helps to retain heat in the body.
Being tough, elastic, and able to resist pressure and friction, the skin also protects the body from injury and infection. It contains immunocompetent cells that play a role in immunity. These cells help to protect the body from infection and disease.
The skin also contains melanocytes that produce melanin, which gives the skin its color. Melanin helps to protect the skin from damage by ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
The enemies of skin
The skin can be affected by a variety of diseases and conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, and others.
Acne is a condition that affects the skin, characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and red.
Psoriasis is a condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin.
Skin cancer is a disease that affects the skin and can be deadly if not treated. There are several types of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
For these reasons, it’s crucial to protect the skin as much as possible, as it’s your first line of defense and is more vulnerable than you may think!
The bottom line
The skin is a vital organ that plays a number of important roles in the body.
It protects the body from injury and infection, regulates body temperature, and communicates with other organs in the body. The skin can be affected by a variety of diseases and conditions, but proper care can help to keep it healthy.
Collagen makes up 70-80% of the dry weight of your skin. [1]
This crucial protein gives your skin its mechanical and structural integrity.
As such, one of the best – and easiest – ways for you to protect your skin is to ensure you maintain healthy collagen levels.
But these levels naturally decrease with age.
A highly-absorbable collagen supplement like Complete Collagen+ can help.
5 Simple Tips For Getting Organized
There’s no doubt about it, life can be hectic and chaotic at times. Between work, family, and social obligations, it can be hard to keep everything straight. But there are some simple things you can do to help stay organized and on top of things.
Sometimes I feel like a complete scatter-brain with everything going on in my life, but the tips outlined below certainly help me stay at my best. When I remember them!
And that’s the biggest thing about staying organized. Obsessing over it may actually stress you out more, so just try and do your best!
Here are 5 simple tips that can help you stay organized:
1. Keep a planner or calendar and update it regularly
The first tip involves organizing your time. Whether on your phone or a physical agenda, get a planner or calendar and update it regularly. This will help you keep track of all your upcoming commitments and make sure you don’t double-book yourself.
It can also make things easier for you mentally. Seeing everything laid out for you can allow you to get a better idea of your schedule so you can not only plan better, but feel less overwhelmed by what’s on the docket.
2. Write lists and check items off as you complete them
Another key way to stay organized is to write lists and check items off as you complete them. This can be anything from a grocery list to a list of tasks you need to complete for work. Checking items off as you go will help keep you on track and ensure that nothing gets forgotten.
Additionally, the more you see checked off of your list, the more motivated you’ll feel to complete the next item!
3. Delegate tasks to others
Whenever possible, delegate tasks to others. This can be anything from asking your spouse to pick up the dry cleaning to delegating a work project to a team member. Sharing responsibilities will help to lighten your workload and make it easier to stay organized.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Sometimes, even if you want to do something, you have to say no or ask someone else for help. The reality is, when you say yes to something you can’t devote your energy to, you’re not doing anyone a favor.
4. Put things away in their proper place after using them
One of the most important tips for staying organized is assigning everything a place and then putting them back where they belong after using them. This may seem like a trivial thing, but if everything has a designated spot, it will be much easier to keep your home or office neat and tidy.
Trust me, leaving things out of their spot can quickly snowball, and before you know it, you’ve got a mess on your hands. This not only makes your environment stressful, but gives you an extra job to do.
5. Break down large projects into smaller, manageable steps
Last but not least, breaking large projects down into smaller tasks can help you keep things in check. This will make it easier to stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Again, seeing everything laid out before you – instead of allowing it to exist as a mess in your mind – can help you rationalize the task before you, break it down, and see what’s necessary to complete it.
Staying organized can be a challenge in today’s busy world, but by following some simple tips, it can be done. In this article, I’ve offered tips for staying organized in a busy world, at home, and in your time. I hope these tips help you keep everything running smoothly!
A bonus of keeping organized…
Being organized means it’s easier to do the things you want to do. Like taking after your health.
If everything has a spot, you’ll know where to find your Complete Collagen+ every morning. And EverBella’s highly-absorbable formula can definitely help you look and feel your best for years to come!
How?
The Difference Between Collagen And Gelatin: What You Need To Know
Collagen and gelatin are both proteins that have a variety of benefits for the human body. Here, I’ll explore the main differences between these two substances.
Important points:
- Collagen is a type of protein found in the body that helps provide strength and elasticity to tissues such as skin, muscle, and bones.
- Gelatin is a form of collagen that has been cooked down into a thick liquid.
- Both collagen and gelatin are derived from animal products, but collagen can also be found in some plant sources.
Collagen is a structural protein while gelatin is a protein that has been broken down into smaller pieces. Collagen is found in the body’s connective tissues, skin, and organ tissue, while gelatin is found in the muscles and bones.
They both have many of the same benefits for the body. They help to improve skin health, joint health, and bone health. They also help to improve digestion and can reduce inflammation. Collagen and gelatin are both excellent sources of protein, and they are both fairly easy to digest.
This is simply because they’re almost the same thing. But not completely…
What is the main difference?
Collagen and gelatin’s main difference comes down to their chemical structures.
Collagen is formed by a triple helix made up of 3 chains with over 1,000 amino acids each. [1]
In contrast, gelatin is a degraded form of collagen that has been partially broken down. This means that it’s made up of shorter chains of amino acids. [2]
This makes gelatin easier to digest than pure collagen. However, collagen supplements are mostly made of a type of collagen called collagen peptides. This type of collagen is easier to digest than gelatin.
Also, collagen peptides dissolve in both hot and cold water, while most forms of gelatin only dissolve in hot water. When cooled, gelatin can form into a thick gel. This is why it cannot be used interchangeably with collagen peptides. [2]
Is one better than the other?
If you’re trying to decide whether you should take collagen or gelatin, there are a few factors to consider.
While collagen and gelatin both share many of the same benefits, they have different functions.
Collagen is mostly used as an easy-to-digest supplement. You can add it to your coffee, tea, smoothie, and many other recipes without affecting consistency or even taste. Like Complete Collagen+, these come in formulas that are designed to boost collagen levels and support your health.
On the other hand, gelatin is used primarily for its gelling abilities, which have many culinary uses and applications. For instance, you can use it to make homemade candies or to thicken recipes.
That said, you reap the most benefits by sticking to collagen supplements. This is because you know how much you’re taking and you’re giving your body straight collagen as opposed to a broken down form.
If you want not only straight collagen, but straight collagen that can actually be absorbed and used by your body, you want Complete Collagen+.
Here at EverBella, we wrap the collagen peptides in protective layers called micelles and liposomes.
These allow the collagen to make it to your intestine fully intact where it can be readily absorbed into the bloodstream instead of just breaking down and passing through.
Get the most out of every dose.