Tag: self awareness

10 facts: Carcinogens and beauty products πŸ«ͺ

by drjurisharma, posted in Adults, young people,, Cancers, death, disease,, Carcinogenic substances, carcinogens, chemicals, formaldehyde, benzene, coal tar, contaminants, phthalates, make up, beauty products, hair products, hair dye, hair styling products, personal care prod, hair, healing, health, health hazard, Infection,inflammation, Inflammation, diseases, environmental damage, health issues, Lipstick, cream, lotion, deodorant, shampoo, hair spray, conditioner, concealer, Lung cancer, Nature,, Science, skin, cancer, anti inflammatory, plant, nature, medicine, herb, wellness

1.Carcinogens are chemicals which are found to increase the risk of cancer. According to WHO,1 in every 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, which is quite alarming. Around 10 million people die every year world wide. Many strict regulations are already in place in various countries across the world, banning certain chemicals which are found to pose grave concerns to human health, including cancer risk. Personal care products including cosmetics use various chemicals and perfume to get the expected effects where some of the chemicals may result in health concern on long term use. Not all chemicals are tested properly, or they may not go through toxicity trials or animal testing. Research methods may sometimes differ from how the product is used by customers daily and in what quantity, it has been used. But, in spite of Regulations and Laws, it is important to have general awareness amongst individuals before purchasing any product.

2. IARC: The International Agency for Research on Cancer, depending upon the cancer risk, has classified different agents based on evidence-based research :

Group 1: proven to be carcinogenic, like Alcohol, tobacco smoking, asbestos, formaldehyde, Benzene, sunlight (UV radiation)

Group 2A: Probable carcinogen with evidence of association with cancer risk, such as occupational hazards in case of hairdressers, shift workers (disruption of circadian rhythm), refinery workers.

Group 2B Possibly carcinogenic where there are limited evidence of an association with cancer risk. These categories include professions like firefighters, regular exposure to magnetic fields, diesel fuel, dry cleaning, textile manufacturing.

Group 3: Categorised as not classified, meaning that it is not possible to classify as carcinogenic based on evidence. Some examples include chlorinated drinking water, hair dyes, fluorescent light, and electric field exposure.

Group 4: Not carcinogenic, such as caprolactam used in the manufacture of synthetic fibres.

3. Many studies are carried out and are still going on in many countries for daily-use products like personal care and beauty care products. Many chemicals are banned from using in products which gave strong evidence of cancer risks. There is no specific product which has been proven to cause cancer presently in the commercial space for personal care. But, as far as consumers are concerned, there are products which should be avoided as they can be a health hazard. Some of them are:

β€’ Hair dyes which contain coal tar derivatives, phenylenediamines.

β€’ Hair straightening treatments which can release formaldehyde gas.

β€’ Nail polish, which contains formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

β€’ Shampoos containing traces of benzene.

β€’ Talc powder, blushes and face powder containing traces of asbestos.

4. Formaldehyde: According to IARC, formaldehyde is categorised as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning that it has been proven to be a carcinogen by evidence-based studies. It has been linked to various cancers like the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx. Also associated with blood and bone cancers. Formaldehyde is used in cosmetics, beauty products as preservatives which in course of time breakdown and emit formaldehyde releases. Products containing formaldehyde, and labels of items which contain DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, bronopol, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate should be completely avoided. Common products which contain formaldehyde or its derivatives include:

β€’ Hair products like dyes, shampoo, hair straightening agents, conditioners.

β€’ Make-up items.

β€’ Nail polish, face creams, eyelash glue, false eyelashes.

β€’ Body lotion, body wash (water-based products)

5. Apart from formaldehyde and its releases, other chemicals which are definitive proof of carcinogens such as :

β€’ Benzene, which can be a trace contaminant in products like sunscreen, dry shampoos.

β€’ Coal tar found in anti-dandruff products, hair colours.

β€’ Talc, where traces of asbestos are found.

β€’ Phenacetin is used as a stabiliser in products like hair colours, facial bleach, and depilatories.β€’ Ethylene oxide is prohibited in cosmetics but commonly exposed in tobacco smoke and automobile exhaust. It is commonly used to sterilise medical instruments.

β€’ Heavy metals like chromium, cadmium, and arsenic (as a contaminant) are found in facial

lotion, cream, shampoo, and foundation.

6. Mineral oils: Mineral oils are crude oils which can be refined and unrefined, used in various personal care products. Mildly treated mineral oils contain PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which are categorised as carcinogens, especially benzopyrene. PAHs can damage DNA when entered in the body, they are reactivated by the enzymes and bind with DNA causing mutation. Then cells can rapidly multiply and can cause tumours. Long-term exposure can cause skin, bladder, and lung cancers. Beauty products where mineral oil can be used include hair colors, hair styling products, lipstick, lip gloss, facial bleach, moisturiser, blushes, concealer, and eye shadow.

7.1,4 Dioxane: This compound has been found in traces in cosmetic products, detergents, emulsifiers, and foaming agents. It is not intentionally added but instead used as a byproduct of manufacturing these items. This compound has been proven to be a potential carcinogen by agencies like the FDA. To find 1,4-dioxane, look at the labels of products that contain the β€œword” like β€œ-eth-β€œ or β€œ-oxynol-β€œ, PEG, Polyethene, Polyethene glycol, Polyoxyethylene.

8. Endocrine disruptors: Certain substances used in many personal care products may disturb the endocrine functions in the body, which can lead to cancers like breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. These substances disturb the levels of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone in the body. Substances like Pthalates, Parabens, Benzene, and Bisphenol A (BPA)

9. Safety: Beauty and personal products should always be purchased with proper certification like COSMOS or Ecocert. Any unregulated product should be avoided. Most beauty brands do follow the regulations and Laws of the Regulatory Bodies of the particular country of origin. Some of the tips are:

β€’ Usually, plant-based products with fewer ingredients are preferred.

β€’ Use products which are labelled scent- free and fragrance-free.

β€’ Use powders or blushes using rice starch, bamboo silica and arrowroot powder.

β€’ Instead of petroleum pigments, use mineral oil pigments like zinc and iron oxide.

Any product containing formaldehyde, or its releases like DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidine, coal tar, Pthalates, benzene should be avoided.

10. Takeaway: Studies have already shown that beauty and personal care products do contain many chemicals which are not just hazardous but carcinogenic to human health. It is important to discard all the toxic products that you have already purchased. Instead, look out for plant-based, clean products which are known to be safer. Always prefer products with natural, simple ingredients. It is important to read the label before buying any product, and not be satisfied with marketing gimmicks like β€œnatural” or β€œorganic” written on the front of the item. Always do a skin test ( patch test) before directly using a new product on the skin, face or body.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love πŸ™

10 hard facts about Alopecia Areata πŸ™Œ

by drjurisharma, posted in body, health, lifestyle, dietary, exercise, herbs, water, liver, stroke, cancer, hepatitis, brain, cognitive health, emotional health, eyes, Food, hair, healing, health, mental health, nature, wellness
  1. What is Alopecia areata? About 150 million people around the globe suffer from this autoimmune disorder presently. Alopecia Areata is characterized by smaller to wider patches of hair loss in the scalp irrespective of race, gender, or age. Though the exact aetiology is unknown, it tends to be hereditary.
  2. Research believes, most of the cases appear to have a positive family history of this disorder. Families with a positive history of vitiligo, thyroiditis, lupus or other autoimmune disorders have this disorder of alopecia. The exact cause is still not known why the body’s immune system starts attacking the hair follicles causing these patches of baldness. Studies initially showed that all races are equally affected. However, recent studies show that females are more affected than males and African Americans, and Hispanics are more affected than Asians.
  3. Usually, the hair loss patches are involved in smaller areas of the scalp region. But may also include the entire scalp known as alopecia totalis. It may sometimes involve the entire body known as alopecia universalis. Sometimes, the hair loss is prominent in the bottom back of the scalp known as ophiasis alopecia areata.

4. The course of the disorder starts with the sudden loss of small patches of hair on the scalp, beard, eyebrows or any part of the body. There is sudden thinning of the hair, followed by broken hair and finally hair falls off in patches. In some cases, the hair regrows. But in most cases, the patches extend and widen affecting bigger areas. Rarely, the progression is a complete loss of hair in the body.

5.The diagnosis is usually by physical examination. However, to confirm the diagnosis, blood tests, and a biopsy of the scalp, and hair for lab analysis. The family history and medical history of autoimmune disorders are to be considered. Once diagnosed, the disorder has no cure but needs to be managed.

6.Various treatment options are available depending upon the progression and uniqueness. Oral and intravenous corticosteroids are used. Phototherapy and immunotherapy are used in more severe cases. Sometimes, platelet-rich plasma is used to replace the blood from the body to stimulate fresh hair growth. Herbal remedies should be used under expert supervision. Treatment may or may not respond depending upon the severity.

7.Whenever you have noticed such symptoms, it is important to confirm the disorder by health care provider. Though the disorder has no cure, it can be managed or in some cases reduced or controlled by various treatment options. Cosmetic techniques are available too to manage hair loss patches.

8.When you have alopecia areata, you should avoid stress as symptoms may aggravate. Sun protection is required as hair naturally protects our skin and eye guard/sunglasses should be used due to lack of eyelashes. Considerable amounts of vitamins and mineral supplements should be taken under physician supervision to minimize hair loss. A well-balanced diet is essential.

Release stress

9.All hair loss doesn’t mean that you are affected by alopecia. Emotional stress or physical stress regularly for prolonged periods leads to hair loss. Menopausal, ageing and poor diet can also lead to hair loss. In most of these cases, the hair loss is temporary.

10.When you have alopecia or hair loss, gentle hair products with no parabens, or silicons should be used. Tightly tied hair or too much hair styling should be avoided. The use of harsh chemicals, hot oil hair treatments, rollers, curlers etc should be avoided. It is also better to avoid smoking as some studies do suggest it.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love πŸ™

β€˜New Year’ wishes πŸ™Œ

by drjurisharma, posted in brain, cognitive health, emotional health, life, nature, New Year, wishes, health, healing, happiness, positivity, fitness, spiritual, Uncategorized

First of all, I am incredibly appreciative that I get to celebrate another new year with the Supreme and all of my beautiful bloggers.

Let us hope that this new year, with its 365 fresh days, will bring us growth, positivity, action, hope, and the drive to achieve our objectives. Not to mention to make time for our loved ones and family.

Both failure and success are fleeting. The capacity to continue going forward is most important.

I’m wishing everyone a wonderful and prosperous 2024 New Year !

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love πŸ™

Diwali wishes to all πŸ™Œ

by drjurisharma, posted in brain, celebration, cognitive health, Diwali, emotional health, eyes, Food, life, physical therapy, pain, body aches, spinal,, spiritual

Today’s world is full of negativity and uncertainty where change is inevitable. Not all changes are comfortable. But faster, we accept, the sooner is the liberation and reconciliation process. Never lose the sight of hope and faith in the Supreme because it is this light which will lead us through the journey, no matter how hard it may be.

On this auspicious occasion, may the Supreme enlighten our hearts and fill our minds with happiness and positivity by strengthening the human bonds within family, friends and community.

Happy Diwali to all my dear readers with lots of love and luck. God Bless πŸ™Œ

10 facts about Sixth Sense : Is it real ?

by drjurisharma, posted in brain, cognitive health, emotional health, extra sensory perception, eyes, life, nature, sixth sense, spiritual, telepathy, Uncategorized
  1. In a normal individual, perception occurs through the five physical senses. Extrasensory perception (ESP) or sixth sense is a perception of the mind, perceived an event, circumstances, or prediction, through telepathy, clairvoyance or precognition. This is independent of the normal five sensory senses so it is regarded a paranormal ability. Through the centuries, from primeval times, many people, including sages, yogis and spiritual practitioners are believed to have mystical powers who have strong sixth sense.
  2. But then, is this real science? As far as science is concerned, there is no evidence of such extra senses in human. Many research projects in the past have been carried out to study if some people actually possess such extra sensory power. Some psychologists and philosophise are still undergoing studies to know more about this concept of extrasensory phenomena.

3. Several researches and authors like Rosalind Heywood, H. Osmond and many more have written several books on this subject with their own understanding of the perception. It is very hard to find scientific validity and physical explanation of such phenomena of extra sensory perception such as telepathy or clairvoyance or even precognition.

4. Sometimes intuition and extra sensory perceptions (ESP) or sixth sense are referred the same meaning. It is the psychological ability to sense something independently of sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste. Maybe, it is the ability of the individual based on deep understanding of the situation, the knowledge stored in the subconscious mind and the past experience.

5. Contrastive of today’s world, the primitive men were more instinctive and tuned with nature. Their level of awareness were as par with other living creatures and animals. It is this intuitive power which is slowly fading away from us. Because, our minds are caught up in this materialistic complexity.

Keeping science aside, most of us, do at sometime or someplace, get an inner sense of knowing of some event or information even before the actual occurrence. This is perhaps the kind of intuitive feeling that we still possess.

6. Different types of ESP experiences have been studied like telepathy, precognition, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, out of the body experiences and hauntings. Parapsychologists have been studying these psychic abilities through different experimental research.


7. The exact definition of each of the term may differ according to the understanding and apprehensions of individual.

Telepathy is sending information through one’s mind to another person.

Clairvoyance is an awareness without the physical presence of what’s going on somewhere.

Precognition is like predicting or foreseeing of a future information.

Out of body experience is traveling of the mind to a greater distance without actual movement of the physical self.

8. Though the presence of sixth sense in human has no scientific validation but other living beings like animals, fishes, birds, creatures like sharks, whales, or tiny ants do have sixth sense. Some animals like elephants or even dogs do get a sense in advance before a natural calamity.


9.Perhaps, unlike our ancestors , today human civilisation is more about technological advancement, modernization, stressful lifestyle, that we have moved very far from nature or simple natural occurrences. We hardly have time to observe in nature or the environment around us. Therefore, extrasensory perceptions or inner intuitive power are all vanishing from us slowly.

10. Sixth sense is a real ability or not, is yet to be proved in the scientific world. But as an individual, we all have been gifted with some natural abilities. It’s upto us to be more aware as individual and restore the very essence of being a human being. It’s time for us to let go once a while from this routine hustle bustle and be more calm, meditative to understand our inner self.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love πŸ™

10 facts about Orexin πŸ§ 

by drjurisharma, posted in brain, cognitive health, emotional health, Food, life, Orexin

Hi everyone βœ‹

1.The lateral hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex produce a hormone called Orexin, also known as hypocretin. It is produced in two forms like Orexin A and Orexin B. It has various functions related to Central Nervous System. It helps in regulating important functions like sleep-wake cycle, arousal state, energy homeostasis, feeding behaviour, emotions, mood and cognition.


2.Sleep: Orexin is usually released in the daytime and keeps us awake. It stimulates those neurons which in turn help in the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and nor- epinephrine. In case of individuals with orexin deficiency, are usually diagnosed with narcolepsy, insomnia, sleep imbalance, daytime sleepiness and cataplexy.


3.Stress regulator: Orexin is highly responsive to environmental stimuli and our mood. When in stress situations ,the orexin neurons stimulate the body’s response to increase heart rate, blood pressure and disturb the resting state.


4.Obesity: It is a result of the influence of orexin-producing neurons on energy metabolism.Orexin deficiency in the body can lead to slowing down energy metabolism, physical inactivity, and excessive weight gain, even if the calorie intake is low.

5.Mood: Orexin has an influence on mood through its impact on the hippocampus. Abnormal orexin activity has been related to mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety and addiction. Deficits in orexin influence can result in hippocampus problems such as learning disability and memory deficits, as it also promotes the development of neurons in the hippocampus.


6.Narcolepsy: Orexin helps us stay awake during the day. So, people with orexin deficiency suffer from narcolepsy. They have daytime sleepiness and sleep paralysis. Mostly, these type of individuals can also suffer from cataplexy. The person is unable to move for a short time even if he is awake or about to fall asleep. It is usually occurs in a conscious state of mind and triggered by strong emotions like being angry, or laughing.

7.Alzheimer’s Disease: Several studies show that orexin has direct connection with sleep, cognition and as a stress regular. So it does play a significant impact on Alzheimer’s disease pathology. An increase level of orexin has been found in cerebrospinal fluid of people with Alzheimer’s. So, they usually have circadian cycle disorders, daytime sleepiness and cognition problems. However, researches are still going on for further prospectives of using orexin antagonist receptors as a potential treatment alternative.

8.Heart: Lack of sleep and insomnia have a direct impact on cardiovascular health and hypertension. Studies show that increased levels of orexin stimulation can elevate blood pressure and heart rate. Both orexin A and B receptors have a direct role in the regulation of sympathetic nervous system. Therefore orexin antagonist receptors might be a therapeutic option for hypertension.

9.Orexin levels: High levels of orexin may lead to sleep disorders, stress prone and eating disorders. But lack of orexin or loss of orexin in brain injury may lead to narcolepsy or other sleep disorders. The normal level of orexin found in cerebrospinal fluid in a healthy individual is around 250 – 500 pg/ml.

10.Food: Optimal level of orexin can be provided in a healthy individual by regular intake of fermented food like pickles or sauerkraut. Having excessive sugar or carbohydrate rich food can inhibit orexing production.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love πŸ™

Wordless Wednesday πŸƒ

by drjurisharma, posted in brain, celebration, cognitive health, emotional health, eyes, life, nature, photography

10 facts of Chicory roots πŸͺ΅

by drjurisharma, posted in brain, cognitive health, emotional health, Food, life

Hello everyone βœ‹


1. Chicory is a tuberous herbeceous root, usually grown in winter. Though it is a native herb from Europe and Asia, but nowadays it widely grown in many areas for its health benefits and as a herbal remedy.

2. Chicory roots are a good source of carbs, minerals, and phytochemicals, including flavonoids. It has been utilized as herbal medicine for generations due to its high nutritional value. Research have shown that it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties.

3. In modern days, many of its benefits has been scientifically proven. Chicory root is rich in inulin which is a fructose rich fiber and acts as a prebiotic. It promotes growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Since, it is undigested in the gut when consumed, so it can act as a laxative and relieves constipation.

4. Studies have shown that chicory can contribute to lower blood sugar and helps in insulin resistance. Therefore, it can be an aid in the treatment of diabetes.

5. Other list of benefits of chicory roots are it can promote the weight loss process, improves liver health, boost kidney function by its diuretic properties and may help in treating candida and eczema.

Chicory coffee

6. Since chicory roots are naturally caffeine free, so they have widely been used as a coffee alternative to reduce the intake of caffeine. Repeated consumption of coffee may lead to excess caffeine intake which in turn can cause issues like increasing the level of cortisol and stress.

7. Extensively used method of including chicory in diet is by blending with coffee as chicory coffee, or as herbal tea. It is also integrated in cereals, protein bars and other food items.

8. Like any other food, Chicory roots also have it’s share of side effects like over consumption can lead to allergic reactions, skin rashes, GI symptoms like discomfort, diarrhoea and gall stone.It is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

9. As there is no specific doses of daily consumption of chicory, generally having around 5 gram of inulin in 500ml of chicory coffee in regular diet may not lead to any adverse effects. However, a Physician’s or an expert advice is recommended.

10. Chicory roots have been in ancient cultures for ages as a herbal medicine. History says that it has been in use as a healthy beverage for many centuries for its health benefits.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love πŸ™

Tuesday musings 🌻

by drjurisharma, posted in brain, celebration, cognitive health, emotional health, life, nature, Uncategorized

‘Don’t think what went wrong in the past, don’t plan too much for the future, just think and act at present’ ….

Thanks for reading πŸ™

Peace and love πŸƒ

Wordless Wednesday 🌷

by drjurisharma, posted in emotional health, life, nature, photography, Uncategorized

Hello everyone 🌻

Pictures taken by me at Keukenhof in Spring 2022.

Thanks πŸ™

Peace and love.