Brain Myths—Busted

Five examples of neurological nonsense you can forget about for good.
By Rich Maloof for MSN Health & Fitness

The human brain has received unprecedented press coverage in the past few years, thanks in large part to big leaps in science's understanding of what goes on in the space between our ears. Yet, some stubborn myths remain.

For this special installment of Brain & Body, we're offering insights into which commonly held beliefs stem from reliable studies in neuroscience—and which are just plain mindless. For further information on these fallacies, we've consulted our favorite research neuroscientist and go-to brain guy, Istvan Molnar-Szakacs, Ph.D., of the Semel Institute's Tennenbaum Center for the Biology of Creativity at UCLA.

Myth: Listening to Mozart makes you smarter.

Reality: It may make you feel superior, but listening to Mozart won't make you any smarter than bumping along to the latest cut by Lil' Wayne. The Mozart idea first took hold following a 1993 study published in Nature that showed that 12 students scored higher on a spatial IQ test after listening to a Mozart sonata. Author Don Campbell ran with the notion in his pop-psychology book The Mozart Effect, and a multi-million–dollar industry arose selling CDs and videos to parents holding out hope their little ones would harness the intellectual power of Amadeus.

However, subsequent research failed to replicate the (small) study's results. And the original researchers later re-emphasized the qualifications in their findings; notably, that the effect was temporary, not extending beyond 10 or 15 minutes. "The myth does bring attention to the value of music as a tool for stimulating the brain," says Molnar-Szakacs. "We know that playing a musical instrument in childhood improves performance in academic areas other than music. But just listening to Mozart while cramming for a test is no reliable way to improve your score, let alone your IQ."

Myth: People with autism have genius talents.

Reality: There's not a great deal known about savant syndrome, the very curious condition in which people with developmental disorders such as autism show astonishing skills in music, art, or math. But we do know that the widespread misconception about its prominence is traceable to the 1988 film "Rain Man," and that the movie's hero would be exceptionally skilled, and exceptionally rare, even among savants.

According to Darold A. Treffert, M.D., of the Wisconsin Medical Society—a recognized expert on savant syndrome— approximately one in 10 people with autism spectrum disorder has some savant skills. (Among those with other developmental disabilities, fewer than 1 in 100 are savants.) Treffert estimates that no more than 50 people in the world are "prodigious savants" like the toothpick-counting character portrayed by Dustin Hoffman.

Beware the characterization of genius, too. The famous "calculating twins" written about by Oliver Sacks, M.D., in The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hatcould see prime numbers in a fallen stack of matches or tell you which day of the week July 4 would fall on in the year 3024, but they couldn't do simple multiplication.

Myth: Smarter animals have bigger brains.

Reality: A sperm whale's brain is more than five times the weight of a human's—yet the animal with the world's largest brain still can't play a decent game of chess. What gives?

"The relationship isn't directly between brain size and smarts, but rather in the ratio of brain weight to body weight and smarts," explains Molnar-Szakacs. "In a human, whose brain weighs around 3 pounds, the ratio is about 1:50. But in other mammals it's closer to 1:80 or 1:200. So, the smaller the ratio, the more intelligent the animal."

Molnar-Szakacs adds that, even beyond the brain-to-body weight ratio, it is what's inside the cranium that counts. "The parts of the human brain that control higher cognitive functions are the cerebral cortices," he says. "These are the areas responsible for the uniquely [high-functioning] human abilities of language, memory, and planning for the future. The cerebral cortices enable us to learn and adapt our responses to our environment in much more sophisticated ways than other animals. For example, we have the capability to override predominant, stimulus-driven responses, so that we can say 'no' to chocolate cake if it'll break our diet even if we are still hungry and know it would taste really good."

Myth: Drink enough alcohol and you'll start killing brain cells.

Reality: Drunken frat boys head-butting one another in a bar may give you pause to consider this one, but alcohol does not kill neurons or create holes in the brain. However, there's no denying that alcohol and other drugs of abuse impact brain systems. It's their effect on the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin that goose the brain's reward system, leading to feelings of euphoria—and, when more of the drug is needed to create the same effect, to tolerance and addiction.

"Over the short-term, alcohol and drugs alter brain function rather than affecting brain structure," Molnar-Szakacs clarifies. "Slurred speech, impaired motor response, and impaired judgment are all symptomatic of compromised frontal lobes, the centers of the brain that direct higher-level decision making."

Rarely, a chronic drinker may develop Wernicke-Korsakoff's Syndrome, a condition characterized by atrophy or shrinking of the thalamus and hypothalamus and the inability to recall or form memories. This syndrome's not a direct effect of drinking, but rather a secondary result of alcohol abuse so severe that absorption of vitamin B-1 is prevented, leaving the brain malnourished.

Myth: Most people use only 10 percent of their brain.

Reality: A quote from William James that's been mangled, misinterpreted, and misused may explain the myth's origins. In making a general point about human potential, the philosophical psychologist said that people "make use of a very small portion of their possible consciousness, and of their soul's resources in general." Anecdotal evidence of individuals suffering physical damage to the brain and continuing to function, such as the famous story of Phineas Gage, may also have contributed over the years.

Thanks to the development of neuroimaging technologies—machines that allow us to view not only structures but functions of the brain at work—this myth is handily debunked. While we may not use all of our brain all of time, multiple areas are simultaneously recruited for every task we undertake. For example, all the different parts of the brain responsible for vision, sensation, planning, motor coordination, muscle activity, and homeostasis are required to play a game of tennis or write words on a page. In fact, new studies examining the brain at rest reveal that an entire network of regions is active even when a person is "doing nothing," notes Molnar-Szakacs.

More Brain & Body Columns on MSN Health & Fitness:

* Why Do Some People Become Psychopaths?
* Why Sex Sells and Diets Fail
* How to Gain Self-Control
* Search: All Brain & Body Columns

Rich Maloof's award-winning writing has covered subjects ranging from soda pop to stem cells. He has written for MSN, CNN, MSNBC, Yahoo!, Women’s Health, and various other publications. He is the published author of 12 books to date, including several instructional titles for musicians. He is a regular contributor for Brain & Body. Rich is currently preparing a book on mortality for St. Martin’s Press with co-author HP Newquist.

New Stock Market terms

CEO --Chief Embezzlement Officer.
CFO-- Corporate Fraud Officer.
BULL MARKET -- A random market movement causing an investor to mistake himself for a financial genius.
BEAR MARKET -- A 6 to 18 month period when the kids get no allowance, the wife gets no jewelry, and the husband gets no sex.
VALUE INVESTING -- The art of buying low and selling lower.
P/E RATIO -- The percentage of investors wetting their pants as the market keeps crashing.
BROKER -- What my broker has made me.
STANDARD & POOR -- Your life in a nutshell.
STOCK ANALYST -- Idiot who just downgraded your stock.
STOCK SPLIT -- When your ex-wife and her lawyer split your assets equally between themselves.
FINANCIAL PLANNER -- A guy whose phone has been disconnected.
MARKET CORRECTION -- The day after you buy stocks.
CASH FLOW-- The movement your money makes as it disappears down the toilet.
YAHOO -- What you yell after selling it to some poor sucker for $240 per share.
WINDOWS -- What you jump out of when you're the sucker who bought Yahoo @ $240 per share.
INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR -- Past year investor who's now locked up in a nuthouse.
PROFIT -- An archaic word no longer in use.

You Need Sleep

Take note...don't always sleep late!!

Good rest and sound sleep is veryImportant... if u don't sleep well,The toxic in your body will accumulate.. Affecting your health and your mood...


The main causes of liver damage are:
1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are the main cause.
2. Not urinating in the morning.
3. Too much eating.
4. Skipping breakfast.
5. Consuming too much medication.
6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener.
7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except if the body is very fit.
8. Consuming overly done foods also add to the burden of liver. Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should be finished in one sitting, do not store. We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits. Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our body to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to 'schedule.'

Because: Evening at 9 - 11pm : is the time for eliminating unnecessary/ toxic chemicals (de-toxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes). This time duration should be spent by relaxing or listening to music. If during this time a housewife is still in an unrelaxed state such as washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this will have a negative impact on her health.

Evening at 11pm - 1am : The de-toxification process in the liver, and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.

Early morning 1 - 3am : de-toxification process in the gall, also ideally done in a deep sleep state.

Early morning 3 - 5am : de-toxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time. Since the de-toxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.

Morning 5 - 7am : de-toxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.Morning 7 - 9am : Absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should be having breakfast at this time. Breakfast should be earlier, before 6:30am, for those who are sick.

Breakfast before 7:30am is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit. Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 -10am rather than no meal at all. Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals. Aside from that, midnight to 4am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood. Therefore, have a good sleep and don't sleep late.

25 ways to Improve your Health

1. Brush twice a day!

2. Dress right for the weather.

3. Visit the dentist regularly.

4. Get plenty of rest.

5. Make sure your hair is dry before going outside.

6. Eat right.

7. Get outside in the sun every once in a while.

8. Always wear a seatbelt.

9. Control your drinking of alcoholic beverages.

10. Smile! It will make you feel better.

11. Don't over indulge yourself.

12. Bathe regularly.

13. Read to exercise the brain.

14. Surround yourself with friends.

15. Stay away from too much caffeine.

16. Use the bathroom regularly.

17. Get plenty of exercise.

18. Have ! your eyes checked regularly.

19. Eat plenty of vegetables.

20. Believe that people will like you for who you are.

21. Forgive and forget.

22. Take plenty of vacations.

23. Celebrate all special occasions.

24. Pick up a hobby.

25. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Cesarian (C-section)

The Caesarian Section (C-section) C-section is short for Caesarian section, a procedure in which a baby, rather than being born vaginally, is surgically extracted (removed) from the uterus. As the name "Caesarian" suggests, this is not exactly a new procedure. It was done in ancient civilizations upon the death of a pregnant woman who was near full term in order to salvage the baby. Julius Caesar (or one of his predecessors) was born by this procedure. Hence, the name "Caesarian." The term "section" in surgery refers to the division of tissue. What is being divided here is the abdominal wall of the mother as well as the wall of the uterus in order to extract the baby. Caesarian Sections are performed when it may be impossible or unsafe to deliver the baby vaginally, and are very common. Since the majority of these caesarian sections are unexpected, it's a good idea to know a little bit about them, even if you are not having a high-risk pregnancy.
Caesarian sections are performed when the health of the mother or baby is in jeopardy. Sometimes the necessity of a caesarian section can be anticipated, but most of the time the decision is made on the spot. You might need a Caesarian Section if:

* The cervix stops dilating or the baby stops progressing down the birth canal and all attempts to stimulate uterine contractions to get things moving have failed.

* The baby's heart rate becomes irregular and he may not be able to withstand continued labor and vaginal delivery.

* The baby's body is in an abnormal position, such as breech position where the baby's buttocks is coming out first, or if the baby is lying horizontally across the birth canal.

* The baby's head is face-up, instead of face-down, it may not be able to be delivered vaginally.

* There is a problem with the placenta, such as placental abruption, where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before labor begins, or placenta previa, where the placenta is born first, cutting off the baby's oxygen supply.

* The Patient has had a previous caesarian section birth.

* The baby has a health problem, and will need immediate medical attention after birth.

* The mother has a serious health problem, like diabetes, heart or lung disease, or high blood pressure, and need induced labor, which can have adverse affects.

* The baby is very large, or if you have a small or abnormal pelvis.

* The mother has a primary herpes simplex infection in your genital tract, since the infection could be passed to your baby, leading to serious disease.

* A loop in the umbilical cord comes through the cervix, or prolapses, and becomes compressed, decreasing the baby's oxygen supply.

* There are twins or multiples, since there is a higher possibility that on of the babies will be in an abnormal position.



However

Caesarian sections are more dangerous than vaginal births, and should only be performed when absolutely necessary. Since the decision to have a caesarian section is often unanticipated, it is important that you are familiar with the procedure, and discuss all of the possible scenarios with your doctor.

As with any major surgery, there are several risks involved with caesarian section births.

* There is a risk of infecting other, nearby organs, such as the bladder or kidneys.

* Blood loss for caesarian sections is, on average, twice as much as with vaginal births. Even so, transfusions are only needed in about 1%-6% of cases.

* Surgery of any kind often causes the bowels to slow down for several days, resulting in distention, bloating, and discomfort.

* Both hospital stay and recovery time are longer for Caesarian Section births.

* In any situation where general anesthesia is used, there is a risk of pneumonia or unexpected reactions to the anesthetics.

* If the baby's due date was incorrectly calculated, it could result in premature delivery.

* Babies born by caesarian section are more likely to develop breathing problems during the first few days of life.

* There is a slight possibility that the surgeon could make a mistake and nick the baby while making the incision in the uterus.



Once a caesarian section, always a caesarian section" is an axiom that is simply no longer true! Vaginal births after a prior C-section can now be done! Whether or not you will succeed depends primarily on the reason for your first ceasarian section.

The woman has a better chance of vaginal birth if her first C-section was done for a "one-time" problem, such as breach (feet-first) , fetal distress, toxemia, or placental problems.

If she had an unusual pelvic shape, you may also have trouble delivering vaginally. The doctor must know the type of caesarian section she had to determine if a trial for vaginal delivery can be allowed.

If it was a vertical uterine incision (not the skin) she will have to undergo a repeat ceasarian section. This type of incision, known as a "classical incision," puts you at a higher risk for a ruptured uterus if you try for vaginal delivery.

Home Remedies for NAIL BITING

NAIL BITING


Ta-dum. Yes, it often begins with boredom. Or impatience. Or fidgeting. Then a nibble. And the next thing you know, your fingernails look like the Mad Nail Nibbler went on a binge.

If you are among the millions who regularly bite their nails, you know the Mad Nail Nibbler all too well. And you've probably said to yourself (how many times?) "I wish I'd stop biting my nails!"

Anyone can be a nail biter--and it often begins in childhood. Forty to 50 percent of all children regularly pick and chew their nails and cuticles, though many of them manage to kick the habit by the time they get to be adults. But nail biting can also get started in adulthood--sometime s out of the blue.

"While nail biting in some people may be a nervous reaction to stress, those who engage in it generally are not nervous individuals, " according to R. Gregory Nunn, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and president of R. G. Nunn and Associates, a private clinic in San Diego. "Nail biting is a learned behavior that usually results from factors that have nothing to do with stress. Ironically, one of the most common causes is the physical condition of the nails."

"If the nails become irregular or damaged, it promotes attempts to try to smooth them, and biting is one such means," says Nathan H. Azrin, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Psychology at Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "But biting just worsens the condition of the nails and encourages further biting."

How, then, do you resist this urge to indulge in a five-finger feeding frenzy? Just sink your teeth into these proven tips.

First, pretend to bite your nails. That's right. And do it in slow motion in front of a mirror, so you can actually see all the movements that are involved.

"Most nail biters begin by running their thumb along the nails' edges, feeling for irregularities, before bringing the hand to the mouth," explains Dr. Azrin. "We want them to identify the initial parts of the movement. It's much easier to interrupt it at the initial stage than to wait until the finger is nearly in the mouth." Other signals: rubbing your face or cupping your hands just before you bite.

Keep a daily record. Build up your awareness by noting when nail biting occurs--that is, how often, when, where and with whom. Your goal is to identify all the situations in which you are more likely to engage in the habit, then consciously remind yourself not to bite your nails in those situations as you enter them.

Grip, grab and clench. You can't bite your nails if your hands are involved in other activities. So if you realize you're getting the urge to bite, immediately do something else with your hands. If you're sitting on a sofa, for instance, grab the armrest. If you're reading, hold the book firmly. And if you're in a meeting, gently grab your knee. Just hold on for a couple of minutes and the urge will pass.

File your nails daily. "Keep your nails well trimmed and short, especially for the first few weeks," says Trisha Webster, a hand model with the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency in New York City. "Use an emery board instead of a metal file or scissors--it is gentler and won't weaken your nails."

She recommends filing your nails into a rounded or oval shape. "If you file your nails straight across," she warns, "they will have two sharp points that are tempting to bite."

Baby them. "Soak or massage your nails with baby oil, olive oil, vitamin E oil or a gentle dish detergent at least twice a day to replenish lost moisture, stimulate growth and prevent cracking and chipping," says New York City skin care specialist Lia Schorr, author of Lia Schorr's Seasonal Skin Care. "Also, use a moisturizing hand lotion several times a day to keep the skin around the nails healthy and attractive."

Make your nails less tasty. Schorr and Webster both suggest coating your fingers with hot pepper or lemon juice: Any nontoxic, bitter substance will make you think twice about putting your fingers near your mouth. But make sure you also keep your hands away from your eyes.

Go undercover. When you're at home, suggests Schorr, try wearing some light cotton gloves. They're surefire protection against nail biting.

Dress up your digits. Once the appearance of your nails has improved, don't hide them--show them off! Dr. Azrin and Dr. Nunn both suggest wearing rings and jewelry and putting your hands on top of a desk or table rather than hiding them underneath. After you've given up nail biting, you should begin to feel comfortable extending the fingers rather than cupping them. If you draw attention to your fingers and receive compliments, that's a wonderful incentive to keep up the good work.



Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.The service is provided as general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

Home Remedies for NAIL BITING

NAIL BITING


Ta-dum. Yes, it often begins with boredom. Or impatience. Or fidgeting. Then a nibble. And the next thing you know, your fingernails look like the Mad Nail Nibbler went on a binge.

If you are among the millions who regularly bite their nails, you know the Mad Nail Nibbler all too well. And you've probably said to yourself (how many times?) "I wish I'd stop biting my nails!"

Anyone can be a nail biter--and it often begins in childhood. Forty to 50 percent of all children regularly pick and chew their nails and cuticles, though many of them manage to kick the habit by the time they get to be adults. But nail biting can also get started in adulthood--sometime s out of the blue.

"While nail biting in some people may be a nervous reaction to stress, those who engage in it generally are not nervous individuals, " according to R. Gregory Nunn, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and president of R. G. Nunn and Associates, a private clinic in San Diego. "Nail biting is a learned behavior that usually results from factors that have nothing to do with stress. Ironically, one of the most common causes is the physical condition of the nails."

"If the nails become irregular or damaged, it promotes attempts to try to smooth them, and biting is one such means," says Nathan H. Azrin, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Psychology at Nova University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. "But biting just worsens the condition of the nails and encourages further biting."

How, then, do you resist this urge to indulge in a five-finger feeding frenzy? Just sink your teeth into these proven tips.

First, pretend to bite your nails. That's right. And do it in slow motion in front of a mirror, so you can actually see all the movements that are involved.

"Most nail biters begin by running their thumb along the nails' edges, feeling for irregularities, before bringing the hand to the mouth," explains Dr. Azrin. "We want them to identify the initial parts of the movement. It's much easier to interrupt it at the initial stage than to wait until the finger is nearly in the mouth." Other signals: rubbing your face or cupping your hands just before you bite.

Keep a daily record. Build up your awareness by noting when nail biting occurs--that is, how often, when, where and with whom. Your goal is to identify all the situations in which you are more likely to engage in the habit, then consciously remind yourself not to bite your nails in those situations as you enter them.

Grip, grab and clench. You can't bite your nails if your hands are involved in other activities. So if you realize you're getting the urge to bite, immediately do something else with your hands. If you're sitting on a sofa, for instance, grab the armrest. If you're reading, hold the book firmly. And if you're in a meeting, gently grab your knee. Just hold on for a couple of minutes and the urge will pass.

File your nails daily. "Keep your nails well trimmed and short, especially for the first few weeks," says Trisha Webster, a hand model with the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency in New York City. "Use an emery board instead of a metal file or scissors--it is gentler and won't weaken your nails."

She recommends filing your nails into a rounded or oval shape. "If you file your nails straight across," she warns, "they will have two sharp points that are tempting to bite."

Baby them. "Soak or massage your nails with baby oil, olive oil, vitamin E oil or a gentle dish detergent at least twice a day to replenish lost moisture, stimulate growth and prevent cracking and chipping," says New York City skin care specialist Lia Schorr, author of Lia Schorr's Seasonal Skin Care. "Also, use a moisturizing hand lotion several times a day to keep the skin around the nails healthy and attractive."

Make your nails less tasty. Schorr and Webster both suggest coating your fingers with hot pepper or lemon juice: Any nontoxic, bitter substance will make you think twice about putting your fingers near your mouth. But make sure you also keep your hands away from your eyes.

Go undercover. When you're at home, suggests Schorr, try wearing some light cotton gloves. They're surefire protection against nail biting.

Dress up your digits. Once the appearance of your nails has improved, don't hide them--show them off! Dr. Azrin and Dr. Nunn both suggest wearing rings and jewelry and putting your hands on top of a desk or table rather than hiding them underneath. After you've given up nail biting, you should begin to feel comfortable extending the fingers rather than cupping them. If you draw attention to your fingers and receive compliments, that's a wonderful incentive to keep up the good work.



Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.The service is provided as general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

LOW SEX DRIVE IN WOMEN

Low Sex Drive in WOMEN


Definition
A woman's sexual desires naturally fluctuate over the years. Highs and lows commonly coincide with the beginning or end of a relationship or with major life changes, such as pregnancy, menopause or illness. However, if you are bothered by a low sex drive or decreased sex drive, there are lifestyle changes and sex techniques that may put you in the mood more often. Some medications offer promise as well.

Even researchers disagree about the best measure of low sex drive in women. After all, perfectly normal women vary greatly in their desire for sex and their views about the optimal amount of sex. Besides, the number of times you have sex each week isn't necessarily a good measure of your libido; women skip sex for many reasons that have nothing to do with desire, including fatigue, stress, poor body image or lack of emotional intimacy.

So, what exactly is low sex drive in women? In medical terms, you have hypoactive sexual desire disorder if you have a persistent or recurrent lack of interest in sex that causes you personal distress. But you don't have to meet this medical definition to seek help. If you aren't as interested in sex as you'd like to be, talk to your doctor.

Symptoms
Obviously, the major symptom of low sex drive in women is a low or absent desire for sex. According to some studies, more than 40 percent of women complain of low sexual desire at some point. The percentage is smaller — 5 percent to 15 percent — if you only count women with ongoing problems.

Still, researchers acknowledge that it's difficult to measure what's normal and what's not. If you want to have sex less often than your partner does, neither one of you is necessarily outside the norm for people at your stage in life — although your differences may cause distress. Similarly, even if your sex drive is weaker than it once was, your relationship may be stronger than ever. Bottom line: There is no magic number to define low sex drive. It varies from woman to woman.

Causes
A woman's desire for sex is based on a complex interaction of many components affecting intimacy, including physical well-being, emotional well-being, experiences, beliefs, lifestyle and current relationship. If you're experiencing problems in any of these areas, it can affect your sexual desire. In other words, there are dozens of reasons you may not be interested in sex:

Physical causesA wide range of illnesses, physical changes and medications can cause a low sex drive, including:


Sexual problems. If you experience pain during sex (dyspareunia) or inability to orgasm (anorgasmia) , it can hamper your desire for sex.


Medical diseases. Numerous nonsexual diseases can also affect desire for sex, including arthritis, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and neurological diseases. Infertility also can contribute to low sex drive, even after infertility treatments are over.


Medications. Many prescription medications — including antidepressants, blood pressure medications and chemotherapy drugs — are notorious libido killers. Antihistamines also can zap your sex drive.


Alcohol and drugs. A glass of wine may make you feel amorous, but too much alcohol can spoil your sex drive; the same is true of street drugs.


Surgery. Any surgery related to your breasts or your genital tract can affect your body image, function and desire for sex.


Fatigue. The exhaustion of caring for aging parents or young children can contribute to low sex drive.

Hormone changesChanges in your hormone levels may change your desire for sex:

Menopause. Estrogen helps maintain the health of your vaginal tissues and your interest in sex. But estrogen levels drop during the transition to menopause, which can cause a double whammy — decreased interest in sex and dryer vaginal tissues, resulting in painful or uncomfortable sex. At the same time, women may also experience a decrease in the hormone testosterone, which boosts sex drive in men and women alike. Although many women continue to have satisfying sex during menopause and beyond, some women experience a lagging libido during this hormonal change.


Pregnancy and breast-feeding. Hormone changes during pregnancy, just after having a baby and during breast-feeding can put a damper on sex drive. Of course, hormones aren't the only factor affecting intimacy during these times. Fatigue, changes in body image and the pressures of carrying — or caring for — a new baby can all contribute to changes in your sexual desire.

Psychological causesYour problems don't have to be physical or biological to be real. There are many psychological causes of low sex drive, including:


Mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression
Stress, such as financial stress or work stress
Poor body image
Low self-esteem
History of physical or sexual abuse

Relationship issuesFor many women, emotional closeness is an essential prelude to sexual intimacy. So problems in your relationship can be a major factor in low sex drive. Decreased interest in sex is often a result of ongoing issues, such as:

Lack of connection with your partner
Unresolved conflicts or fights
Poor communication of sexual needs and preferences
Infidelity or breach of trust

When to seek medical advice
Talk to your doctor if you are bothered by your level of desire for sex — whether you're actually having sex just once in a while or several times a week.

Tests and diagnosis
Primary care doctors and gynecologists often ask about sex and intimacy as part of a routine medical visit. Take this opportunity to be candid about your sexual concerns. If your doctor doesn't broach the subject, bring it up. You may feel embarrassed to talk about sex with your doctor, but this topic is perfectly appropriate. In fact, your sexual satisfaction is a vital part of your overall health and well-being.

Once you bring up your concerns about low sex drive, your doctor will probably look for a physical cause of the problem, such as a prescription or over-the-counter medication you're taking. Undiagnosed medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure can also reduce your libido. During a pelvic exam, your doctor can check for signs of physical changes contributing to low sexual desire, such as thinning of your genital tissues, vaginal dryness or pain-triggering spots. He or she may also recommend additional screening tests, thyroid studies and questionnaires to help pinpoint your level of desire and find a reason for low desire. In addition, you may be referred to a specialized counselor or sex therapist to evaluate emotional and relationship factors that can cause low sex drive.

By definition, you may be diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder if screening tests reveal a persistent or recurrent lack of sexual thoughts or receptivity to sexual activity, which causes you personal distress. Whether you fit this medical diagnosis or not, your doctor can look for reasons that your sex drive isn't as high as you'd like and find ways to help.

Treatments and drugs
There is no simple pill or potion to increase sex drive in women. In fact, most women benefit from a multifaceted treatment approach aimed at the many causes behind this condition. This may include sex education, counseling, lifestyle changes and sometimes medication.

Lifestyle changes you can makeHealthy lifestyle changes can make a big difference in your desire for sex:

Exercise. Regular aerobic exercise and strength training can increase your stamina, improve your body image, elevate your mood and enhance your libido.


Stress less. Finding a better way to cope with work stress, financial stress and daily hassles can enhance your sex drive.


Be happier. A sense of personal well-being and happiness are important to sexual interest. So find ways to bring a little extra joy to your world.


Strengthen your pelvic muscles. Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) can improve your awareness of the muscles involved in pleasurable sexual sensations and increase your libido. To perform these exercises, tighten your pelvic muscles as if you're stopping a stream of urine. Hold for a count of five, relax and repeat. Do these exercises several times a day.

Relationship changes you and your partner can makeFor women, better emotional intimacy often leads to better sexual intimacy:

Communicate with your partner. Conflicts and disagreements are a natural part of any relationship. Couples who learn to fight fair and communicate in an open, honest way usually maintain a stronger emotional connection, which can lead to better sex. Communicating about sex also is important. Talking about your likes and dislikes can set the stage for greater sexual intimacy.


Seek counseling. Talking with a sex therapist or counselor skilled in addressing sexual concerns can help with low sex drive. Therapy often includes education about sexual response and techniques and recommendations for reading materials or couples' exercises.


Set aside time for intimacy. Scheduling sex into your calendar may seem contrived and boring. But making intimacy a priority can help put your sex drive back on track.


Add a little spice to your sex life. Try a different sexual position, a different time of day or a different location for sex. If you and your partner are open to experimentation, sex toys and fantasy can help rekindle your sexual sizzle.

Medical treatments for low sex driveMedications aren't always necessary to treat low sex drive. But they can help.

Treating underlying causes of low sex drive. The first medical intervention for low sex drive is usually addressing an underlying medical condition or medication that's known to have sexual side effects. This may include adjusting or changing your current medications or starting treatment for previously undetected conditions.


Estrogen therapy. Systemic estrogen therapy — by pill, patch or gel — can have a positive effect on brain function and mood factors that affect sexual response. Local estrogen therapy — in the form of a vaginal cream or a slow-releasing suppository or ring that you place in your vagina — can increase blood flow to the vagina and help improve desire. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a combination of estrogen and progesterone.


Testosterone therapy. Male hormones, such as testosterone, play an important role in female sexual function, even though testosterone occurs in much lower amounts in women. However, replacing testosterone in women is controversial and it's not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for sexual dysfunction in women. Plus, it can cause negative side effects, including acne, excess body hair (hirsutism), and mood or personality changes. Testosterone seems most effective for women with low testosterone levels as a result of surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) . If you choose to use this therapy, your doctor will closely monitor your symptoms and blood levels to make sure you're not experiencing negative side effects.

Coping and support
Low sex drive can be very difficult for you and your partner. It's natural to feel frustrated or sad if you aren't able to be as sexy and romantic as you want — or you used to be. At the same time, low sex drive can make your partner feel rejected, which can lead to conflicts and strife. And this type of relationship turmoil can actually add to your lack of desire for sex.

It may help to remember that fluctuations in your sex drive are a normal part of every relationship and every stage of life. Try not to focus all of your attention on sex. Instead, spend some time nurturing yourself and your relationship. Go for a long walk. Get a little extra sleep. Kiss your partner goodbye before you head out the door. Make a date night at your favorite restaurant. Feeling good about yourself and your partner can actually be the best foreplay.



Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.The service is provided as general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

INHIBITED SEXUAL DESIRE

INHIBITED SEXUAL DESIRE

You've lost that loving feeling. It's gone, gone, gone, and nothing you do seems to get it back.

Well, there's no reason to believe it's gone forever. Usually the lack of sexual interest is only temporary. In fact, it's a normal reaction to stress, illness, hormonal swings or emotional upset.

But what happens when there's not even a flicker of renewed interest? That's a condition psychologists call inhibited sexual desire.

"People with inhibited sexual desire lack the desire to have sex, even though they have opportunities to do so," explains Shirley Zussman, Ed.D., a marital therapist and a director of the Association for Male Sexual Dysfunction in New York City. "In some instances, they completely lose interest in sex." Or their interest in sex may change dramatically over a period of months.

Of course, not everyone considers a low libido a problem. But some do, and more than a fair number of people with a low sex drive have spouses who consider it a big problem, says Peter A. Wish, Ph.D., director of the New England Institute of Family Relations in Framingham, Massachusetts.

If you're among them, here are some tips that may help you rekindle your flame and help you and your mate adjust to each other's differing appetites.

Shake your booty. Regular, strenuous exercise may be a potent aphrodisiac, helping to boost your sex life. Two studies that included healthy men on regular exercise programs showed that the exercisers enjoyed sex more often than nonexercisers.
"The exercise may have sparked an increase in testosterone in the more active men," speculates David McWhirter, M.D., professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego. Testosterone is the hormone that controls the male sex drive. "Exercise may also help people feel better about themselves and the way they look," he says.

But don't overdo it. Training too hard may lower testosterone levels and decrease sex drive. In one study where men doubled their daily exercise, testosterone levels dropped significantly, and all the men reported declines in sexual interest. So if you're working out more but enjoying sex less, you may want to consider a change of pace.

Make a date. "No time for sex is a frequent complaint, so make it a priority by making time," Dr. Zussman suggests. Be playful and creative, and start "dating" again. Go to a drive-in movie on a hot, humid night. Watch the sun set. Snuggle up together under the blankets with a good book. Hide from the kids the same way you used to hide from your parents when you were teenagers. Leave notes, send cards, give gifts, bring home flowers just for the joy of it.

When to See the Doctor
If you find you can't even broach the subject with your mate, or if sex isn't the only thing you are no longer able to enjoy, you may benefit from discussing your problem with a professional. You can ask your family doctor, a gynecologist or a urologist for a referral.
Doctors recommend that you address both the psychological and physical aspects of inhibited sexual desire. Individual therapy or a medical checkup might be advised before marital therapy. Inhibited sexual desire can be a symptom of depression. It can also be due to low hormone levels, which are best diagnosed and treated by an endocrinologist, who specializes in the body's internal secretion system.

Eat lean and mean. A steady diet of cheeseburgers, french fries and other fatty foods may curb the production of testosterone, researchers have found. "It may be that fatty acids act on the cells that make testosterone, cutting down on production," observes Wayne A. Meikle, M.D., professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. For a man who likes thick steaks and fatty shakes, a change to lean rations may be the best aphrodisiac.

Catch some rays. There's no doubt that a day of sunshine can lift your spirits. But did you know that exposure to the sun may be sexually stimulating, too?
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio found that a person who gets a lot of sunlight has a stronger sex drive. Not only that, sunlight increases ovulation in women and sperm production in men. "Get out in the sunlight for a half-hour or so at midday during the winter months," suggests Russell J. Reiter, M.D., Ph.D., professor of neuroendocrinology at the health science center.
And keep your living space bright by opening the curtains to let in natural sunlight and using high-wattage bulbs.

Try to work it out. "Many sex drive problems are really intimacy problems," Dr. Wish says. "There might be anger, unresolved conflicts or any one of a number of things that are incomplete." He emphasizes that it's important to talk about these things in a supportive way.

Accentuate the positive. Pick a place far removed from the bedroom to have a discussion, suggests Dr. Zussman.

"Start out not in an angry way but by affirming what's positive about the relationship, " she suggests. "You may want to begin with 'We have so many good things between us, and this seems to be one area that just isn't working right.' People are very vulnerable about their lack of sexual interest, and it does no good to attack them for it."

Discover the whole body. Couples who concentrate on just reaching orgasm deprive themselves of prolonged pleasures. Do more touching, hugging and hand-holding, Dr. Zussman suggests.

Read the fine print on drugs you're taking. Some drugs crimp not only sexual performance but sexual desire as well. Common lust busters: antianxiety and sleep-inducing drugs and some blood pressure medications. Ask your doctor about side effects. He may be able to substitute a drug with fewer desire-dampening effects.