Before the Needle Although many people have heard about Botox, few people know what it actually is. So, what are Botox injections? Many people would be surprised to learn that it actually is a drug derived from a neurotoxin created by a specific bacterium, the Clostridium botulinum. This is the same toxin that causes botulism, a life-threatening form of food poisoning. When ingested in its natural form, Botox can cause paralysis that spreads through the body until it eventually works its way to the breathing muscles, causing respiratory failure. This is why it is important to educate yourself before considering Botox injections. Why Do People Get Botox? Although this is a toxin, it is safe to use in small doses for medical use. Doctors often use the substance cosmetically. It is probably best known as an anti-wrinkle agent used to treat fine lines and signs of aging. Most commonly, it is used to treat wrinkles in the neck or face. Some people also get Botox injections to minimize their forehead lines. [youmaylike] In addition to smoothing skin to give it a more youthful appearance, it serves other medical purposes. Some patients use it to treat severe underarm sweating, migraines, uncontrollable blinking, overactive bladder and strabismus (misaligned eyes). How Does Botox Work? Botox causes paralysis. While this can be fatal in large, targeted doses, it is the property that helps with treatment. It acts locally, upon the injection site where it will weaken or paralyze targeted muscles. This is done as the neurotoxin attaches to nerve ending and blocks impulses from coming through. Instead of contracting as normal, the injected tissues will remain relatively frozen. Reducing the pulling of the skin is what makes the skin look more youthful. This signal-blocking property is also assisted with the other medical applications of Botox. It is important to realize that these are not the same as a filler. How Long Does Botox Last? The effects of Botox do not last forever. After a while, the signals will begin to pass through again. Procedures are expected to have a visual effect that lasts three to six months. Botox will not lose its effect overnight. Rather, you will experience a gradual decline in results as the muscles slowly regain their movement. The effects of your first session will wear off faster than the later sessions. Your first session is expected to last around three months where the later sessions will gradually last up to six months. Is Botox Safe? Under controlled medical environments, Botox injection procedures are considered low-risk. Most procedures are carried out safely and effectively with little side effects. The side effects one does experience are normally what is expected from any sort of injection procedure. This would be some temporary redness, bleeding or bruising at the injection site. In rare cases, one may experience a headache in the first two days after the procedure or temporary drooping. With this being said, there are certain situations where you should avoid getting Botox injections. You should not undergo treatments if you: Are 65 years of age or older, or under 18 years old. Have breathing problems. Have bleeding problems. Are allergic to or have sensitivities to Botox products. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any medications or supplements you are currently taking as there may be some interactions that could be dangerous. If you immediately experience signs of an allergic reaction upon the treatment, seek medical help immediately. To reduce any of the potential complications, it is important that you thoroughly research the performing physician. You need to make sure you are going to someone who knows what they are doing and has an adequate environment to perform hygienically and legally. It is not worth the risk to seek other methods. Does Botox Hurt? Botox procedures use very tiny needles. While injections are associated with some pain, the size of the needles keeps this pain at a minimum. Botox injections are generally preceded by some sort of anesthetic treatment to numb the pain. This is often done with a topical anesthetic cream or a cold pack. Most people report minimal to no pain at all. The Cost of Botox The cost of Botox will vary greatly depending on the specifications of your procedure. Some facilities will charge you by the area covered, but more often they charge you per unit of Botox used. On average, you will pay about $20 per unit. As the average treatment is about 20 to 60 units on average, you will likely pay between $500 and $800. The number of units used in a session will vary greatly depending on the space that you want to be covered. The bigger the area, the more units you will need to pay to achieve results. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, insurance will likely not pay for any of the costs. You can talk with your insurance provider to find out if they offer financial compensation for non-cosmetic procedures.
Interstitial Cystitis Diet
If you or your loved ones have never had any issues with your bladder, you might not be aware of what interstitial cystitis is. To simplify the condition, interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that causes pain, specifically in the bladder and pelvis. While sometimes the pain is manageable, it can become severe. Because of this, the condition is often added as a symptom of diseases marked under the umbrella term of painful bladder syndrome. An interstitial cystitis diet may be able to relieve some symptoms.
Physical stress is the leading cause of interstitial cystitis. Even physical exercise, psychological stress, or stomach pangs during your menstrual cycle are enough to trigger a flare.
What Does an Interstitial Cystitis Flare Feel Like?
Interstitial cystitis (IC) flares are not like your familiar pangs of pain.
According to a study conducted by the Interstitial Cystitis Association, out of the 750 respondents, 19% reported periods of extreme pain that fluctuated with increased urination during a few days or even weeks. About 12% reported a sudden increase in pain and symptom intensity.
How Do You Avoid IC Flares?
What you eat and drink makes a huge difference in how intense an IC flare is and whether it is triggered.
The following are different ingredients and products that aggravate a person’s IC:
- Soda.
- Alcohol.
- Coffee.
- Tomatoes.
- Spicy food.
- Hot food.
- Chocolate.
- Citrus drinks or juices.
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG).
- Caffeinated beverages.
- High-acid food.
Although these ingredients and products are relatively common, this does not mean you have to keep living with IC. There are plenty of other products and foods you can have to avoid IC flares, and here are some things you should stock up on for your new and improved diet.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is the perfect solution. Most green teas such as berry, chamomile and mint offer little to no caffeine content. Not to mention that these teas are healthier for your diet and body. These teas offer energy, soothe the stomach and keep your body nourished while alleviating any pain from your bladder.
2. Low-Fat Yogurt
Low-fat or fat-free dairy should be your go-to.
If you eat yogurt as a snack, always go for an option without sugar or any artificial sweeteners. Plain yogurt works well in a pinch, but if you like your sweets, try to choose sweet yogurts that offer non-citrusy flavors, like a berry.
3. Go Whole
Moving away from citrus can seem like a tragedy for any fruit lover. But it doesn’t have to be.
If you like fruit, try unsweetened fresh fruits instead of juices. Even frozen or canned fruits are fine, and your goal should be using whole fruits instead of juices.
If needed, drink 100% fruit juices (preferably juice you have made yourself), and choose options that are vitamin-C rich, so your body gets that kick of energy it needs.
4. Healthy Meat Alternatives and Cooking Methods
We all love our fair share of meat. But, if you want to avoid IC flares, use this moment to try meatless options. There are so many brands that offer meatless food that doesn’t even taste like a non-meat product. Experiment with plant-based products and make some of your favorite meals. Burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and lasagna — there is a laundry list of meatless food you can make with vegetarian options.
But if you don’t want to give up your meat habit any time soon, make healthier choices. Instead of having fried meats, bake the meat. Roasting, grilling and broiling are also good options. Trim away visible fat and stick with leaner meats. If you have chicken or turkey, remove the skin to save yourself any pain.
5. Limit Your Greases
Ingredients like oils, margarine, butter, mayonnaise and salad dressings are essential for our diet.
But if you want to live without pain, you may need to limit these ingredients substantially. Again, plant-based ingredients are an option. Olive oil, canola oil, olive butter, or butter made from buttermilk are also delicious. You have to stay away from greasy food and pick trans-fat-free ingredients.
In Conclusion
This is just the beginning of a long list of ways to improve your chances against IC. Hopefully, with the above list, you will get started on leading your life the healthy way you deserve.