Porn not an addiction, more of a pleasure giver

There is no such thing as porn addiction and those who say it actually ignore the positive benefits it holds, shows research. 

New study has found very little scientific data - if any at all - to support some of the purported negative side effects of porn 'addiction'. 

"There was no sign that use of pornography is connected to erectile dysfunction or that it causes any changes to the brains of users," explained David Ley, a clinical psychologist and executive director of  New Mexico Solutions - a large behavioural health programme. 

Despite the furore, the use of sexually explicit material explains very little of the variance in adolescents' behaviours, he added. 

Slapping such labels onto the habit of frequently viewing images of a sexual nature only describes it as a form of pathology. 

According to researchers, it can improve attitudes towards sexuality, increase the quality of life and variety of sexual behaviours and increase pleasure in long-term relationships. 

"It provides a legal outlet for illegal sexual behaviours or desires, and its consumption or availability has been associated with a decrease in sex offenses, especially child molestation," observed Ley. 

"We need better methods to help people who struggle with the high frequency use of visual sexual stimuli, without pathologising them or their use thereof," wrote Ley. 

"The 'porn addiction' concept seems to feed an industry with secondary gain from the acceptance of the idea," he noted in a study published in Springer's journal Current Sexual Health Reports.

Dandruff: Why you should not apply hair oil

Hair oil may soothe an itchy scalp and reduce dandruff flakes, but Dr. Johan explains, "Hair oil has been used in our country as a continuance of our age-old traditional way of moisturising our hair. However, the truth is that the hair oil forms a layer on the scalp that prevents moisture from entering the skin naturally. This leads to the formation of flakes and dandruff because of the choked pores. So, I do not recommend applying hair oil."

Applying hair oil on a scalp, which is already infected with dandruff intensifies the process of hair fall. When hair oil remains on the hair for a long time, is loses it shine and turns dull. So, it is important to avoid applying hair oil on your scalp if you are struggling with dandruff.

Try these home remedies to reduce itchy-flaky dandruff:

1. Lemon Juice solution:

Massage lemon juice on your scalp before taking a shower. Wash your hair thoroughly after 15-20 minutes. This treatment helps to remove stickiness, prevents dandruff and makes your hair look radiant.

2. Aloe Vera rub:

20 minutes before you take a shower rub aloe vera gel on your scalp. Leave it on for a full 20 minutes, and then wash your hair with a shampoo.

3. Curd/yoghurt remedy:

Apply some curd on your hair and scalp and keep it on for at least one hour. Wash it off with a mild shampoo thoroughly. Do this at least twice a week.

10 first-time experiences for newlyweds

Transition to married life is filled with many milestone "firsts," which strengthen the relationship with a spouse.

The Huffington Post has compiled a list of things that happen for the first time after a marriage:

The first ever fight between a couple is a lot more different and is a lot more charged, the Huffington Post reported.

Secondly, getting together with friends after the wedding is a little strange as some of them may feel that their married-by-30-clock is ticking, or become bitter that the newlyweds have "the perfect life."

Another first that a newlywed has is their first major purchase together.

The in-laws' problem is another first for the newlyweds as a husband is used to his family's flaws: He's learned how to tune out Mom's criticisms, Dad's elitisms, his sister's jealousy. And he just wants his wife to let their comments roll off their back too.

The first time a couple is asked when they are having a baby also makes the list.

It is also a must-do for many newlyweds to host a dinner party.

Another first is when a husband is approached by the first "flirty girl."

Then comes the part when the couple establish their first tradition together while honouring established rituals that were passed down from both of your families.

The married holiday together is one more first.

And lastly, the time you get scared of losing your loving spouse.

6 daily habits we need to quickly change

Six seemingly healthy daily rituals that you need to change

The commercials sold you to the hand sanitiser and the bottled water. But are they really good for you? Experts argue not. Turns out several of the habits we have cultivated over the years, from being wary of germs to brushing teeth after every meal are not only unnecessary but could actually rob us of good health in the long term. Read on to find out how.

Brushing after meals
Obsessed with your pearly whites, you have taken to brushing your teeth after every meal. But your mommy told you only to brush your teeth twice a day — before breakfast and before bedtime. Turns out she was right.

Dental experts say that rushing to the bathroom immediately after a meal is not good for your teeth. The breakdown of food in the mouth leaves an acidic residue which weakens the enamel the protective layer on the teeth. Brushing the teeth when the enamel is weak, can strip the enamel permanently, causing tooth sensitivity.

Instead: It's a good idea to wait for at least an hour after the meal before reaching out for the toothbrush. If you must dislodge food particles that remain after eating, rinse your mouth with water.

Using the hand sanitiser 
Do you have a habit of reaching out for the hand sanitiser each time you touch the handle on the train, especially after the last person to hold it was a noticeably sweaty commuter? You might be doing yourself more harm than good.

While hand sanitisers are a convenient method of cleaning hands and getting rid of germs, it's important to use them properly. According to a research conducted by University of California Davis, US, most hand sanitisers contain a chemical called triclosan which gets absorbed easily by the skin. As it enters the blood stream, it disrupts cell communication necessary for muscle coordination. Long term use can leave the skin dry and cause problems such as infertility, early puberty and poor heart function.

Instead: When possible, use the time-tested method of washing your hands with soap and water.

Ditching weights for cardio 
Nothing is as good as a run or swim in the morning. Especially if compared to lifting weights at the gym. While this could work if your aim is just to stay fit, if you plan on losing weight, you need to stop being exclusive with the cardio.

The body gets accustomed to the same type of exercise and stops burning calories. Celebrity trainer Satyajit Chaurasia says including some weight training along with cardio is the fastest way to lose weight and gain muscle mass alongside. "Alternating between cardio and strength training keeps the heart rate up while also giving the whole body a workout. It keeps the body in shock and doesn't let it get used to a particular type of routine, where burning calories becomes stagnant."

Instead: If you are an outdoors person and don't like to join a gym, Chaurasia suggest that you find a bench and a pair of dumbbells. "For beginners, these will be enough to work your upper body," he says.

Changing your cosmetics 
The luxe cosmetic brand just announced a new product and you have already bought the new bottle of cream, ditching it for the tube you just bought last month. While pumping money into a new skin-care product is bad for your wallet, it also does great harm to your skin.

Dermatologist Dr Derek  says, "The human skin has a pH (potential Hydrogen) level of 5.5. Cosmetic makers differ from each other on the pH value of their products. When people, who have sensitive skin, experiment with products of varied pH values, it may result in red, patchy or inflamed skin. For instance, most soaps have a pH value higher than 5.5 and are alkaline (harsh for the skin)."

Changing cosmetics once every few weeks can damage your skin leaving it ridden with rash, pimples or acne. And no, reaching for another product won't help.

Instead: Derek recommends going only for trusted brands, and always reading the pH value mentioned at the back of the product.

Wearing flip flops
You are afraid that heels will kill your knees and ankles, and think flats are the way to go, especially in Mumbai where the weather permits it. Right? You couldn't be more wrong.

Podiatrist and mobility consultant Gabriel says flip flops are not good as they do not provide any arch or structural support to the feet. "While walking, the toes have to constantly grip the slippers to control and balance them from slipping out. This alters the natural foot lift-off and landing and could lead to problems such as plantar fasciitis — inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot," he says.

Instead: It is a good idea to wear flip flops at home, but ditch them when stepping out.

Drinking only bottled water 
Bottled water is processed water and has been stripped off minerals. In tropical climates such as Mumbai, it serves the purpose of hydration. But in the long run, it can leave your body lacking in essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, silica and sulphate. These minerals perform various functions in the body such as energy production and cell and muscle repair.

Instead: Fill your glass with water purified by a filtration system or carry a bottle from home.