Ask a Scientist questions here!

(36 replies)

by editorAnne

11 months ago

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Surprise! We're adding our “Ask a Scientist” column in celebration of our 1st birthday!

Why? We love our readers, and we want to answer your most pressing questions as a birthday gift to you. We’ll put them in front of the best minds in science for proven answers that get results. And remember, this is a no-embarrassment zone—anything goes! Post your questions below:

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amylee20 replied 11 months ago:

Hi YouBeauty Scientists.

Thank you for doing this! Here is my question. And yes, it's embarassing.

Why do I always get gas from broccoli? It happens to be my favorite vegetable so I hate to give it up.

Thank you.

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JenniferBoggs replied 11 months ago:

Hi YouBeauty Scientests

Here is my question:

I eat really healthy fiber, vitamins, veggies etc and I work out 2x a week how come I am constipated even though I eat enought fiber? I also keep hydrated during the day.

Thank you

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care666 replied 11 months ago:

Here is my question: I've heard of a special face cream that is said to contain baby foreskin! Is this true, and if it is; what would the benefits be for containiing that ingredient?

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jandtdeater replied 11 months ago:

My daughter is just about to turn 15 and as any girl self concious about her body. She is a big girl and is coming to grips with that and learning to make good eating decisions and has started to lose some weight, in a healthy way. My question is she has stretch marks that she is embarraed by. Is there a natural way to get them to fade away or is there a lotion or cream you would recommend to blend these so she isn't so self concious about her shoulders and tummy.

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LisaAnneC replied 11 months ago:

I also have a question for the Scientists.

I have recently, over the past year and a half, dropped about 50 pounds. I am exercising almost every day. While I look a lot smaller, my skin is definitely droopier. Anything I can do to support the skin and get it to bounce back without surgery? I'm well into my 40's and hate the look of the saggy baggy skin.

Thanks.

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dawny624 replied 11 months ago:

I am 33 years old. For the past 6 months or more I have been spotting most days of the months. I have been off the pill for at least 5 years now. My period has changed as well. I start off like Im spotting then I am super heavy for two days (go through 2 super tampons in less then an hour) and then basically nothing. My breasts are basically sore all month long as well. I have been to the doctor and they checked my blood for numerous things such as cancer, thyroid problem, peri-menopause, pregnancy, etc. They seem to think nothing is wrong and kind of blow me off since nothing is wrong with my blood tests. Im concerned and do not think this is normal. Any other advice you can give me or reasoning as to why this is happeneing? Thanks in advance!

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jb1ab2 replied 11 months ago:

I am 48 and am experiencing severe hot flushes from the top of my head to my chest several times in the day and night time I wake up and have to change clothing, is this menopause or something else? I take necardinfine 3 times a day for Reynaurds Syndrome could this be causing the hot flushing?

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flowergrl replied 11 months ago:

Why does my hair grow on the left side of my head but not the right?? My hair was always long and for the past couple of years it has stopped growing on the right side. I now wear it a lot shorter as I have to keep trImming the left side. I'm healthy and fit but my hair looks just awful. Doctors have had no answers for me. Help!

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verykerry replied 11 months ago:

Ditto on the question about getting gas from eating broccoli

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Flannery2012 replied 11 months ago:

My feet are ridiculously calloused, cracked and they almost feel like plastic on the bottom. I give myself a pedi once a month and still. I even use a callous remover and a razor. It lasts for a few days then dry and yucky all over again. Shouldn't a pedi last a little longer?

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BarbG7 replied 10 months ago:

My hair is thick, bushy and dry with no shine. It has body and waves in the back until the length pulls them out. It has always been like that. I have been using curling irons on it and have decided they are burning it up. I am going to start using rollers and blow dry with the coolest setting. I also have started using the Clear Shampoo and the L'Oreal EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner shampoo. I like them both very much. Are there any other suggestions you can give me to make my hair bouncy and shiny?

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Malc replied 10 months ago:

Hi there,

My question is this: I'm about 4 months into a not-so-harmonious divorce. My problem is waking up multiple times in the middle of the night, at which point I'm anxious and sweating like a pig. I'd like some tips or help on how to sleep throughout the night.

I should also mention I'm male (one of the few on this site?) and 45.

What I am doing already: Breathing exercises (multiple times a day), cardio (daily), yoga (daily), mindful meditation (every few days), before-sleep-ritual, relaxing activities such as playing guitar/singing and reading (daily). I also have a few very close friends that I talk with regularly.

I've also gotten sleeping pills from my doctor but they don't really help.

My sleep deprevation is causing some side effects such as loss of focus. Fortunately my work situation is such that I have good support there.

I'd really appreciate any tips that work for me. I have been reading just about any article I can find on the subject but so far they all help in making me feel better but they don't make me sleep.

Thank you.

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alhm528 replied 10 months ago:

I just turned 31 and have started feeling like I'm having weird hot flashes. I know it's too early for me to be going through menopause, but I have these times during the day where I get really hot and sweat for no reason. It's been happening for over month and it hasn't gotten any better. What could be causing this?

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DivaDMH replied 10 months ago:

I've never been able to get an answer for this one from any medical or science person so here goes... I was born with a very noticable port wine stain on my face. In my 30's I had it removed with lazer surgery. It looked great at the time. Now that I'm 60 the skin in the area, about a 3in. in diameter, is sagging, noticably! I suspect it's because the blood flow to the area is diminished so the skin isn't getting what it needs to look healthy. I don't look my age except for that, in fact, it makes me look much older, and it's frustrating. No, I can't afford plastic sugery! Is there anything I can do to improve the appearance of my skin that won't cost a fortune? I know removing a port wine stain is becoming more popular so I'm sure others may be interested in some help.

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sheilachaffins replied 10 months ago:

My question is I have been a Vegan for about 6 months. Why do I need Vitamin B 12?

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besadautyfan233 replied 10 months ago:

My questionis why doesn't caffeine ever have an effect on me? No matter how much I drink or have. Thank you!

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dblaacker replied 10 months ago:

I've noticed that a lot of women (including myself) seem to be plagued by frequent constipation and other symptoms of IBS. I know that eating too much fiber can actually make someone constipated, and drinking enough water every day is important. I try to stick to these guidelines, but I still have issues at least once a month. What could be the cause of this? Do you think it may be a result of higher susceptibility to stress? I made that hypothesis a long time ago, but haven't read much about it.

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teota replied 10 months ago:

My question is this: What causes gas and bloating when you eat certain foods?

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WHITEM replied 10 months ago:

OK Dr Scientist - Fat is a reletively simple cell. Simple in that it doesn't produce a hormone or send a nerve impulse. It is just a fat cell. Why is it that the scientific community cannot come up with a pil, injection or something that can target the fat cell and kill it. We have medicines that kill cancer cells. Obesity is a national problem. People die everyday from all the diseases that are made worse by fat cells. I am 54 years old, have had breast cancer. I have RA and now ame struggling with fibromyalgia. Moving is so hard for me. I need to lose some weight but have the conundrum that others do. I can't move easily so exercise is difficult. Without exercise weight loss is nearly impossible. Can you help???

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dartball replied 10 months ago:

What causes bacterial infection in the stomach? Dartball 10

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40fine replied 10 months ago:

I recently visited my GYN and after having an ultra-sound, her suggestion for removing my uterine fibroids (I have had them for some time now and two of them are approximately the size of small to medium lemons) was a full hysterctomy (uterus and cervix). When I asked her about removing the fibroids, she stated that I could be at risk of bleeding out, so it would be easier to have the hysterctomy. The fibroids do not bother me other than cramping really badly when I have my cycle. After doing a little research, I have decided to KEEP my uterus and cervix and have gone to the local health food store and purchased some natural progesterone creme, with the hopes of the fibroids strinking by the time I go back in November, or by my annual appointment. I will also, monitor my intake of foods that have hormones in them. So, my question is, is there anything aside from what I am doing, that I can do and present to my doctor as an alternative to a hystercomy?

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iluvbeading replied 10 months ago:

hello heres my question i wash my face evry other day with ivory soap i wash with warm and rinse with cold and i still have acne and combanation skin what can i do?

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Annabel Whit replied 10 months ago:

Dear YouBeauty Scientists,

I have recently been diagnosed with gluten intolerance/sensitivity. It's been difficult to cope with. I've cried, thrown tantrums, wallowed in self pity, and even denied it, telling myself there must be another explanation for my health problems. Eventually, I came to terms with my condition. My question is, what is your advice on coping with a restrictive diet and what vitamins might I be lacking?

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tibbar replied 10 months ago:

I have to have a breast biopsy and I am concerned about the metal marker. What are the long term effects and will it cause scar tissue to form? thanks

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sweensiebeansie replied 10 months ago:

Hi there, I have multiple scars on my body for various reasons and I was wondering if there was a way to get rid of or lighten the scars to make them less noticiable without laser surgery. I don't know if age matters in a situation like this, but I'm 16. Thanks in advance :)

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Galiya replied 10 months ago:

I have a lot of infections on my scalp, acne type, yellowish. My whole head hurts from having them. I have usually 10-15 spreaded all over my head in my hair, hard to reach. What can I do about it? I have had this since I got 15. Sometimes I have less, sometimes I get more.

Please someone help, hurts to sleep even.

thank you

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editorAnne replied 10 months ago:

Our first "Ask a Scientist" Answer here:

http://www.youbeauty.com/body-fitness/what-is-cellulite

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editorAnne replied 9 months ago:

The second "Ask a Scientist" answer is here! Find out if yours was chosen!

http://www.youbeauty.com/skin/pimple-popping

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editorAnne replied 9 months ago:

Your third question, answered! What is IBS:

http://www.youbeauty.com/health/what-is-ibs

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shaker replied 7 months ago:

Greetings Scientests, I was recently diagnosed with Burning Mouth Syndrome, I complained to my Dentist about the agony I have with the inside of my cheeks, roof of mouth, and the worst...is my tongue. He told me about BMS and I seriously thought he was kidding, he wasn't. He sent me to an Oral Surgeon who confirmed BMS, he prescribed an oral rinse and certain B vitamins. I have done all of that and nothing is helping. I'm fine it the morning. it gets much worse during the day and the horrible agony is with me all evening. I can't eat certain foods, had to change toothpaste and mouthwash, and I am still in excruciating pain. I am wondering if you are at all familiar with this odd thing, if so how would you suggest elleviating the pain? Help...please.

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AquaStone316 replied 2 months ago:

I'm about to be 16 and I just found out that I've been living with GAD(generalized anxiety disorder) my whole life, does it mean I'm mentally crazy, a freak, both, or none?

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CQR replied 2 months ago:

Hey there!! I am 27 yr old woman,I had a child when I was 17 a c-section,my question is can I get my stomach toned Iam '5 2" weigh 112 pounds but I have a slight droppy stomach skin,and I can't seem to fix it.

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amylee20 replied 2 months ago:

Hi AquaStone316,

I just wanted to comment to say that I don't think you're crazy or a freak. What you're going through is not uncommon. I think it's good to talk to your doctor, family or even supportive friends. And even community, like here. Don't feel embarassed or ashamed about yourself one bit! Anxiety disorder is more common than you think.

All best to you.

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Anushka replied about 1 month ago:

Hi. I really wanted to know if you have any home remedies for skin whitening or lighter skin. My skin is tanned like Im an Indian so yea it would really help if you could reply back :)

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sharjeel replied 19 days ago:

hi YouBeauty Scientist,

its good thing you satarted,here is my little question,

i always have pain in my head,why is that?how can i get rid?

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luvergurl4lyfe replied 14 days ago:

Hi YouBeauty Scientist,

i am 18 years old and i have extremely itchy breasts and i was wondering if thats normal or if i should go to my doctor because they itch nonstop and it gets worse if i scratch my itch.

it would really help me if you could let me know whats wrong with me =)

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