None Without Prayer

None Without Prayer

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone... 1 Timothy 2:1

Prayers of thanks will be offered at many dinner tables this week as part of the Thanksgiving holiday. May each prayer leader surrender to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. May there be reverence and sincerity, thanking the Lord for His many blessings in personal lives, as well as in families, churches, communities, and the nation. And most importantly, may every prayer thank Jesus Christ for His ultimate sacrifice, for willingly giving up His sinless life on the cross, so we as His followers can have eternal life in Him.

Praying For All?

Turning to our personal prayer time with God each day, our thankfulness often bubbles up as we give thought to the broken, impoverished, and less fortunate. We pray that the Lord pour out His blessings upon them- to break strongholds, heal hearts, lift spirits, and provide for all their needs.

Yet, how often do we pray for those who seem to be blanketed in favor and abundant blessings? 

 ♢ Do we pray for those who have jobs, though we are unemployed?

 ♢ Do we pray for those who are wealthy, though we haven’t two coins to rub together?

 ♢ Do we pray for those who are married with children, though we are single and hope to be married with children too? 

 ♢ Do we pray for those with an abundance of friends, though we pray that God gift us just one friend?

Consider that we may not think to pray for the blessed because their need is not visually obvious to us. And some may wear a coat of pride that keeps them from openly confessing prayer needs to others.

Regardless, we can never assume that life is easier walking in someone else’s shoes, even those who have abundantly more. Though our problems aren’t the same as theirs, neither are their problems the same as ours. 

Even in our churches, we may forget to include our pastors and prayer warriors, our spiritual mentors, deacons, and church leaders in prayer. After all, we may see them as standing closer to God than we do. Surely, we think, they are without adversity, as they pray, evangelize, teach, counsel, and heal others. However, they need our prayers too.

They are susceptible to drift and the spiritual wilderness just as we are. They or someone they love may be going through a serious health issue. Or, a difficulty that is out of their control is coming one day soon. Can we pray that the Lord ready him or her for that moment? 

Hardships For All

Everyone will experience trouble at some point in their lives, for no life is without its troubles, regardless of wealth, health, fame, intellect, or relationships. And though life can be easier with the wisdom, joy, and peace of the Holy Spirit, it’s not problem-free. Jesus said:

In addition, nothing is guaranteed in this world. Any of us can lose finances, health, friends, family, material possessions, and even life at any time. Job lost all but his life, though he “was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1). But Job praised the Lord, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 1:21). Perhaps you’ve experienced some of these losses as well.  

But we have hope, and hope to share with others. “For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory. So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (See 2 Corinthians 4:7-18).

What Should We Pray?

Regardless of the accomplishments, talents, skills, material goods, and spiritual gifts and wisdom that one has, we should pray for the things seen and unseen for every precious life, for we have the Holy Spirit to guide us in prayer:

• Pray that God’s blessing continue in their lives and the lives of their friends and family, according to the will of the Lord

• Pray they use this time to bless others with their finances and talents, and to give thanks to God for all things, never forgetting that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” (James 1:17)

• Pray over his or her ministry, as uniquely planned by the Lord. May they stay surrendered to the Holy Spirit, trusting Him for each step

• Pray for greater faith, spiritual wisdom, boldness, and humility in all things

• Pray that they receive spiritual revelation, and a deeper hunger for knowing the Lord

• Pray for God’s Word to be His or her sword in fighting the attacks of the enemy

• And, pray for the Holy Spirit to move us, to speak His words and act as He directs, in the lives of every person

Wouldn’t that be love? To love unconditionally, regardless of who someone is or what they have?  

And we can pray:

Lord Jesus, I come in a posture of total surrender to you. Thank you for who you are, and the sacrifice you made by laying down your life for me. You planned me before the creation of the universe, and loved me so much, you were willing to die so that I could spend eternity with you. I pray all of these things in your powerful and almighty name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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Health

DHT Blockers: Stopping Hair Loss

You or a loved one may be experiencing thinning hair, or even hair loss. While age can be a major influencer, we can learn of a few of its causes, and how to potentially stop or reverse it.

Note: There can be several causes for hair loss, and various treatments depending on its root cause. We urge you to use this article as only a summary, do your own research, and consult your doctor or healthcare specialist.

What Is DHT?

DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is an androgen sex hormone that is derived from testosterone. It plays a role in many bodily functions, including the growth of body and pubic hair, but can also cause hair loss on the scalp by shrinking hair follicles, leading to conditions like male pattern baldness. Excess DHT is linked to hair loss in both men and women, and its effects on hair follicles are what treatments aim to block.  

Effects of High DHT Levels

High levels of DHT can be responsible for several conditions: Hair loss on the scalp, prostate enlargement, increased body or facial hair, and acne or oily skin. 

How DHT Affects Women

DHT affects women, primarily through its role in the development of female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and hirsutism, particularly after menopause when estrogen levels decrease. High levels of androgens like DHT can lead to thinning hair on the scalp and excess hair growth on the face and body.  

Treatments to Block DHT

As the first two treatments are medications, research and understand the side effects before use. Also consult your doctor.

🔺 Finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) is an oral, prescription-only medication. A 2021 clinical trial of topical and oral finasteride found an improvement in men’s hair count after 12 weeks compared to a placebo. Potential serious side effects. 

🔺 Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a peripheral vasodilator. This means that it helps widen and loosen blood vessels so that blood can more easily pass through them. Minoxidil is typically used as a blood pressure medication. But minoxidil can also help promote hair growth when it’s applied topically to your scalp.

The following are a few natural DHT blockers, and not a full list. Consult your doctor before use.

🔺 Biotin, or vitamin H, is a natural B vitamin that helps turn some of the food and liquids you consume into energy your body can use. Biotin also helps boost and maintain levels of keratin, a type of protein present in your hair, nails, and skin. A 2019 study suggests that biotin can help hair quality and texture. Biotin can be taken as an oral supplement, but it’s also present in egg yolks, nuts, and whole grains.

🔺 Pygeum is an herb that’s extracted from the bark of the African cherry tree. It’s usually available as an herbal supplement taken orally. Pygeum bark is well known as a potentially beneficial treatment for an enlarged prostate and prostatitis due to its DHT-blocking ability. Because of this, it’s also thought to be a possible treatment for DHT-related hair loss, too.

🔺 Pumpkin seed oil is another DHT blocker that’s been shown to be successful. A 2019 study on mice found that topical pumpkin seed oil could reverse the effects of testosterone and promote hair growth after 3 weeks.

🔺 Saw palmetto is a small palm tree whose berries may help reduce DHT by inhibiting the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, which can help with hair loss and prostate health.

🔺 Caffeine may promote hair growth. Past studies suggest that caffeine can help prevent hair loss by: making hairs grow longer, extending hair’s growth phase, and promoting keratin production.

🔺 Deficiencies in B vitamins, especially B-6 or B-12, can cause a number of symptoms, including thinning hair or hair loss. B vitamins are essential nutrients for your overall health, and while taking vitamin B complex supplements may not help restore lost hair, they may stimulate hair growth or prevent hair loss.

🔺 There are foods you can consume that may also contribute to the blocking of DHT.

General Precautions

• Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, medication, or making significant dietary changes, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

• Pregnancy:

  During pregnancy, the effects of high estrogen levels often outweigh DHT's effects, leading to thicker hair. Oral DHT blockers are not recommended for pregnant women due to potential risks to a male fetus.

• It's crucial to discuss options with a doctor, especially concerning oral blockers, due to potential side effects and risks during pregnancy. 

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_{†All health information in the articles is exclusively gathered from clinical/medical resources that have been industry vetted, with no conflict of interest in the information they present/publish.} 

_{*Holy Nutrition does not diagnose, treat, or give medical advice. Information provided is not medical advice and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a healthcare provider or medical practitioner for any health concerns, questions, or before making any decisions related to your health. Individual health conditions and needs may vary, and therefore, professional medical advice is essential for personalized guidance. Holy Nutrition is not responsible for any harm or damage resulting from the user's reliance on the information contained in the articles.}