What is a chemical imbalance in the brain?

A chemical imbalance in the brain is said to occur when there’s either too much or too little of certain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, in the brain.

Neurotransmitters are natural chemicals that help facilitate communication between your nerve cells. Examples include norepinephrine and serotonin.

It’s often said that mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. The hypothesis is sometimes called the chemical imbalance hypothesis or chemical imbalance theory.

If you’re wondering if the symptoms you’re having are caused by a chemical imbalance, it’s important to know that there’s quite a bit of controversy surrounding this theory.

In fact, the medical community has largely refuted this theory. Researchers argue that the chemical imbalance hypothesis is more of a figure of speech. It doesn’t really capture the true complexity of these conditions.

In other words, mental health conditions aren’t simply caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. There’s a lot more to them.

Man Utd are still prioritising a summer move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho before transfer deadline day next month.

Jadon Sancho got Manchester United fans excited as he named Marcus Rashford as the most skillful player he has ever played with.

United remain interested in a move for priority target Sancho before the summer transfer deadline next month, but know it will likely take a British-record fee to lure him to Old Trafford.

Borussia Dortmund remain adamant they will not lose the England international this summer after United failed to agree a deal before their self-imposed transfer deadline of 10 August.

MEN Sport understands United have not given up hope of completing a deal for Sancho, and now the club face even more pressure to get a deal done given the winger's latest comments.

Speaking to Pro:Direct Soccer Sancho was asked the most skillful played he's played with to which he answered: "Marcus Rashford."

It’s no secret that coconut oil can do some pretty amazing things: from replacing a pricier moisturizer to speeding up the healing process on a surface wound.

But some of the tips we’ve heard sound too good to be true — like coconut oil as sunscreen ... really?

Here's the scoop on 10 common claims:

1. Coconut oil can tame frizzy hair.

True! This trick definitely works, says hair stylist and New York City salon owner Nunzio Saviano. Rub coconut oil (which goes for around $10 on Amazon) in your palms to warm it up, and then simply massage it into strands. Wash it out a few hours later.

“The molecules in coconut oil are small enough so it penetrates the hair shaft,” he explained. “It locks the moisture in. That’s what keeps the hair nice and healthy looking. When your hair is dehydrated, that’s when you get flyaways and it gets really frizzy.”

2. You can use coconut oil as sunscreen.

False. Please don’t do this, warns celebrity dermatologist Doris Day. Instead get one of the top recommended sunscreens from Consumer Reports to protect your skin.

“It may give some sun protection benefits, but it does not replace your need for sunscreen,” Day said. “I wouldn’t risk it.”

3. Coconut oil can replace your moisturizer.

Coconut oil is very moisturizing and safe to use, even on the face, for all skin types, Day said.

“Even if you have oily skin, if you put on a thin layer it could help control the oil,” she added.

4. You’ll lose weight if you cook with coconut oil.

You might, but nutritionist Dana James reminds us it’s not that easy. Coconut oil has about the same amount of calories and fat — albeit different types of fats — compared to other oils like olive, she said.

“Weight loss can be complex, and simply adding coconut oil into the diet without changing anything else isn’t going to be enough,” James said.

But, she added that the high level of saturated fats in coconut oil can help suppress the appetite.

James also cleared up the difference between solid and liquid coconut oils, explaining that they’re both the same thing, but that pure coconut oil turns to liquid at a certain temperature, around 75 degrees.

5. Coconut oil can help heal wounds.

Believe it or not, this is true. Day explained that it’s the coconut oil’s antibacterial properties that help cuts and scrapes heal faster.

6. You can use coconut oil as makeup remover.

Yes, coconut oil can even help remove stubborn eye makeup — but most oils can do this, Day points out. Just be careful not to get it in your eyes.

7. You can use coconut oil as natural deodorant.

Sure, if you don’t mind smelling like coconut! “It kills off bacteria and yeast, and that’s what causes odor,” Day said.

But Day points out that while coconut oil might be OK as a deodorant, it definitely doesn’t work as an antiperspirant.

8. Coconut oil will get rid of stretch marks.

Nope, sorry.

“I wish, but no,” Day said. “Stretch marks come from a loss of ground substance in the skin, and you can’t replace that.”

9. Swirling coconut oil in your mouth will whiten your teeth.

Dentist Zack Zaibak of Chicago confirms this is true, adding that swirling coconut oil in your mouth for about fifteen minutes — also known as oil-pulling — can also remove bacteria and help improve conditions like gingivitis.

“It’s a good addition to dentistry,” he said. “There’s not much testing on this, but I haven’t seen any negativity, from a dentist’s perspective.”

10. Cooking with coconut oil will make everything taste like coconut.

False. Coconut oil is actually a mild, light option and you probably won’t detect the fruit in most recipes. Celebrity chef Candice Kumai says it works best cooking with high heat, and tastes especially great when cooking Thai and Indian food.

The omelette is one of the easiest and most inexpensive meals, and it works beautifully for breakfast, lunch or dinner. There are dozens of regional variations over the world, and it is close cousin to the Frittata.

The version that most of us are familiar with is the French omelette - slightly browned on the outside, creamy on the inside and filled with anything from simple herbs to meat or vegetables.

How to Cook the Perfect Omelette

 

The omelette is one of the easiest and most inexpensive meals, and it works beautifully for breakfast, lunch or dinner. There are dozens of regional variations over the world, and it is close cousin to the Frittata.

The version that most of us are familiar with is the French omelette - slightly browned on the outside, creamy on the inside and filled with anything from simple herbs to meat or vegetables.

Things You'll Need

Instructions

BBNaija housemate, Nengi has claimed that popular Nigerian musician, Davido was better than the late king of pop, Michael Jackson.

Nengi anchored her claim on the fact that she does not listen to any of Michael Jackson’s songs.

The BBNaija finalist made the remark during an interaction with fellow housemates, Vee and Neo, on Wednesday night.

Nengi further said she does not know any of Michael Jackson’s songs.

“OBO is better than Michael Jackson. For me, I don’t listen to him. As a matter of fact, I don’t know any of his songs,” she said.

The reality television show billed to end on Sunday, has Nengi, Laycon, Vee, Neo, and Dorathy as finalists.

Any of the last five contestants could smile home on Sunday with the all-inclusive N85m grand prize.

Chelsea star N'Golo Kante has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.