Erectile Dysfunction Drugs
If you've ever watched a prime time TV show you've seen the ads. Commercials promoting Viagra, Levitra or Cialis -- erectile dysfunction drugs. Those medications have helped millions of men have a normal sex life. But how do you know which of those medications, if any, are right for you?.
Showing posts with label reproductive health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reproductive health. Show all posts
Monday, May 9, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Melatonin Is More Than A Sleep Supplement
Melatonin Is More Than A Sleep Supplement
Melatonin, which most people regard as a sleep supplement, is a naturally-produced hormone secreted from your pineal gland. Melatonin is critical for sleep, but it is also a powerful antioxidant that can help the body fight many diseases including cancer.
Studies have shown that melatonin increases the levels of several antioxidant enzymes in the brain and possibly other parts of the body. Recent studies have shown that fluoride, mono sodium glutamate (MSG), and the sweetener aspartame shut off the production of melatonin. Since fluoride is common in public water systems and diets are filled with MSG and aspartame,this could explain the proliferation of insomnia in the U.S. Chronic insomnia leads to stress, which boosts the risk of cancer and other diseases.
Melatonin is recommended as a beneficial supplement for the following:
• Sleep. Melatonin is known to help promote restful sleep. To use as a sleep aid, take 30 minutes before bedtime and increase as necessary. It will induce dreaming. Do not use it during the day, or you will become sleepy.
• Glaucoma. All antioxidants help protect the retina from glaucoma. A new study found that melatonin not only reduced free radicals in the retina, but also dramatically reduced the glutamate level in the retina (excitotoxin level) and did so at dosage amounts usually taken for sleep 1 to 3 mg.
• Brain health. Melatonin actually increases the amount of antioxidant enzymes in the brain which protect it against damage by free radicals seen in all degenerative brain diseases. Recent studies have shown that these protective enzymes are low in people who develop Alzheimer's dementia and Parkinson's disease.
• Puberty. Melatonin regulates the onset of puberty in both boys and girls, and young girls who live in cities with fluoride in the water (fluoride lowers the production of melatonin) have been known to begin menstruating several months sooner than their counterparts in nonfluoridated locations.
The amount of melatonin begins to decline with aging, and is one of the reasons for the high frequency of insomnia in the elderly. If you notice you no longer dream, your melatonin levels are probably low.
Certain drugs (beta-blockers, ibuprofen, steroids, sleep aids, and Prozac), caffeine, alcohol, and fluoride can lower melatonin secretion.
With the widespread fluoridation of water, use of certain medications (such as ibuprofen, Prozac), and increasing fluoride in foods, melatonin deficiencies are becoming more common and occurring earlier in life.
Article courtesy of Vitamin Power Inc.
Melatonin, which most people regard as a sleep supplement, is a naturally-produced hormone secreted from your pineal gland. Melatonin is critical for sleep, but it is also a powerful antioxidant that can help the body fight many diseases including cancer.
Studies have shown that melatonin increases the levels of several antioxidant enzymes in the brain and possibly other parts of the body. Recent studies have shown that fluoride, mono sodium glutamate (MSG), and the sweetener aspartame shut off the production of melatonin. Since fluoride is common in public water systems and diets are filled with MSG and aspartame,this could explain the proliferation of insomnia in the U.S. Chronic insomnia leads to stress, which boosts the risk of cancer and other diseases.
Melatonin is recommended as a beneficial supplement for the following:
• Sleep. Melatonin is known to help promote restful sleep. To use as a sleep aid, take 30 minutes before bedtime and increase as necessary. It will induce dreaming. Do not use it during the day, or you will become sleepy.
• Glaucoma. All antioxidants help protect the retina from glaucoma. A new study found that melatonin not only reduced free radicals in the retina, but also dramatically reduced the glutamate level in the retina (excitotoxin level) and did so at dosage amounts usually taken for sleep 1 to 3 mg.
• Brain health. Melatonin actually increases the amount of antioxidant enzymes in the brain which protect it against damage by free radicals seen in all degenerative brain diseases. Recent studies have shown that these protective enzymes are low in people who develop Alzheimer's dementia and Parkinson's disease.
• Puberty. Melatonin regulates the onset of puberty in both boys and girls, and young girls who live in cities with fluoride in the water (fluoride lowers the production of melatonin) have been known to begin menstruating several months sooner than their counterparts in nonfluoridated locations.
The amount of melatonin begins to decline with aging, and is one of the reasons for the high frequency of insomnia in the elderly. If you notice you no longer dream, your melatonin levels are probably low.
Certain drugs (beta-blockers, ibuprofen, steroids, sleep aids, and Prozac), caffeine, alcohol, and fluoride can lower melatonin secretion.
With the widespread fluoridation of water, use of certain medications (such as ibuprofen, Prozac), and increasing fluoride in foods, melatonin deficiencies are becoming more common and occurring earlier in life.
Article courtesy of Vitamin Power Inc.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Gov't: Some Products Falsely Claim to Treat STDs
Gov't: Some Products Falsely Claim to Treat STDs
Agencies Warn Makers of Unproven Treatments for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Two federal agencies are cracking down on bogus claims made by companies that tout their products as treatments, cures, or preventive medications for sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, genital warts, and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a joint effort to remove “dangerous” products that make such claims, specifically, Medavir, Herpaflor, Viruxo, C-Cure, and Never An Outbreak.
Letters were sent to companies that make the products, warning that they are violating federal law because they have not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness by the FDA.
Read More on WebMD
Remember, although a healthy diet and nutritional supplements may improve immune function, reduce symptoms or support a quicker recovery, always consult your physician immediately for the treatment of sexually transmitted disease.
Agencies Warn Makers of Unproven Treatments for Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Two federal agencies are cracking down on bogus claims made by companies that tout their products as treatments, cures, or preventive medications for sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, genital warts, and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a joint effort to remove “dangerous” products that make such claims, specifically, Medavir, Herpaflor, Viruxo, C-Cure, and Never An Outbreak.
Letters were sent to companies that make the products, warning that they are violating federal law because they have not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness by the FDA.
Read More on WebMD
Remember, although a healthy diet and nutritional supplements may improve immune function, reduce symptoms or support a quicker recovery, always consult your physician immediately for the treatment of sexually transmitted disease.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Essential Fatty Acids Supplementation Prevents PMS
Essential Fatty Acids Supplementation Prevents PMS
A mix of essential fatty acids (EFA) has been shown to significantly reduce thesymptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Researchers writing in BioMedCentral's open access journal Reproductive Health tested the EFA tablets by carrying out a randomised, controlled trial in 120 women.
Researchers from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, conducted the tests. They reported "The administration of 1 or 2 grams of essential fatty acids to patients with PMS resulted in a significant decrease in symptom scores. The administration of the dietary supplement did not result in any changes in the total cholesterol in the patients evaluated."
Women who were given supplements containing 2 grams of a combination of gamma linolenic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, other polyunsaturated acids and vitamin E reported significantly eased PMS symptoms at both 3 and 6 months after they began the treatment. Few adverse events were recorded and these were mild, insignificant and did not appear to be directly related to the medication.
Speaking about the results, the researchers said, "The negative effect of PMS on a woman's routine activities and quality of life may be significant, in addition to the repercussions on economic costs resulting predominantly from a reduction in productivity. Essential [fatty acids] supplementation can now be said to show much promise as a treatment."
Journal Reference: Essential fatty acids for premenstrual syndrome and their effect on prolactin and total cholesterol levels: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Reproductive Health, 2011
Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Article courtesy of Vitamin Power
A mix of essential fatty acids (EFA) has been shown to significantly reduce thesymptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Researchers writing in BioMedCentral's open access journal Reproductive Health tested the EFA tablets by carrying out a randomised, controlled trial in 120 women.
Researchers from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, conducted the tests. They reported "The administration of 1 or 2 grams of essential fatty acids to patients with PMS resulted in a significant decrease in symptom scores. The administration of the dietary supplement did not result in any changes in the total cholesterol in the patients evaluated."
Women who were given supplements containing 2 grams of a combination of gamma linolenic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, other polyunsaturated acids and vitamin E reported significantly eased PMS symptoms at both 3 and 6 months after they began the treatment. Few adverse events were recorded and these were mild, insignificant and did not appear to be directly related to the medication.
Speaking about the results, the researchers said, "The negative effect of PMS on a woman's routine activities and quality of life may be significant, in addition to the repercussions on economic costs resulting predominantly from a reduction in productivity. Essential [fatty acids] supplementation can now be said to show much promise as a treatment."
Journal Reference: Essential fatty acids for premenstrual syndrome and their effect on prolactin and total cholesterol levels: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Reproductive Health, 2011
Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Article courtesy of Vitamin Power
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Phyto-Nutrients, Plant Extracts Being Researched For Cancer Risk Reduction...
Herbal Ingredients Show Valuable Breast Health Support
Phyto-Nutrients, Plant Extracts Being Researched For Cancer Risk Reduction...
A dietary herbal supplement containing lignans and indole-3-carbinol may reducethe risk of breast cancer by reducing free estrogen levels, suggest results from arandomized control trial.
A combination of HMR lignan, indole-3-carbinol, calcium glucarate, milk thistle, Schisandra chinesis and stinging nettle was associated with increased hydroxylation of the female hormone estrogen, which in turn is linked to a reduction in the risk ofhormone-sensitive breast cancer, according to findings published in Breast Cancer.
Hormone-sensitive estrogen-receptor (ER) positive and progesterone-receptor (PR) positive tumors are said to be the most common type diagnosed among breast cancer patients in the US. These tumors are stimulated to grow by the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
"In pre-menopausal women, consumption of a specific mixture of indole-3-carbinol and HMR lignan increased the mean urinary concentration of the estrogen metabolite [2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE)] and the mean urinary ratio of 2-OHE [toanother another estrogen metabolite 16alpha-hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1)], and this may reduce breast cancer risk," report scientists from Nutrasource Diagnostics and Hackensack University Medical Center.
"In postmenopausal women, consumption of a specific mixture of indole-3-carbinol and HMR lignan increased the mean urinary concentration of the estrogenmetabolite 2-OHE, and this may reduce breast cancer risk. However, the evidence for this is weaker than for premenopausal women because the 2-OHE:16alpha-OHE ratio did not increase significantly in this group."
Study details
The researchers recruited 47 pre-menopausal (average age 37, average BMI 27.2 kg/m2) and 49 post-menopausal women (average age 56.5, average BMI 27.5 kg/m2) and randomly assigned to receive either the herbal supplement or placebo for 28 days.
Results showed an increase in urine levels of 2-OHE, as well as in the 2:16alpha-OHE ratio for the herbal group, compared with placebo. An increase in 2-OHE was also observed in post-menopausal women receiving the herbal supplement, but the 2:16alpha-OHE ratio did not increase.
"Supplementation with a mixture of indole-3-carbinol and HMR lignan in women significantly increased estrogen C-2 hydroxylation," report the researchers. "This may constitute a mechanism for the reduction of breast cancer risk as well as risk for other estrogen-related cancers.
"Further studies with higher numbers of subjects are indicated," they added.
Source: Breast Cancer
"Effects of A Breast-Health Herbal Formula Supplement on Estrogen Metabolism in Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women not Taking Hormonal Contraceptives or Supplements: A Randomized Controlled Trial"
Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
Article Courtesy of Vitamin Power
Phyto-Nutrients, Plant Extracts Being Researched For Cancer Risk Reduction...
A dietary herbal supplement containing lignans and indole-3-carbinol may reducethe risk of breast cancer by reducing free estrogen levels, suggest results from arandomized control trial.
A combination of HMR lignan, indole-3-carbinol, calcium glucarate, milk thistle, Schisandra chinesis and stinging nettle was associated with increased hydroxylation of the female hormone estrogen, which in turn is linked to a reduction in the risk ofhormone-sensitive breast cancer, according to findings published in Breast Cancer.
Hormone-sensitive estrogen-receptor (ER) positive and progesterone-receptor (PR) positive tumors are said to be the most common type diagnosed among breast cancer patients in the US. These tumors are stimulated to grow by the female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
"In pre-menopausal women, consumption of a specific mixture of indole-3-carbinol and HMR lignan increased the mean urinary concentration of the estrogen metabolite [2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE)] and the mean urinary ratio of 2-OHE [toanother another estrogen metabolite 16alpha-hydroxyestrone (16alpha-OHE1)], and this may reduce breast cancer risk," report scientists from Nutrasource Diagnostics and Hackensack University Medical Center.
"In postmenopausal women, consumption of a specific mixture of indole-3-carbinol and HMR lignan increased the mean urinary concentration of the estrogenmetabolite 2-OHE, and this may reduce breast cancer risk. However, the evidence for this is weaker than for premenopausal women because the 2-OHE:16alpha-OHE ratio did not increase significantly in this group."
Study details
The researchers recruited 47 pre-menopausal (average age 37, average BMI 27.2 kg/m2) and 49 post-menopausal women (average age 56.5, average BMI 27.5 kg/m2) and randomly assigned to receive either the herbal supplement or placebo for 28 days.
Results showed an increase in urine levels of 2-OHE, as well as in the 2:16alpha-OHE ratio for the herbal group, compared with placebo. An increase in 2-OHE was also observed in post-menopausal women receiving the herbal supplement, but the 2:16alpha-OHE ratio did not increase.
"Supplementation with a mixture of indole-3-carbinol and HMR lignan in women significantly increased estrogen C-2 hydroxylation," report the researchers. "This may constitute a mechanism for the reduction of breast cancer risk as well as risk for other estrogen-related cancers.
"Further studies with higher numbers of subjects are indicated," they added.
Source: Breast Cancer
"Effects of A Breast-Health Herbal Formula Supplement on Estrogen Metabolism in Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women not Taking Hormonal Contraceptives or Supplements: A Randomized Controlled Trial"
Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment
Article Courtesy of Vitamin Power
Watercress May Suppress Development of Breast Cancer
Important New Research On How Phytochemicals & Nutritive Plant Extracts Are Beneficial For Cancer Risk Reduction
A compound found in watercress may suppress breast cancer development by stopping the function of a protein important in tumor development, according to new research. Phenylethyl Isothiocyanate, a compound found in watercress and other vegetables including broccoli and cabbage, may block key processes in cancer development by interfering with and 'turning off' the function of a protein called Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF), according to findings published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
"The research takes an important step towards understanding the potential health benefits of this crop, since it shows that eating watercress may interfere with a pathway that has already been tightly linked to cancer development," said research scientists from the University of Southampton. The study was supported by the Watercress Alliance.
Cancer Reduction Process
As tumors develop they need more blood, and begin to stimulate surrounding tissues to grow new vessels. It is suggested that phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC blocks the development of blood vessels to cancer cells by reducing the activity of HIF, known as an important positive regulator of blood vessel development.
PEITC has also been shown to induce apoptosis (cell death) in certain cancer cells, and, in some cases, even in cells that are resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs.
Dietary PEITC has been shown to decrease the translation regulator 4E binding protein-1 (4E-BP1) a protein linked to reducing cancer cell survival and decreased activity of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF).
The researchers observed that watercress extracts inhibited cancer cell growth and HIF activity.
Levels of blood plasma PEITC in samples also showed raised levels following the ingestion of watercress.
The authors reported an analysis of 4E-BP1 in blood cells from participants showed significantly reduced 4E-BP1 phosphorylation up to eight hours after eating the watercress, noting that the function of HIF was altered noticeably.
The authors noted their study offers a "new insight into the potential anti-cancer effects of watercress."
"Although further investigations are required to confirm these findings, this pilot study suggests that dietary intake of watercress may be sufficient to modulate this potential anti-cancer pathway," wrote the researchers.
Source: British Journal of Nutrition (Published online)
"In vivo modulation of 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) phosphorylation by watercress: a pilot study"
Article courtesy of Vitamin Power
A compound found in watercress may suppress breast cancer development by stopping the function of a protein important in tumor development, according to new research. Phenylethyl Isothiocyanate, a compound found in watercress and other vegetables including broccoli and cabbage, may block key processes in cancer development by interfering with and 'turning off' the function of a protein called Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF), according to findings published in the British Journal of Nutrition.
"The research takes an important step towards understanding the potential health benefits of this crop, since it shows that eating watercress may interfere with a pathway that has already been tightly linked to cancer development," said research scientists from the University of Southampton. The study was supported by the Watercress Alliance.
Cancer Reduction Process
As tumors develop they need more blood, and begin to stimulate surrounding tissues to grow new vessels. It is suggested that phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC blocks the development of blood vessels to cancer cells by reducing the activity of HIF, known as an important positive regulator of blood vessel development.
PEITC has also been shown to induce apoptosis (cell death) in certain cancer cells, and, in some cases, even in cells that are resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs.
Dietary PEITC has been shown to decrease the translation regulator 4E binding protein-1 (4E-BP1) a protein linked to reducing cancer cell survival and decreased activity of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF).
The researchers observed that watercress extracts inhibited cancer cell growth and HIF activity.
Levels of blood plasma PEITC in samples also showed raised levels following the ingestion of watercress.
The authors reported an analysis of 4E-BP1 in blood cells from participants showed significantly reduced 4E-BP1 phosphorylation up to eight hours after eating the watercress, noting that the function of HIF was altered noticeably.
The authors noted their study offers a "new insight into the potential anti-cancer effects of watercress."
"Although further investigations are required to confirm these findings, this pilot study suggests that dietary intake of watercress may be sufficient to modulate this potential anti-cancer pathway," wrote the researchers.
Source: British Journal of Nutrition (Published online)
"In vivo modulation of 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) phosphorylation by watercress: a pilot study"
Article courtesy of Vitamin Power
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Increased B Vitamins May Ease PMS Symptoms
Vitamins and Minerals Valuable For Helping Women's Health, According Research
Higher intakes of the B vitamins thiamine (B1) and riboflavin (B2) from the diet may reduce the of premenstrual (PMS) by about 35 percent, suggest important new findings.
According to a new report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the link between B vitamins and PMS is biologically crucial since B vitamins such as thiamine and riboflavin are known to play important roles in the synthesis of various neurotransmitters involved in PMS.
While most women experience mild emotional or physical premenstrual symptoms, as many as 20% of women experience symptoms severe enough to meet the definition of premenstrual syndrome, which can substantially interfere with daily activities and relationships.
The new study, performed by researchers from the University of Massachusetts, Harvard, and the University of Iowa, indicates that increase intakes of certain B vitamins from food sources may help reduce the incidence of PMS.
Study Details
Using data from 1,057 women with PMS and 1,968 women without PMS participating in the Nurses' Health Study II cohort, the researchers found that women with the highest average intakes of riboflavin two to four years prior to diagnosis were associated with a 35 percent lower incidence of PMS than women with the lowest average intakes.
On the other hand, the researchers did not observe any benefits with other B vitamins, including niacin, folate, B6, and B12. In addition, supplemental intakes of these vitamins was not linked to PMS incidence, they added.
"We observed a significantly lower risk of PMS in women with high intakes of thiamine and riboflavin from food sources only," wrote the researchers. "Further research is needed to evaluate the effects of B vitamins in the development of premenstrual syndrome."
Other Vitamins
Beyond the B vitamins, there is also some evidence for the potential of a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to lower the risk of developing PMS, a condition that affects up to a fifth of all women.
According to a study published in 2005 in the Archives of Internal Medicine (Vol. 165, pp1246-1252), researchers from the University of Massachusetts and GlaxoSmithKline reported for the first time that calcium and vitamin D may help prevent the initial development of PMS.
Source: The American Journal of Clinical NutritionPublished online
"Dietary B vitamin intake and incident premenstrual syndrome"
Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Article courtesy of Vitamin Power Inc
Higher intakes of the B vitamins thiamine (B1) and riboflavin (B2) from the diet may reduce the of premenstrual (PMS) by about 35 percent, suggest important new findings.
According to a new report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the link between B vitamins and PMS is biologically crucial since B vitamins such as thiamine and riboflavin are known to play important roles in the synthesis of various neurotransmitters involved in PMS.
While most women experience mild emotional or physical premenstrual symptoms, as many as 20% of women experience symptoms severe enough to meet the definition of premenstrual syndrome, which can substantially interfere with daily activities and relationships.
The new study, performed by researchers from the University of Massachusetts, Harvard, and the University of Iowa, indicates that increase intakes of certain B vitamins from food sources may help reduce the incidence of PMS.
Study Details
Using data from 1,057 women with PMS and 1,968 women without PMS participating in the Nurses' Health Study II cohort, the researchers found that women with the highest average intakes of riboflavin two to four years prior to diagnosis were associated with a 35 percent lower incidence of PMS than women with the lowest average intakes.
On the other hand, the researchers did not observe any benefits with other B vitamins, including niacin, folate, B6, and B12. In addition, supplemental intakes of these vitamins was not linked to PMS incidence, they added.
"We observed a significantly lower risk of PMS in women with high intakes of thiamine and riboflavin from food sources only," wrote the researchers. "Further research is needed to evaluate the effects of B vitamins in the development of premenstrual syndrome."
Other Vitamins
Beyond the B vitamins, there is also some evidence for the potential of a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to lower the risk of developing PMS, a condition that affects up to a fifth of all women.
According to a study published in 2005 in the Archives of Internal Medicine (Vol. 165, pp1246-1252), researchers from the University of Massachusetts and GlaxoSmithKline reported for the first time that calcium and vitamin D may help prevent the initial development of PMS.
Source: The American Journal of Clinical NutritionPublished online
"Dietary B vitamin intake and incident premenstrual syndrome"
Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Article courtesy of Vitamin Power Inc
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