Categories
Antioxidants blog Diabetes Fenfuro Fenfuro Blogs GCB70 Immunity Men's health Respiratory health Testosterone Weight Loss

5 Natural Ways to Boost Energy and Vitality in Men

Do you feel tired all the time? Are you low on energy to carry out even the basic tasks? Well, it is time you make some lifestyle changes to get back your lacking energy and vitality. While people all around will ask you to resort to artificial supplements or seek professional help, there are a few natural ways in which you can give a boost to testosterone and live a happening life.

Image Source

  1. Stay active by exercising daily: The best way to shed away the lethargy and laziness is by exercising regularly. It will not only keep many diseases at bay but also give a boost to the testosterone levels. Don’t believe us? Read this study by the University of Cordoba, Spain, which shows that the men who indulged in exercise regularly had higher testosterone levels than the ones who lead a sedentary lifestyle. When it comes to getting higher vitality, even obese men tend to benefit more through physical exercise than controlling diet.

Tip: Any exercise can be an excellent way to stay fit. But, high-intensity interval training or resistance training like heavy lifting can help increase your vitality.  You can also take the help of GCB70, a coffee bean extract, to lose weight and burn fat.   

  1. Get a good 8 hours of sleep: Are you getting enough sleep at night? If not, it could be one of the reasons that you feel tired all the time. Just like lacking sleep can adversely impact your health, it can very well cause hormonal imbalance. Although the right amount of sleep can vary from person to person, if you are getting less than 5 hours of sleep, you can experience a 15% reduction in your testosterone level.

Tip: Make sure that you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to ensure that you are well-rested. For each extra hour that you sleep, the testosterone level will go up by 15%. If you have trouble sleeping, try Ontario weed online, for it as it may help you to relax and sleep better.

  1. Keep a check on your diet: You are what you eat. So, if you want to be healthy inside out, you ought to have a balanced diet. Taking a good amount of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in your diet can give you the energy to carry out all your daily chores, without feeling fatigued. If you are someone who has been on an overeating spree or even crash dieting, you are prone to have lower testosterone levels.

Tip: A healthy diet consisting of all the nutrients that can optimize not only your hormonal levels but also give you good health. Avoid eating too much or skipping meals, for it can imbalance the testosterone and hinder you from carrying out basic tasks. Whole foods are rich in fats, carbohydrates, and proteins and can be a good source of energy that will help you go through your day without feeling tired.  If it is your blood glucose level that is keeping your energy levels low, Fenfuro can come to your aid.

  1. Keep alcohol at bay: It is no brainer that alcohol intake can increase the estrogen level, but what you might not know is that it also decreases testosterone. Whether you want to increase your muscle gains or maintain a good testosterone level, alcohol is not your best ally. Regular and excessive drinking can lead to the production of estrogen, which can hamper your sex life and also add to your weight.

Tip: To stay active and energetic throughout the day, you must limit your alcohol consumption.

  1. Say goodbye to stress: With hectic schedules and never-ending deadlines, unfortunately, stress is becoming an inseparable part of our lives. It is not just your professional life that can amount to a lot of stress, but personal and social obligations can also become cumbersome to deal with. Emotions of stress and tension can take a toll on your mental health. Mental stress consumes a lot of your energy, leaving you tired at the end of each day. So, in order to be more active and energetic, you ought to keep stress away from your life.

Tip: You can opt for natural ways to deal with stress. Talk to a friend or seek a professional if it gets too much. You can also indulge in meditation or yoga to battle stress. Prioritizing your work and energy can also be a good way to avoid indulging in unimportant tasks. And when it starts taking a toll on your health, try taking a break to clear your head.

Image Source

There are endless ways to tackle low energy levels energy-boosting drinks, supplements like Furosap Plus, and even several organic methods that can also take you a long way. While you can opt for artificial measures, be it energy-boosting drinks or synthetic supplements, nothing can beat the results of organic methods. If you are looking to stay healthy naturally, balance your hormones, and lead an active lifestyle, these simple tricks can do the magic for you.

But, if your sole purpose is to boost testosterone levels and gain some muscles, you can visit Canadian Juice Monsters to get some inspiration and interact with people who have the same interests.

 

 

 

Categories
joint pain Men's health PCOD PCOS Symptoms Women's health

STRUGGLING WITH JOINT PAIN IN PCOS

Are you STRUGGLING WITH JOINT PAIN IN PCOS? POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME is one of the most common diseases among women of childbearing age and cause of infertility. There are over 5 million affected women in the US and 105 million worldwide who are suffering from PCOS.

Another disease i.e. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS is a chronic progressive disease causing inflammation in the joints.

It has been found that PCOS also gives rise to this rheumatoid arthritis in women. Joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) generally develop in old age due to the weakening of the immune system of the body. But it has been confirmed by scientific studies that women with PCOS having irregular menses or a truncated menstrual history (e.g., early menopause) have an increased risk of RA.

In reverse, the inflammation originated from rheumatoid arthritis worsens the condition of PCOS because somehow, the chronic low-grade inflammation from RA has been linked to insulin resistance. If the insulin levels are higher than they should be, the ovaries start to produce too much testosterone, which makes PCOS even worse.

HOW PCOS AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS LINKED?

The immune system is influenced by signals from the female reproductive hormones. It seems that the levels of hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, as well as changes in these levels, can promote autoimmunity. “Autoimmunity” is a condition whereby the immune system (which normally wards off foreign invaders of the body, such as infections) turns and attacks the body’s own tissues, such as skin, joints, liver, lungs, etc. Autoimmune diseases typically feature inflammation of various tissues of the body. 

It is known that hormones play a major role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. It is also known that PCOS is that syndrome which involves the imbalance of the reproductive hormones. Disturbance in these hormones such as progesterone & estrogen gives rise to rheumatoid arthritis. STRUGGLING WITH JOINT PAIN IN PCOS

SYMPTOMS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

  • Tender, warm, swollen joints
  • Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity
  • Fatigue, fever and weight loss

Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect the smaller joints first – particularly the joints that attach fingers to the hands and toes to the feet.

As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders. In most cases, symptoms occur in the same joints on both sides of your body.

DIAGNOSIS

 

STRUGGLING WITH JOINT PAIN IN PCOS: Rheumatoid arthritis in PCOS can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages because the early signs and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases. There is no one blood test or physical finding to confirm the diagnosis.

Physical examination

During the physical exam, the doctor will check the joints for swelling, redness, and warmth. The doctor may also check the reflexes and muscle strength.

Blood tests

People with rheumatoid arthritis often have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, or SED rate) or C-reactive protein (CRP), which may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Other common blood tests look for rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies.

Imaging tests

The doctor may recommend X-rays to help track the progression of rheumatoid arthritis in the joints over time. MRI and ultrasound tests can help the doctor judge the severity of the disease in the body.

 COMPLICATIONS OF RA

  • Lung disease
  • Heart problems
  • Nerve damage
  • Osteoporosis
  • Eye complications such as dry eye syndrome

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Meal planning 

There are many foods that can help to reduce inflammation originated from RA inside the body. Eating a wide variety of whole foods is the key to reduce inflammation. The plant-based foods rich in vitamins and nutrients that target inflammation include:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Beans
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Whole grains

Some foods are extremely beneficial to reduce inflammation. Often, fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which combat inflammation. Antioxidants are found in very colorful foods, such as berries, and dark and leafy greens and this help support the immune system.

Eating inflammatory foods should be avoided. Some of these foods include:

  • Deep-fried foods
  • Processed food
  • Red meat
  • Sugary drinks
  • Refined grains, such as those found in white bread

Exercise

Being active is one of the best things you can do for yourself, even if you have rheumatoid arthritis. You just have to know how to work within your limits because too much exercising involving stress on the joints can be harmful.

Fitness as a regular part of life provides many benefits for PCOS as well as RA patients such as:

  • Less pain from rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Stronger bones. This is important because RA can thin your bones, especially if you take
  • You’ll move better and have more energy.
  • It’s good for your heart and all your other muscles.
  • It helps to lose body weight in obese women
  • It helps to control diabetes

STRUGGLING WITH JOINT PAIN IN PCOS: Exercises such as low-impact activities, like walking, swimming, bicycling, or using an elliptical machine could be beneficial to manage rheumatoid arthritis. Any of these will get the heart pumping.

Be careful about activities that put a lot of stress on a joint, or are “high-impact,” such as:

  • Jogging, especially on paved roads
  • Heavyweight lifting

Balancing hormones 

Maintaining normal levels of the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone appear to have a protective effect against both RA and PCOS. The medications given in the following section can be effective at balancing hormones.

Medication

Managing inflammation is a key component to living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This chronic condition results in the immune system attacking the joints, causing inflammation and pain.

Medications used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis include NSAIDs, DMARDs, TNF α-inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, T-cell activation inhibitors, B-cell depleters, JAK inhibitors, immunosuppressants, and steroids.

The contraceptive pill may be recommended to induce regular periods, or periods may be induced using an intermittent course of progestogen tablets (which are usually given every three to four months but can be given monthly).

A medication called clomifene is usually the first treatment recommended for women with PCOS who are trying to get pregnant. Clomifene encourages the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries (ovulation).

Clinically proven herbal remedy for PCOS including fenugreek seeds extract (Furocyst) can also be prescribed due to its great effectiveness in the PCOS patients.

REFERENCES

Click here

STRUGGLING WITH JOINT PAIN IN PCOS

Categories
blog Men's health Testosterone

TESTOSTERONE BOOSTING Vs TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY: WHAT TO CHOOSE?

Testosterone is the primary male hormone, which plays key role in the development of male reproductive organs. It also promotes secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass and the growth of body hair. Insufficient levels of testosterone in men may lead to abnormalities including weakness and bone loss.

Testosterone deficiency involves the decline in serum testosterone levels in men, which results in depression, low libido, erectile dysfunction, low ejaculation volume, impaired memory and poor concentration. It has been observed that testosterone levels gradually decrease as men age due to which it is most prevalent in men above 40-50 years of age. When men start diagnosing this problem, they look for solutions to this problem in the form of testosterone boosters or replacement therapy.

Natural testosterone boosting supplements simply induce the body to produce more testosterone. On the other hand, testosterone replacement therapy has been created in a laboratory environment and is prescribed by physicians to try and counter a number of health-related issues. Testosterone replacement therapy is the pumping of actual testosterone into the body.

TESTOSTERONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

1 

Testosterone replacement therapy is available in a number of forms, all of which are designed to improve the testosterone levels:

  • Injections and Implants involve testosterone being injected directly into the muscles, or implanted in the form of pellets within the soft tissue. The body slowly absorbs the testosterone into the bloodstream.
  • Mouth Patch is a tablet that sticks to the upper gums above the incisors. It is applied twice a day and continuously releases testosterone into the bloodstream through the oral tissues.
  • Skin Patch is worn on the arm of the upper body and is applied once daily.
  • Testosterone replacement therapy can also come in the form of a gel. This gel is absolved directly through the skin when it is applied once a day. This gel pumps testosterone into the body in intermittent stages, usually dictated by the prescribing physician.

Benefits of testosterone replacement therapy

 2

The benefits of testosterone replacement therapy are different in different kinds of men. Some men don’t even notice any improvement. Overall, the benefits of this therapy include:

  • Improved energy levels
  • Enhanced sex drive
  • A better quality of erections
  • The extra testosterone is bound to assist in increasing bone density, muscle mass and insulin sensitivity
  • Improvement in the mood

Disadvantages of testosterone replacement therapy

3Testosterone replacement therapy comes with a number of serious side-effects. Typical side-effects include:

  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia: Abnormal prostate growing as a result of the stimulation of testosterone
  • Urinary tube rupture: Abnormal prostate growth squeezing of the tube carrying the urine, disrupting urinary flow
  • Prostate cancer
  • Sleep apnea
  • Erythrocytosis: Abnormal increase in a red blood cell count, causing the blood to become thicker and more prone to clotting
  • Cognitive heart failure: This condition has been observed in many patients after undergoing testosterone replacement therapy

The main reason testosterone replacement therapy causes so many problems is you are literally injecting synthetic testosterone into your body. In other words, you are ingesting a substance that is not natural (and actually harmful) on a regular basis.

NATURAL TESTOSTERONE BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS 4

The body’s testosterone production can be positively impacted by certain nutrients including, zinc aspartate, calcium and fenugreek.  Natural testosterone supplements are created from these natural ingredients, which include bioactive components that target the mechanism synthesizing testosterone naturally inside body. They provide a safe and natural way to boost testosterone levels without the potential of increasing prostate cancer risk.

 Benefits of natural testosterone supplements

5

 You can expect to experience following benefits by consuming testosterone boosters:

  • Incredible energy levels
  • Enhanced libido
  • Firmer erections
  • An increased ability to maintain concentration
  • More drive
  • Less body fat
  • Much improved lean muscle mass

The major benefit of using a natural testosterone supplement is that you would not expose yourself to some of the potentially dangerous side-effects associated with testosterone replacement therapy.

The only downfall associated with testosterone booster is that you may not experience any benefit but you will not develop any complication after using testosterone booster, which always develop in case of using testosterone replacement therapy.

If testosterone supplements don’t contain any testosterone, then how are they able to produce results?

7 

Effective testosterone boosters work because they contain natural ingredients that stimulate the body to produce its own testosterone. This is the key because the synthetic testosterone is what causes all of the side effects. The body does not recognise synthetic testosterone, so it responds negatively to it. However, if you can get your body to produce testosterone on its own, then you will be able to prevent the body from having a negative reaction to it. Now, your body will be able to properly utilise all of the testosterone that is being produced along with all the benefits.

Taking natural testosterone boosters solves all four of the problems associated with testosterone replacement therapy.

  • First, testosterone supplements are comparatively inexpensive.
  • Second, these supplements contain all natural ingredients and thereby stimulate the body to produce testosterone in a natural way.
  • Third, since your body is producing testosterone on its own in a natural way, you will not experience any of the side effects that come with injecting synthetic testosterone (testosterone replacement therapy).
  • Fourth, the testosterone being produced is natural and recognised by your body, therefore allowing your body to actually utilise it. Your body will only fully utilise testosterone if it was produced within the body rather than directly ingested.

Chemforce – A natural testosterone-boosting supplement 6

Chemforce is a natural and promising dietary supplement comprising Furosap® (fenugreek seed extract) as a major ingredient which is patented and clinically proven to manage testosterone deficiency. It is reported to improve sperm count, sperm morphology and has a protective effect on male reproductive system.

As Chemforce increases testosterone levels inside body, it also contributes to the increase in sexual functions and it increases unbound free testosterone levels, which improves muscle mass, fat loss, strength and endurance.

Thus, Chemforce can be chosen as a natural testosterone-boosting supplement over testosterone therapy to improve testosterone deficiency.

REFERENCES

Categories
blog Men's health Testosterone

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR IMPROVING ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION!

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED) is a common medical disorder which decreases the quality of life in men. Its prevalence is increasing worldwide with estimated 322 million cases by the year 2025.

Risk factors associated with erectile dysfunction which are modifiable include

  • Smoking
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Poor diet
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Metabolic syndrome such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Stress
  • Psychological issues

Medical conditions are a frequent cause of erectile dysfunction. But sometimes, the cause may be related to lifestyle choices. It has been suggested that lifestyle habits have a critical role in reducing the burden of sexual dysfunction.

Both basic and clinical studies have shown that targeting several lifestyle factors commonly associated with ED, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and limited physical activity can have significant effects on improvement of erectile function as well as testosterone levels.

HOW UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE COULD BE A CONTRIBUTOR IN WORSENING ED?

1

Lifestyle and nutrition have been recognized as central factors influencing both vascular nitric oxide (NO) production and erectile function. Unhealthy lifestyle is strongly associated with conditions that result in endothelial dysfunction by decreasing the availability of nitric oxide (NO), which is mandatory for the genital blood flow. Changes in lifestyle and nutrition can influence vascular NO production, testosterone levels and thus, erectile function. Therefore, maximal attention should have to be paid on measures known to increase vascular NO production. The promotion of healthy lifestyle would yield great benefits in reducing the burden of sexual dysfunction by increasing vascular NO production.

PREVENTION & TREATMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

As with many other medical diseases, prevention may be the most effective approach to alleviate the consequences of ED. Despite the increasing evidence that unhealthy lifestyles lead to metabolic diseases, including sexual dysfunction, the majority of adults fail to meet physical activity and nutritional guidelines. There are some approaches related to lifestyle changes which have been given below to improve erectile dysfunction:

  • Physical activity    2

How is it effective?

The mechanisms by which physical activity ameliorates ED include improved cardiovascular fitness and endothelial dysfunction, increase in endothelial-derived NO, decrease in oxidative stress and increase in regenerative cells. Moreover, physical exercise showed beneficial effects on self-esteem and mental health, with a positive impact on psychological issues associated with sexual dysfunction.

Recommendation: It is recommended that adults following 30 minutes of moderate to intense aerobic physical activity on most days of the week will benefit greatly from erectile dysfunction. Exercise helps to reduce stress and increase energy levels. It also improves circulation and helps to keep the arteries and heart healthy.

  • Weight loss     3

How is it effective?

Increased abdominal fat and related risk factors are associated with decrease in the availability and activity of NO. The reduced testosterone levels associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome may worsen both insulin resistance and endothelial function, thereby contributing to ED. Body weight loss is associated with decline in estrogen levels and rise in gonadotropins and testosterone (hormones), which increases consecutively with weight loss.

Recommendation: Weight loss of 5%–10% in overweight or obese non-diabetic or diabetic men can result in effective improvement in erectile function in a short period. Regular exercise without any gap can result in effective weight loss and thus, improving erectile dysfunction.

  • Dietary factors     4

How is it effective?

The abundant consumption of vegetables, fruit and whole grain and the dietary patterns rich in these foods produce a markedly lower risk of coronary disease. The beneficial effect of the Mediterranean diet on atherosclerosis and ED can be mediated through multiple biological pathways, including the reduction of oxidative stress and subclinical inflammation, amelioration of endothelial dysfunction and insulin sensitivity, which in turn may increase NO release in the penile arteries.

Recommendation: Mediterranean diet has been proposed as a healthy dietary pattern based on the evidence that greater adherence to this diet is associated with lower all-cause and disease-specific survival. Diet rich in fruits & vegetables but devoid of high sugar as well as fat can be effective in improving erectile dysfunction.

  • Smoking     5

How is it a contributor?

Both the direct use of tobacco and second-hand exposure seems to be a risk factor for ED due to the effects of cigarette chemicals on the blood vessels in the penis.

Recommendation: Quitting smoking can improve ED symptoms. If it seems to be difficult to quit smoking, seek help from medical practitioners.

How is it effective?

Alcohol is a depressant and using it heavily can dampen mood, decrease sexual desire and make it difficult for a man to achieve erections while under the influence.

Recommendation: Most experts say moderation is the key. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), moderate drinking, no more than two drinks a day for men, will not give rise to erectile dysfunction.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ED

7

Along with lifestyle changes, there are natural remedies available for the treatment of ED. The following are some supplements that have been studied and shown to be safe. They may also be effective in the treatment of ED.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION SYMPTOMS? 8

Erectile dysfunction can be troubling and affect sexual and psychological health. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction symptoms, you should examine your diet, try to work towards a healthy weight and seek the guidance of a doctor before starting any medical or supplement treatment. You should especially see a doctor if you have known heart disease, or other vascular disease (such as in the legs) because ED can be a sign of worsening vascular disease.

REFERENCES

Categories
blog Men's health Testosterone

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: QUITTING ALCOHOL IS TOUGH BUT WORTH

UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE factors such as alcohol consumption have major impact on the severity of erectile dysfunction in men. It is long regarded as a risk factor for erectile dysfunction. Alcohol consumption leads to marked distress and interpersonal difficulty in erectile deficient men. It has been found that 61% of patients dependent on alcohol suffer from sexual dysfunction, the most common being erectile dysfunction followed by reduced sexual desire. Erectile dysfunction and reduced sexual desire are frequently co-exist.

The scientific explanation is that alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. This causes impotence and other disturbances in sexual dysfunction. Erectile failure in alcoholic men is fairly a routine which is found to be higher in men consuming more than three standard units of alcohol (12 g ethanol) daily and in subjects smoking more than 10 cigarettes/day.

SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL-INDUCED ED                      

The symptoms of erectile dysfunction originated from alcohol consumption appeared accordingly with the amount of alcoholic beverage consumed. The chance of developing sexual dysfunction appears to increase with increasing quantity of alcohol consumed.

Higher levels of alcohol intake may result in greater neurotoxic effects. Heavy use of alcohol is also known to alter gonadal hormones (testosterone & follicle-stimulating hormone).

MECHANISM – BY WHICH ALCOHOL CAUSES ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

1

In addition to the effect of alcohol on central nervous system receptors (as given above), alcohol also suppresses the release of gonadotropin and anti-diuretic hormone from the pituitary that may be associated with hypogonadism and hypovolemic shock in alcohol abusers. The chronic abuse of alcohol may cause testicular atrophy, inhibition of testosterone production and impairment of spermatogenesis, apart from its direct oxidative toxicity. These effects of alcohol cause erectile dysfunction because it directly affects the production of hormones responsible for erectile mechanism in males.

All this alcoholism effects are found to cause men to suffer from problems achieving and maintaining an erection, because alcohol can also prevent blood vessels in the penis from closing, inhibiting the ability of penis to remain erect. In a healthy, non-alcoholic man, the penis becomes erect when aroused because it fills with blood and the vessels close, preventing back-flow. Chronic consumption of alcohol damages blood vessels which cause problems in the heart and also in the penis.

EXAMINATION

  • Physical examination 2
  • Genitourinary examination
  • Attention to any endocrine (including testicular size and secondary sexual characteristics), neurological or vascular causes as appropriate, especially if indicated by the history.
  • Pulse (including peripheral pulses) and blood pressure. Because ED shares risk factors with CVD, a full cardiovascular assessment should be performed.
  • Rectal examination in patients over the age of 50 years.
  • Psychological counseling involving queries regarding stress, depression or alcohol consumption

  • Laboratory examination  3
  • Fasting glucose
  • HbA1c
  • lipid profile
  • Total testosterone
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and prolactin when low testosterone is detected

MANAGEMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

4

When you drink heavily and frequently, your body becomes physically dependent on alcohol and goes through withdrawal if you suddenly stop drinking. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal range from mild to severe, and include:

  • Headache
  • Shaking
  • Sweating
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Anxiety and restlessness
  • Stomach cramps and diarrhea
  • Trouble sleeping or concentrating
  • Elevated heart rate and blood pressure

  • How to quit alcohol?  5

As mentioned here, alcohol consumption is the reason behind the risk of erectile dysfunction. Thus, primary treatment involves the inhibition of alcohol consumption which involves various strategies such as:

  • Avoid the things that trigger your urge to drink
  • Practice saying “no” to alcohol in social situations
  • Remind yourself of your reasons for not drinking
  • Evaluate the costs and benefits of drinking
  • Quit alcohol by diminishing the requirement day by day. Keep a “diary” of your drinking
  • Pick a day or two each week when you will not drink at all
  • When you’re struggling with alcohol cravings, try strategies such as talking to someone you trust, distracting yourself until the urge passes, accepting the urge and ride it out, instead of trying to fight it, etc.
  • Try to have exercise as more as possible and as much scheduled as possible.
  • Prescription for erectile dysfunction   6Phosphodiesterase inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and avanafil) improve the relaxation of smooth muscle. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors are also contra-indicated in patients in whom vasodilation or sexual activity are inadvisable, and where there is previous history of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, hypotension.

Try herbal remedies which are devoid of side effects. These herbal remedies include ginseng, DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), L-arginine, fenugreek, etc. Any prescription to be taken for erectile dysfunction should be after consultation with doctor because the dose and schedule of medicine depends upon the severity of the disease which can only be interpreted by the doctor specializing in that particular field.

7

REFERENCES

 

 

Categories
blog Diabetes Fenfuro Blogs Men's health Testosterone

DIABETES-INDUCED ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activities. In India, more than 10 million cases per year originate due to erectile dysfunction. It can cause stress, relationship strain and low self-confidence.

It can originate by poor long-term blood sugar control. Erectile dysfunction can also be linked to other conditions common in men with diabetes, such as high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.

PREVALENCE

An estimated 10% of men aged 40 to 70 years have severe ED, and another 25% have moderate erectile dysfunction. ED tends to become more common as men age, though it does not usually occur on aging.

For many men, other health conditions, such as diabetes, contribute to the likelihood of developing ED. The association between Diabetes and ED was first documented in 1978.

 

It is estimated that:

  • Men who have diabetes aretwo to three timesmore likely to develop erectile dysfunction (ED).
  • Abouthalf of the menwho are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes will develop ED within 10 years of their diagnosis.
  • Adopting a healthier lifestyle may help reduce your risk.

DIAGNOSIS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

1

There are no formal tests to diagnose erectile dysfunction. Laboratory tests can help identify the causes of ED. Initial tests should include HbA1C, free testosterone, thyroid function tests and prolactin levels. However, patients who do not respond to pharmacological therapy or who may be candidates for surgical treatment may require more in-depth testing, including nocturnal penile tumescence testing, duplex Doppler imaging, somatosensory evoked potentials, or pudendal artery angiography.

REASON FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN DIABETES

Diabetes is associated with many serious health complications. Erectile dysfunction is one of those complications, which originates mainly due to diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition when high blood sugar levels causes nerve damage in various parts of the body such as hands, arms, legs and feet which results in pain, tingling or numbness.2

  • Damage to penile nerves: Diabetes can cause damage to nerves (neuropathy) throughout the body including the nerves to the penis. Damage to penile nerves can interfere with the body’s ability to send messages to and from the penis, which can lead to ED.
  • Narrowing or hardening of blood vessels: Diabetes can intensify a condition known as atherosclerosis, in which the blood vessels become narrow or harden. Narrowing or hardening of these blood vessels prevents blood flow into and out of the penis, which can cause ED.
  • Nitric oxide production: Men with diabetes need to control their blood sugar levels. The body is unable to produce required Nitric Oxide (NO) in the presence of high blood sugar levels and vascular tissues don’t respond as effectively to NO. When enough blood flows into the penis, penile veins close off and block the blood from flowing out. This process results in an erection. If the body becomes unable to produce required NO or if the penile tissues do not respond to NO, the pressure of the blood flowing into the penis is not sufficient to trap the blood and penis will not get hard, resulting in ED.
  • Testosterone deficiency: About 12% of men with diabetes have low levels of the male hormone testosterone, which is required for normal erectile function.

 3

TREATMENT STRATEGIES

Diabetes is a lifetime chronic health condition, though both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can be well controlled through medications, proper diet, and exercise. Although ED can become a permanent condition, this typically isn’t the case for men who experience occasional erectile difficulties.

  1. Lifestyle change

If a person has diabetes, he may still be able to overcome ED through a lifestyle change that includes sufficient sleep, no smoking and stress reduction. There are several lifestyle changes that a person can make to not only help with diabetes management, but also to lower the risk of ED. You can:

  • Blood sugar control through diet: 4Eating a diabetes-friendly diet will help to better control the blood sugar levels and lessen the amount of damage to the blood vessels and nerves. A proper diet geared at keeping the blood sugar levels in check can also improve the energy levels and mood, both of which can help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. It is also considered working with a dietitian who is also a certified diabetes educator to help adjust the eating style.
  • Reducing alcohol consumption: Drinking more than two drinks per day can damage the blood vessels and contribute towards ED. 5Being mildly intoxicated can also make it hard to achieve an erection and interfere with sexual function.
  • Stop smoking: Smoking narrows the blood vessels and decreases the levels of nitric oxide in the blood. This decreases blood flow to the penis, worsening erectile dysfunction.
  • Regular exercise: 6
  • Adding regular exercise to the routine not only helps to control the blood sugar levels, but it can also improve circulation, lower stress levels and improve the energy levels. All of these can help combat ED.
  • Get more sleep: Fatigue is often to blame for sexual dysfunction. Ensuring that you get enough sleep each night can lower the risk of ED.
  • Stress levels:Stress can interfere with sexual arousal and the ability to get an erection. 7Exercise, meditation and setting aside time to do the things that you enjoy can help to keep the stress levels down and lessen the risk of ED. If symptoms of anxiety or depression are starting to develop, consult the doctor.
  1. Oral medications:Erectile dysfunction medications include sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio), tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) or Avanafil (Stendra). These pills can help ease the blood flow towards the penis, making it easier to get and keep an erection.

In some cases, these drugs may be unsuitable for patients with heart disease. If you are considering one of these drugs and you have heart disease, as many diabetics do, be sure to tell your doctor. In rare cases, the pills may create “priapism,” a prolonged and painful erection lasting six hours or more (although reversible with prompt medical attention).

Herbal supplementation: It has been observed that herbal supplements are proved to be safe and effective to treat erectile dysfunction. Chemforce is a strong dietary supplement for overall energy and vitality in men. Furosap®, the major ingredient in Chemforce has been clinically proven to manage testosterone deficiency in men and is supported by international patents. The active component i.e. protodioscin is known to increase the levels of the hormones such as testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone. These improvements in the hormonal levels in men might be responsible to manage erectile dysfunction.

REFERENCES