Natural Viagra Alternatives

Several studies have shown that approximately 30 million men in the U.S. report suffering from ‘erectile dysfunction’ or, to put it simply, impotence. While most people attribute impotency to old age, it is actually stress, fatigue, lack of blood flow and dietary imbalance that account f...


Several studies have shown that approximately 30 million men in the U.S. report suffering from %26lsquo;erectile dysfunction%26rsquo; or, to put it simply, impotence. While most people attribute impotency to old age, it is actually stress, fatigue, lack of blood flow and dietary imbalance that account for the majority of impotency cases. Whether a person is young or old, they want a passionate, powerful, productive and purposeful life. However, impotency can even cause men to lose their sense of direction.


The popularity of Viagra has significantly raised over the last couple of years. This marvelous little blue pill has brought passion and excitement back into people's sex lives. Viagra is tremendously successful at combating this problem, and it is one of the most widely sold drugs in the history of medicine. Although it can cause some mild side effects such as headaches it has helped millions. The biggest problem with a short-term solution such as Viagra, is that it encourages people to forget about seeking treatment. Instead of visiting a doctor to correct the penile dysfunction, most men just pop a pill for instant results. Viagra is currently the best treatment, but it should be used only as a last resort and only after consulting a doctor. But is there an alternative to Viagra, something more %26quot;natural%26quot; like a herb or supplement?

Typical causes of erectile dysfunction

Interruption in blood circulation to the penis

Several studies on this subject have revealed that the main cause of erectile dysfunction is an interruption in blood circulation to the penis. The most common causes of this blood interruption are:

%26bull; poor nutrition
%26bull; caffeine
%26bull; alcohol
%26bull; tobacco
%26bull; foods that are high in carbohydrates
%26bull; consuming saturated fats
%26bull; psychological factors as well as anxiety

Erectile dysfunction can happen at any age.





However, it%26rsquo;s certainly more prevalent as age increases, as are all kinds of degenerative illness specifically related to decreased circulation.

How does Viagra work?

Viagra is the first medication that proved to be effective in helping men achieve and maintain an erection. Viagra is a drug and can only be purchased with a prescription from a doctor. This medication blocks the action of the type 5 phosphodiesterase enzyme, which results in the accumulation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a compound that causes a reduction in the amount of calcium within a muscle cell. The more cGMP inside the cell, the better the erection will be.

Bad things about Viagra

%26bull; Possible side effects
Viagra can cause some serious side effects. The fact is that over 700 men have died while using Viagra in the U.S. alone. Other side effects include a blue discoloration in front of the field of vision after taking it, digestive disturbances, headaches and other problems.
%26bull; The cost
Another problem is that Viagra is quite costly. It costs about $10 a pill but people sometimes pay a lot more for it. That could be a big problem if someone uses it regularly.
%26bull; Misuse
There are people who are using Viagra as a sex enhancer even if they don%26rsquo;t have erectile dysfunction. Although Viagra can intensify performance, it can only be effective if the erectile dysfunction is due to neurological factors rather than emotional or psychological factors. So it will not increase the response of a man who doesn%26rsquo;t have circulation problems. In other words, Viagra is not truly an aphrodisiac which might increase sexual response.
%26bull; Sustained erection
It has been reported that Viagra can sometimes cause a sustained erection. In some people that can be a problem, but it%26rsquo;s not normally considered a major side effect of Viagra.
%26bull; It doesn%26rsquo;t work for women
Women suffering for a decreased sex drive will not benefit from Viagra.

Natural alternatives to Viagra

Natural medicine differs in its approach to treatment of erectile dysfunction in the same way that it differs in its approach to treating any illness: rather than looking at the particular effected part of the body, natural or holistic medicine looks at what is wrong with the whole person. Its three-pronged approach, in a nutshell:

1. The emotional and spiritual life, which is the most important consideration in any illness.
2. Diet and lifestyle choices.
3. Exercise.

Certain herbal products have been known to increase sex drive and ones ability to sexually perform better for centuries.
Natural products contain a number of natural aphrodisiacs, which have proven effective in increasing sexual desire and improving sexual performance. Unlike Viagra, herbal aphrodisiacs are available without prescription and are cheaper than Viagra. An estimated 42% of women, who are suffering from decreased sex drive can also profit from natural alternatives. Natural substances often lead to longer, stronger erections and better control of ejaculation. In addition, users of the natural aphrodisiac herbs report much greater enjoyment of the sexual act with more pleasant climax and orgasm.
Herbal extracts also increase the blood flow, but not just to the genitals - to all parts of the body, including the brain.
Natural alternatives work well, are safe and inexpensive.

Natural Viagra alternatives can:

%26bull; Increase frequency of sexual intercourses for men
%26bull; Increase possibility to reach orgasm in women
%26bull; Boost sexual desire and sexual performance
%26bull; Improve control over ejaculation
%26bull; Increase subjective enjoyment and intensity of orgasm
%26bull; Improve erectile capacity
%26bull; Help to overcome erectile dysfunction naturally

In the last couple of years, many researches have shown that one way to improve sexual performance is by increasing concentrations of several sex hormones, which are needed to maintain sexual health. Scientists believe that some herbs are able to do this by directly stimulating the hypothalamus, a major hormone-producing gland in your brain.

Self-examination first

Because sexual dysfunction is a complex issue with many causes and manifestations, no one can really argue that popping a pill should be avoided. The first thing that every person should do before even thinking of taking Viagra or any other supplement, is review its overall health and current medications with a doctor. This is very important, because sometimes the problem might be treatable.

Most common natural Viagra alternatives

%26bull; Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is a herb that is commonly taken as a memory booster. It is proven it may also provide some sexual benefits. It supposedly acts by enhancing blood flow and seems relatively free of side effects. The suggested dose is 80 mg three times a day, standardized to contain 24% flavone glycosides and 6% terpene lactones.
%26bull; Arginine
Arginine is an amino acid that also enhances blood flow.
The only ones who might benefit from it are men who have circulatory disorders that may be contributing to sexual problems. The suggested dose is 1 gram three times a day; sold as L-Arginine.
Remember: As with Viagra, you should avoid Arginine if you are taking the heart medication nitroglycerin because the combination may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
%26bull; DHEA
This supplement may also provide benefits for men who have low levels of testosterone. High concentrations of DHEA are naturally present in young men, whereas a progressive decline in DHEA levels in the blood occurs with age. The suggested dose is 5 mg each morning for men.
%26bull; Yohimbe
Several studies have shown that this herb may correct impotence, but it is important to remember that this herb can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure, as well as anxiety and other side effects.
%26bull; Damiana
The Latin name of this herb is turnera aphrodisiaca, which tells us that it has been known for at least hundreds of years as an aphrodisiac.
%26bull; Muira puama
This is another herb that may be very helpful in this area. This is a herb from Brazil and the Amazon; it has been used there as an aphrodisiac for hundreds of years. In the few tests that have been done in a clinical setting, Muira puama had very good results.
%26bull; Kava Kava
Kava kava (Piper methysticum) is well known in the US. It is a herb most often used as an anti-anxiety treatment. It possesses the added benefit of producing a very low level of side effects. It simply puts people in a good, relaxed mood.

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Natural testosterone boosters

The mention of testosterone boosters usage brings up an image of a weight lifter or body builder and usually carries negative connotations. On the other hand, physicians have been taught that testosterone should be used only in severe cases where the patient cannot function in normal society. In the...
The mention of testosterone boosters usage brings up an image of a weight lifter or body builder and usually carries negative connotations. On the other hand, physicians have been taught that testosterone should be used only in severe cases where the patient cannot function in normal society.

In the last several years, and, more specifically, with the development of testosterone in a form that simplifies administration and dosage, our understanding of low testosterone in men has changed. It is proven that raising testosterone helps gain muscle, enhance mood and increase libido. Recent estimates show that approximately 13 million men in the United States experience testosterone deficiency and less than 10% receive treatment for the condition. How exactly does the testosteron booster work? Is it healthy? Is is even legal?

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is a powerful anabolic hormone that stimulates and controls the development of different organs such as muscle, bone, skin, sex organs, and most other masculine, physical features. Male testosterone is produced in the testes by a group of cells known as the Leydig cells. They begin secreting high doses of testosterone during puberty to trigger increased lean muscle mass, sex organ development, bone formation and higher energy levels. Testosterone levels peak during a man's early to mid twenties.

Testosterone effects on humans

Prenatal effects:

%26bull; Genital virilization
%26bull; Development of prostate and seminal vesicles

Early postnatal effects:

%26bull; Adult-type body odor
%26bull; Increased oiliness of skin and hair, acne
%26bull; Axillary hair
%26bull; Accelerated bone maturation

Advanced postnatal effects:

%26bull; Increased libido and erection frequency
%26bull; Pubic hair extends toward umbilicus
%26bull; Facial hair
%26bull; Chest hair
%26bull; Subcutaneous fat in face decreases
%26bull; Increased muscle strength and mass
%26bull; Deepening of voice
%26bull; Growth of the Adam%26rsquo;s apple
%26bull; Growth of spermatogenesis tissue in testes, male fertility
%26bull; Shoulders widen and rib cage expands
%26bull; Completion of bone maturation and termination of growth.







As a man ages, the amount of testosterone produced by the Leydig cells decreases. It is proven that, by the age of 60, the average man will have lost nearly 50% of his testosterone supply.

Not only age interferes with testosterone production. Other factors such as stress, lack of sleep, physical inactivity, the use of prescription medication and drinking alcohol can cause testosterone levels to significantly decline.

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency include:

%26bull; depression
%26bull; fatigue
%26bull; low sex drive
%26bull; irritability
%26bull; loss of facial or body hair
%26bull; thinning or wrinkling of skin
%26bull; weight gain
%26bull; weakening of both bone and muscle tissue
%26bull; disrupted body's blood sugar metabolism
%26bull; obesity
%26bull; diabetes

Therapeutic use of testosterone

Testosterone was first isolated from a bull in 1935 and since then there have been many pharmaceutical forms and they include:

%26bull; injectable (such as testosterone cypionate or testosterone enanthate in oil)
%26bull; oral (Andriol)
%26bull; buccal (Striant)
%26bull; transdermal skin patches
%26bull; transdermal creams or gels (Androgel and Testim)

The original and primary use of testosterone is for the treatment of males who have too little or no natural endogenous testosterone production, in other words males with hypogonadism. Other medical conditions treated with testosteron are infertility, lack of libido or erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis, penile enlargement, height growth, bone marrow stimulation and reversal of anemia, and even appetite stimulation.

To take advantage of its effects, testosterone is often administered to female-to-male transsexual and transgender people as part of the hormone replacement therapy.

How Do Natural Testosterone Boosters Work?

Since these supplements have been invented, the use of testosterone boosters has been a very controversial issue among the bodybuilding group. Although these steroid boosters were illegal in the beginning, due to technology, there are many simulated testosterone boosters, that are legal and do not have very bad side effects.
Many serious weight trainers take such supplements so that they can increase their strength and size. People don%26rsquo;t use them just for gaining muscle weight but because of the increased sex drive they experience while on them.

Many experts and doctors disagree with this type of testosterone boosters usage. They say that even though they are natural, they are not needed to boost your strength and that the same results can be achieved naturally with a little effort.

Close monitoring

If someone decides to take some testosterone boosters, they should first make sure that they visit a doctor before begin taking anything. The doctor will give them a physical and tell them what supplement if any should they use. Any type of testosterone booster is very powerful, and you will probably have to be monitored by your doctor as you are taking them. Just because they are legal it does not mean, they are completely safe.

How to naturally raise testosterone levels?

There are several ways to increase your testosterone levels naturally so that you can look and feel better.

%26bull; Specific kinds of food
Several researches on this subject have been conducted and the conclusion is that testosterone levels raising can happen if a person eats the right kinds of foods. Proteins in eggs and whey allow the adrenal glands to keep the levels of testosterone in the body steady. Fruits and vegetables can also have a positive effect on the levels of testosterone in your body. It is proven that fat contains enzymes that convert testosterone to estrogen, which means that having a lot of fat in your body increases the chances for developing low testosterone levels. Eating meat can also help you raise your testosterone levels. The protein in nuts can also be very beneficial for raising your testosterone levels. Studies have shown that nuts, particularly peanuts, can raise testosterone levels better than other foods.

%26bull; Weight bearing exercises
Most experts say that weight bearing exercises are also an excellent way increase the levels of testosterone in body. Train large muscle groups to get the maximum effect of these exercises on your testosterone levels, instead of training one or two small muscles. Instead of doing many repetitions with a low amount of weight, do five repetitions with a weight that is difficult for you to lift.

%26bull; Limiting alcohol intake
One proven method of increasing your testosterone levels is to limit the amount of alcohol you consume.
Consuming alcohol makes your body slow down its production of testosterone and other hormones because it is busy processing the alcohol to clear it out of your system. It is easy to see that cutting down on alcohol can boost testosterone levels.

%26bull; A lot of sleeping at night
Scientific research shows that people who get a good night%26rsquo;s sleep are able to maintain higher testosterone levels than those who are sleep-deprived. If your testosterone levels are low, try changing your sleeping habits to get a better night%26rsquo;s sleep.

Not so %26ldquo;natural%26rdquo; alternatives

In the last couple of years the so-called steroid %26quot;alternatives%26quot; are being heavily marketed in strength magazines for men. The ingredients of these supplements include %26quot;Glandulars%26rdquo;. What exactly are Glandulars? These are ground-up animal hearts, livers, spleens, brains, pituitary glands, adrenal tissue, and bull testicles. These substances, often mixed with who knows what, are said to boost testosterone. Doctors are strongly against these supplements.
The most famous boosters are filled with bull testicles extracts, under the explanation that they are filled with testosterone which is wrong because testicles produce but do not store, testosterone.

The majority of products advertised as 'steroid alternatives' have not been tested on man or animal, and certainly not in the doses recommended.
Some of the most famous such products are: BSN, T-bomb, Hot Stuff Super X, Alpha Male, Leukic, 6-OXO, Animal Stak 2 and many others.


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Rosacea: Symptoms & treatment

Rosacea is a chronic skin disease characterized by redness and swelling which is primarily localized on the face. Other areas that can be affected are the scalp, neck, ears, chest and back. Studies show that those afflicted with rosacea may first notice a tendency to flush or blush easily. This cond...
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease characterized by redness and swelling which is primarily localized on the face. Other areas that can be affected are the scalp, neck, ears, chest and back. Studies show that those afflicted with rosacea may first notice a tendency to flush or blush easily. This condition can occur over a long period of time and it often progresses to a persistent redness, pimples and visible blood vessels in the center of the face that can eventually involve the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. Diagnosis of rosacea presents a big problem because it is easily confused with other skin conditions, such as acne and sunburn or seborrheic dermatitis. Rosacea sufferers often report periods of depression stemming from cosmetic disfigurement, painful burning sensations, and decreases in quality of life.

Incidence

Approximately 14 million people in the United States have rosacea. It most often affects adults between the ages of 30 and 60. According to some recent studies conducted on more than 2,000 rosacea sufferers, 44 percent reported that their symptoms had first appeared in their 30s and 40s, and 43 percent first experienced rosacea after age 50. Research has also found that only 27 percent of Americans had heard of rosacea. Because of its alarming, acne-like effect on personal appearance, it can cause devastating psychological and social problems.

Types of rosacea

There are four identified rosacea subtypes and patients may have more than one subtype present.

%26bull; Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea
This type of rosacea is characterized by permanent redness with a tendency to flush and blush easily. It is also common to have small blood vessels visible near the surface of the skin and possibly burning or itching sensations.






This phase may sometimes be referred to as pre-rosacea.

%26bull; Papulopustular rosacea
Unlike the previous type, Papulopustular rosacea is characterized by some permanent redness with red bumps filled with pus. These skin changes typically last 1-4 days. This subtype can be easily confused with acne. Rosacea may also be accompanied by oily skin and dandruff.

%26bull; Phymatous rosacea
This subtype is most commonly associated with rhinophyma, an enlargement of the nose. Symptoms include skin thickening, irregular surface nodules, and enlargement. Phymatous rosacea appears on the nose, chin, forehead, cheeks, and ears.

%26bull; Ocular rosacea
The most common symptoms of ocular rosacea are red, dry and irritated eyes and eyelids. Some other symptoms include foreign body sensations, itching and burning. Rosacea may cause the inner skin of the eyelids to become inflamed or appear scaly, a condition known as conjunctivitis.

Causes

The precise pathogenesis of rosacea still remains unknown.

%26bull; Blood vessels damage
Most experts believe that rosacea is a disorder where the blood vessels become damaged when repeatedly dilated. The damage causes the vessels to dilate too easily and stay dilated for longer periods of time, sometimes even permanently.
%26bull; Heredity
Research has shown that rosacea also has a hereditary component. Those that are fair-skinned have a higher genetic predisposition for developing this condition. Women are more commonly affected but when men develop rosacea it tends to be more severe.
%26bull; Infective etiology
Some experts are saying that the cause of rosacea could be a chronic bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal system caused by the Helicobacter pylori. Some other claim that it has something to do with infection with tiny mites (Demodex folliculorum) living in human hair follicles. They may play a role by clogging up sebaceous gland openings. None of these theories have been conclusively proved.
Alcohol does not cause rosacea, although it may worsen it.

Triggers of rosacea

There are several possible triggers of rosacea and some of the most common are:

%26bull; exposure to temperature extremes
%26bull; strenuous exercise
%26bull; heat from sunlight
%26bull; severe sunburn
%26bull; stress
%26bull; cold wind
%26bull; hot baths, saunas
%26bull; moving to a warm or hot environment from a cold one
%26bull; some foods and drinks such as alcohol, foods high in histamine and spicy food
%26bull; certain medications and topical irritants
%26bull; some acne and wrinkle treatments that include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, high dosages of Isotretinoin, benzoyl peroxide and Tretinoin
%26bull; use of topical or nasal steroids

Psychological Effects

Experts believe that the social and emotional effects of rosacea are worse than the physical symptoms. In fact, a controlled study on this subject has shown that:

%26bull; nearly 70 percent of rosacea patients said it lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem
%26bull; 41 percent said the condition caused them to avoid public contact or cancel social engagements

Prognosis if left untreated

If left untreated, rosacea tends to be progressive, which means it gets worse over time. However, in most people rosacea is cyclic, which means it may flare up for a period of weeks to months and then signs and symptoms lessen for a while before rosacea flares up again. The rouble is that rosacea may advance to a third stage, in which the spread of excess facial tissue called fibroplasia may develop. It may also distort facial features enough to cause the so-called lionization.
In some cases, the eyes may also be affected by rosacea, resulting in a gritty feeling and bloodshot appearance which can even affect the vision.

Treatment of rosacea

Unfortunately, there is still no way to eliminate rosacea altogether. However, several treatments are available for relieving signs and symptoms of rosacea. The treatment most often this requires a combination of prescription medications and certain self-care measures. The key to successful management of rosacea is early diagnosis.

Medications

Doctors often prescribe topical antibiotics to treat rosacea. Although this could be confusing because no bacteria are involved, these antibiotics are being used more for their anti-inflammatory properties than to kill bacteria. The most common topical antibiotic prescribed is Metronidazole. It could be also combined with another prescription medication such as azelaic acid.

Oral antibiotics are also prescribed because they tend to work faster than topical ones.

Some of the most common prescription oral antibiotics include:

%26bull; Tetracycline
%26bull; Minocycline
%26bull; Doxycycline
%26bull; Erythromycin

Isotretinoin is a powerful medication sometimes used for more severe cases of inflammatory rosacea. Although it is usually prescribed for cystic acne because it works to inhibit the production of oil by sebaceous glands, it can be really helpful in rosacea treatment. Unfortunately Isotretinoin also has some side effects and is known to cause severe birth defects.

Surgical solutions

Enlarged blood vessels, redness and changes due to rhinophyma often become permanent. In these cases, surgical methods such as laser surgery and electro-surgery, may reduce the symptoms. Dermatological vascular laser or Intense Pulsed Light machines offer one of the best treatments for rosacea. They use light to penetrate the epidermis to target the capillaries in the dermis layer of the skin.

CO2 lasers can be used to remove excess tissue caused by Phymatous rosacea.

They reduce the visibility of blood vessels, remove tissue buildup around the nose and generally improve appearance.
Self-care
One of the most important things a patient can do if he or she has rosacea is to minimize the exposure to anything that causes a flare-up.

Suggestions for preventing flare-ups:

%26bull; Exercise in a cool environment. Don't overheat
%26bull; Use products that are labeled as non-comedogenic. These won't clog your oil and sweat gland openings as much
%26bull; When using moisturizer with a topical medication, apply the moisturizer after the medication has dried
%26bull; Patients should wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher to protect face from the sun
%26bull; Avoid irritating your facial skin by rubbing or touching it too much
%26bull; Avoid facial products that contain alcohol or other skin irritants
%26bull; Avoid overheating
%26bull; Avoid alcohol
%26bull; Avoid hot drinks, spicy foods and caffeine.

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Obesity: The disease of modern age

During the past 20 years, obesity has significantly risen in the United States. To be more precise, the latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that 30 percent of U.S. adults 20 years of age and older (over 60 million people) are obese. The percentage of young people who are...
During the past 20 years, obesity has significantly risen in the United States. To be more precise, the latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics shows that 30 percent of U.S. adults 20 years of age and older (over 60 million people) are obese. The percentage of young people who are overweight has more than tripled since 1980. Among children and teens aged 6%26ndash;19, 16 percent (over 9 million young people) are considered overweight. That%26rsquo;s why this disease could be rightly called %26ldquo;the disease of the modern age%26rdquo;. Although people are aware of the great dangers that this disease is carrying with it, current data indicate that the situation is worsening rather than improving.

Why is obesity so serious?

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of many diseases and health conditions, including the following:


%26bull; Hypertension
%26bull; Dyslipidemia
%26bull; Type 2 diabetes
%26bull; Coronary heart disease
%26bull; Stroke
%26bull; Gallbladder disease
%26bull; Osteoarthritis
%26bull; Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
%26bull; Some cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)

What exactly is obesity?

The precise definition of obesity is that it represents a condition in which the natural energy reserve, stored in the fatty tissue of humans and mammals is increased to a point where it is thought to be a risk factor for certain health conditions or increased mortality. There are several methods by which you can determine whether you%26rsquo;re obese: measuring BMI (Body Mass Index), waist circumference, evaluating the presence of risk factors and comorbidities.

BMI - body mass index

It is a very precise measurement which is easily calculated by dividing the subject's weight in kilograms by the square of his/her height in meters (BMI = kg / m2).






It is considered that a person with a BMI which is:

%26bull; less than 18.5 is underweight
%26bull; between 18.5 - 24.9 is normal weight
%26bull; between 25.0 - 29.9 is overweight
%26bull; between 30.0 - 39.9 is obese
%26bull; 40.0 or higher is severely obese

BMI is a simple and widely-used method for estimating body fat. BMI as an indicator of a clinical condition is used in conjunction with other clinical assessments.

Measuring Waist circumference

The problem with BMI is that it does not take into account differing ratios of adipose to lean tissue, nor does it distinguish between differing forms of adiposity. Two different measures are being used to determine the level of obesity:

%26bull; the absolute waist circumference (%26gt;102 cm in men and %26gt;88 cm in women)
%26bull; waist-hip ratio (%26gt;0.9 for men and %26gt;0.85 for women)

Body fat measurement

Most doctors agree that men with more than 25% body fat and women with more than 30% body fat are obese. It could be extremely difficult to measure the exact percentage of body fat but the most accepted method has been to weigh a person underwater. Only problem is that underwater weighing is a procedure limited to laboratories with special equipment.

Risk factors and comorbidities

The presence of risk factors and diseases associated with obesity are also used to establish a clinical diagnosis. Possible life-threatening risk factors that would indicate clinical treatment of obesity are:

%26bull; Coronary heart disease
%26bull; Type II diabetes
%26bull; Sleep apnea
%26bull; Smoking
%26bull; Hypertension
%26bull; age and family history

What are the causes of obesity?

When food energy intake exceeds energy expenditure, fat cells take in the energy and store it as fat. Therefore, obesity is only made possible when the lifetime energy intake exceeds lifetime energy expenditure.

It is proven that in all individuals, the excess energy utilized to generate fat reserves is minute relative to the total number of calories consumed.

Risk factors that have been suggested to contribute to the development of obesity include:

%26bull; Sedentary lifestyle - it is proven that sedentary people are more likely to gain weight because they don%26rsquo;t burn calories through physical activities
%26bull; A high glycemic diet %26ndash; diet rich in sugar
%26bull; Weight cycling, caused by repeated attempts to lose weight by dieting
%26bull; Underlying illness
%26bull; Genetic disorders
%26bull; Eating disorders
%26bull; Stressful mentality
%26bull; Insufficient sleep
%26bull; Certain medications
%26bull; Smoking cessation
%26bull; Genetic factors
%26bull; During pregnancy a woman's weight necessarily increases
%26bull; Drinking alcohol adds calories to diet. Excessive drinking can stimulate appetite and make a person less likely to control portion sizes

Genetical and environmental factors

Caloric imbalance that results in obesity often develops from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Different imbalances in various genes controlling appetite, metabolism, and adipokine release predispose to obesity. Although various genetic abnormalities that predispose to obesity have been identified, single-locus mutations have been found in only about 5% of obese individuals.

Binge eating disorder (BED)

Several eating disorders are associated with obesity, especially binge eating disorder. In such cases eating serves to reduce the anxiety. An important additional factor is that BED patients often lack the ability to recognize hunger and satiety, something that is normally learned in childhood.

Complications of obesity

%26bull; High blood pressure
It is proven that obesity puts you at high risk for developing high blood pressure. Just like other parts of the body, fatty tissue relies on oxygen and nutrients in the blood to survive. As demand for oxygen increases, the amount of blood circulating through your body also increases. Weight gain also typically increases the level of insulin, and this increase is associated with retention of sodium and water, which increases blood volume. This is also associated with high risk for developing coronary artery disease and possibly a stroke.
%26bull; Diabetes
Obesity is a leading cause of type 2 diabetes. Excess fat makes body resistant to insulin, the hormone that helps your body maintain a proper level of a sugar in your blood. If your body is resistant to insulin, your blood sugar is high.
%26bull; Abnormal blood fats
A diet high in saturated fats can lead to obesity as well as elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Practicing this kind of diet for a long time leads to having abnormal blood fats which can contribute to atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries throughout your body.
%26bull; Osteoarthritis
It is easy to understand that obesity can affects the knees, hips and lower back contributing to development of a bone disorder called osteoarthritis.
%26bull; Sleep apnea
Several studies have proven that obesity can contribute tho the development of a condition called sleep apnea. It is characterized by pauses of breathing for short periods during sleep and heavy snoring.
%26bull; Cancer
Many types of cancer are associated with being overweight. In women, these include cancers of the breast, uterus, cervix, ovaries and gallbladder. Overweight men have a particularly higher risk of cancers of the colon, rectum and the prostate.
%26bull; Fatty liver disease
When someone is obese, fats can build up in liver which usually leads to inflammation and scarring of the liver. Such scarring can cause cirrhosis of the liver.
%26bull; Gallbladder disease
Some researches have proven that overweight people produce more cholesterol which could be deposited in the gallbladder. That%26rsquo;s why the risk of gallstones is higher in obese people.

Treatment of obesity

%26bull; Dietary changes
Consuming fewer calories is an important and crucial factor for successful weight loss. The so called %26ldquo;crash diets%26rdquo; aren't recommended because they can cut too many calories and nutrients that they can lead to other health problems, such as vitamin deficiencies. Low calorie liquid diets are sometimes prescribed as an intervention for seriously obese people and they could be very helpful. Replacing one or two meals with a low-calorie shake, having vegetables and fruits for a snack and a balancef third meal that is low in fat and calories are recommended.
%26bull; Increased physical activity
Another way to lose weight is to increase physical activity. Several studies have found that people who change their posture and periodically do some physical activity burn as much as an extra 350 calories a day compared with more sedentary people. Those calories could translate to a loss of more than 30 pounds over the course of a year, which means that even a little activity throughout the day can add up and help promote a healthy weight.
%26bull; Medications for weight loss
The two main prescription weight-loss medications are Sibutramine (Meridia) and Orlistat (Xenical). These drugs inhibit the absorption of fat in the intestines.

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Bone Marrow Transplant: A Cure For AIDS?

It was reported on TIME magazine that a Berlin hematologist, Gero Huetter, has claimed that he had cured an HIV infection in a 42-year old man through bone marrow transplant he had performed at Berlin’s Charité hospital two yea...

It was reported on TIME magazine that a Berlin hematologist, Gero Huetter, has claimed that he had cured an HIV infection in a 42-year old man through bone marrow transplant he had performed at Berlin%26rsquo;s Charit%26eacute; hospital two years ago. The patient had been suffering from advance stage leukemia and HIV and, after transplant of bone marrow from a donor naturally resistant to HIV, he seemed to be %26ldquo;virus free%26rdquo;.

Read the full text of the article here.

This %26ldquo;discovery%26rdquo;, expectedly, would cause some more of the prudent scientists to be wary. There are, after all, very few known persons to be resistant to HIV infection (estimated to be 1% of the European population) and bone marrow transplants are risky procedures. To proceed with the bone marrow transplant, one has to kill all existing diseased bone marrow cells of the patient before introducing the transplant and this puts the patient at high risk because of a vulnerable immune system. However, if the claim is correct, it would be one of those celebrated moments in the history of medicine and science.

But how come there are people who%26rsquo;re resistant to the HIV like the Europeans?

The hypothesis formulated explains that the resistance to HIV infection was a result of selective pressure arising from the Black Death and Great Plague pandemics in Europe (bubonic plague). Mutation in one of the chemokine receptors, CCR5, provided protection against Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague, which was said to be using same mechanism as HIV to gain entry into cells. The smallpox virus, Variola major, has also been suggested as the cause of selective pressure to develop mutation of CCR5. It was hypothesized that HIV and pox viruses both infect leukocytes resulting in dysfunction of cellular immunity, and gain entry to leukocytes by using chemokine receptors. CCR5 acts as a part of the key to letting in HIV into cell by binding with glycoprotein 120 which is located on the surface of the HIV particle. The same glycoprotein also binds with CD4 and forms a complex with the bound CCR5 to let in the HIV into the cell (helper T-cells, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, glial cells). Specifically, the mutation consists of a 32 nucleic acid deletion (a CCR5 delta 32 mutation) that in the homozygous state (if the person has two mutant copies of the CCR5), can provide almost complete resistance to HIV infection. In the heterozygous state (person has only one copy of the mutant CCR5), it allows for a slower progression of the disease, if the person gets infected with HIV. Although, according to Dr. Michael Marmor, Professor of Environmental Medicine and Medicine at New York University School of Medicine, studies found that bisexual and homosexual Caucasian men with one copy of the mutation had a 70% reduced risk of HIV infection compared with men who didn%26rsquo;t carry the mutation at all. Resistance, however, in both the homozygous and heterozygous states would not confer complete protection as there were uncommon strains of HIV that utilize other chemokine receptors aside from CCR5.

Even if, at this stage, scientists have been quite pessimistic about the idea of finding a cure for AIDS and HIV, still there may be hope in finding a solution to the cure. Perhaps, if the claim is true, this will pave the way to more studies that can find ways to re-engineer patient%26rsquo;s cells, specifically the bone marrow, to change it in such a way as what a transplant does, without having the patient undergo the risky procedure. But as scientists have predicted, this discovery, if ever there%26rsquo;ll be one, will be decades away.

It%26rsquo;s a rather discouraging prediction, considering how HIV infection is still rampant in many countries around the globe ( 39.4 million around the globe suffering from HIV as of end of 2004 and an increasing number of deaths related to AIDS in the Philippines ). But, at least, we%26rsquo;re moving forward. And hopefully, soon, the elusive cure shall be found.

References:

• Substantial resistance to HIV infection tied to genetic mutation http://www.netbiosciencenews.com/NR/2002/Jan/CCR5.htm
• HIV Protection CCR5 Chemokine Receptor Mutation by Judy Arbique. 2006 Nov 18. http://microbiology.suite101.com/article.cfm/hiv_protection
• Can a Bone Marrow Transplant Halt HIV? by Eben Harrell. 2008 Nov 13. Time. http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1858843,00.html
• A Global View of HIV infection. World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/hiv/facts/hiv2003/en/
• Epidemiological Fact Sheet on HIV and AIDS in Philippines: Core data on epidemiology and response July 2008 update. World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/globalatlas/predefinedReports/EFS2008/full/EFS2008_PH.pdf

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Causes of Skin Cancer - Basal Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma, do you know the r

The incidence of skin cancer has increased greatly in recent years, due in part to greater exposure to UV radiation from the sun. In 1990, 600,000 Americans were diagnosed with either basal cell or squamous cell cancers. This is up from 400...

The incidence of skin cancer has increased greatly in recent years, due in part to greater exposure to UV radiation from the sun. In 1990, 600,000 Americans were diagnosed with either basal cell or squamous cell cancers. This is up from 400,000 in 1980, a staggering 50% increase.

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world accounting for 6 per cent of all the lethal forms of skin cancer diagnosed globally. About 1200 people die each year in Australia as a result of skin cancer. It is expected that this number will increase.

What are the causes of skin cancer?

Over exposure to the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer, although there are other factors including heredity and environment, sunburn and UV light damage the skin, and this damage can lead to skin cancer.

Because having a 'healthy' tan is considered a 'good look', most young people tend to spend extensive periods of time in the sun. It is estimated that most people receive 50 percent of their lifetime exposure to the sun by 18 years of age ( UMM ).

What does tanning do to the skin?

Sunlight or rather the sun's UV radiation has a profound effect on the skin and causes more than just your skin to go brown. Premature skin aging, skin cancer, and a range of other skin changes are a direct result of over exposure to the sun and in particular UVA and UVB radiation. By far the worst effect however, is the potential for developing skin cancer.

What are risk factors for skin cancer?

There are a number of predisposing risk factors that need to be considered:

1. Heredity - a family history of skin cancer should ring alarm bells and serve as an indication that over exposure to the sun, by an individual who has a family history of skin cancer, stands an increased risk of developing this disease. This is particularly so for people with fair skin and a Anglo-Saxon background.

2. Environment/Climatic - the reduction of ozone in the earth's stratosphere, especially over Australia, allows for higher levels of UV light to reach the earth's surface. Increased UV radiation has lead to an increased incidence of skin cancer in the past few decades.

Types of Skin Cancer Caused by the Sun
The 3 main skin cancers are:

1. melanoma,
2. basal cell carcinoma, and
3. squamous cell carcinoma.

Melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer because it spreads to other areas of the body more readily than the other skin cancers. It is believed that the amount of exposure of the skin to the sun before the age of 20 is actually the determining risk factor for melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and tends to only spread locally.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common skin cancer, and it can spread to other parts of the body, although not as commonly as melanoma. The risk of getting basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma is determined by a person's lifetime exposure to UV radiation and the person's pigment protection.

Melanoma

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a cancer that originates in the pigment-producing cells of the skin (melanocytes).
Melanocytes are the pigmented cells in the skin that give skin its distinctive colour. Sunlight stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin (the pigment that darkens the skin) and increases the risk of melanoma. Melanoma usually occurs in adults, but it may occasionally be found in children and adolescents.

Melanoma can begin as a new, small, pigmented skin growth on normal skin, most often on sun-exposed areas, or it may develop from pre-existing pigmented moles. As mentioned earlier, melanoma can runs in families. Unlike Basal Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma readily spreads to distant parts of the body, where it continues to grow and destroy tissue.

Melanomas can vary in appearance. Some are flat, irregular brown patches containing small black spots. Others are raised brown patches with red, white, black, or blue spots. Sometimes melanoma appears as a firm black or gray lump ( Merck %26amp; UMM)

Melanoma is the most serious type of cancer of the three types discussed here. While it occurs less often than the other two types, it has the highest mortality rate and is responsible for 75% of all deaths from skin cancer ( UMM ).

What are the risk factors for melanoma?

People with the following characteristics may be at an increased risk for melanoma:

• blond or red hair
• blue eyes
• fair complexion
• family history of melanoma
• a changed or changing mole
• many ordinary moles (more than 50)
• many freckles
• an immunosuppressive disorder
• dysplastic nevi (Atypical moles)
• sun exposure
• The amount of time spent unprotected in the sun directly affects your risk of skin cancer.
• nability to tan

However, having dark-brown or black skin is no guarantee against melanoma. African-Americans can develop this type of skin cancer, especially on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, under nails, or in the mouth and they can and do get sunburn.

What are the symptoms of melanoma?

The following are the most common symptoms of melanoma. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• change in the size, shape, or colour of a mole
• oozing or bleeding from a mole
• mole that feels itchy, hard, lumpy, swollen, or tender to the touch

Because most malignant melanoma cells still produce melanin, melanoma tumours are often shaded brown or black. Melanoma can also appear on the body as a new mole. Men most often develop melanoma on the area of the body between the shoulders and hips, or on the head or neck. Women most often develop melanoma on the arms and legs. However, melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of the body through the lymph system, or through the blood. Like most cancers, melanoma is best treated when it is diagnosed early (UMM).

The symptoms of melanoma may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis. It is also recommended that at least twice a year you consult a dermatologist to have your skin examined closely for any kind of unusual changes.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

What is basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is a cancer that originates in cells of the epidermis (outer layer of the skin).

Basal cells are found in the lowest layer of the epidermis. Although basal cell carcinoma may not originate in the basal cells, the disease is so named because the cancer cells resemble basal cells.

Basal cell carcinoma usually develops on skin surfaces that are exposed to sunlight, commonly on the head or neck, back of the hands or the forearms. The tumours usually begin as small, shiny, firm raised growths (papules) that enlarge very slowly, sometimes so slowly that they go unnoticed as new growths. However, the growth rate varies greatly from tumour to tumour, with some growing as much as 1-2cm in a year ( Merck ).

Basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 90 percent of all skin cancers in the United States. It is often easily detected and has an excellent record for successful treatment. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the cure rate for basal cell carcinoma is 95 percent, when properly treated. Although this type of cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body, it can extend below the skin to the bone and cause considerable local damage. And, non-melanoma skin cancer places people at high risk for developing additional skin cancers.

Who is at risk for basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer found in Caucasians. It seldom occurs in dark-skinned persons. People who have this cancer frequently have light hair, eyes, and complexions, and they do not tan easily.

How does basal cell carcinoma develop?

This highly treatable cancer starts in the basal cell layer of the epidermis (the top layer of skin) and grows very slowly. A basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a small, shiny bump or nodule on the skin, and mainly on the areas exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, arms, hands, and face.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is cancer that originates in the squamous cells (keratinocytes).

Squamous cells (keratinocytes) are the main structural cells of the epidermis. Squamous cell carcinoma usually develops on sun-exposed areas but may grow anywhere on the skin or in the mouth, where sun exposure is minimal. It may develop on normal skin but is more likely to develop in precancerous skin growths caused by previous sun exposure.

Squamous cell carcinoma is characterized by its thick, scaly, irregular appearance. Fair-skinned people are much more susceptible to squamous cell carcinoma than darker-skinned people. This type of cancer is also more likely to develop in chronic sores-such as chronic skin ulcers-or in skin that has been scarred, particularly by burns.

Squamous cell carcinoma begins as a red area with a scaly, crusted surface that does not heal. As it grows, the tumor may become somewhat raised and firm, sometimes with a wartlike surface (see Mouth Growths: Types of Oral Cancer). Eventually, the cancer becomes an open sore and grows into the underlying tissue ( Merck ).

Most squamous cell carcinomas affect only the area around them, penetrating into nearby tissues. But some spread (metastasize) to distant parts of the body and can be fatal. Those that occur near the ears and lower lip are more likely to spread. Squamous cell carcinoma in the mouth often spreads ( Merck ).

Danny Siegenthaler is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and together with his wife Susan, a medical herbalist and Aromatherapist, they have created Natural Skin Care Products by Wildcrafted Herbal Products to share their 40 years of combined expertise with you.

They practice Herbal and Chinese medicine at their Wildcrafted Cottage Clinic.

%26copy; Wildcrafted Herbal Products 2008

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