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Can Antioxidants Slow Down The Aging Process?

Posted by:  ( Physician's Choice )

Whether you know it or not, your body is being constantly attacked by very harmful substances known as free radicals. You can not see them, smell them or touch them, but they are always there, trying to destroy your cells, tissues and organs.

Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that are generated mainly during the process of oxidation; the very process that produces the energy necessary to stay alive. They also come from outside sources, such as environmental pollution, smoking and various synthetic chemicals that are added to our water and food.

Free radicals are chemically unstable because they lack one electron. In order to stabilize themselves, they attack any other substance within their reach and grab an electron from them. This, of course, creates a new free radical, which proceeds to repeat the process, producing a "domino effect." When this reaction is uncontrolled, it can generate millions of free radicals within seconds.

These chemicals damage key enzymes, cell membranes and even the chromosomes that store our genetic material (DNA). Free radicals have been implicated in most known diseases of mankind, but especially in the chronic, degenerative diseases associated with the aging process. According to The New York Times, free radicals can be linked to over 60 diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. They can cause severe reduction in cell function and even the death of a cell. In some cases, when the DNA has been damaged beyond repair, it can even lead to cancer.

Can this Process be Stopped?
Fortunately, we have a "built-in" free radical fighting mechanism also known as the antioxidant defense system. It consists of specialized enzymes that have a "spare" electron that they can give away without turning into free radicals. In order to protect us, however, the enzymes need help from certain substances known as antioxidants.

Antioxidants are natural free radical fighters. They also have a spare electron which they can give away to make free radicals harmless. They work by protecting the components of our antioxidant system. Common antioxidants include vitamins C, E, beta carotene, bioflavonoids, zinc, selenium and alpha lipoic acid.

OPC: Powerful Antioxidant Protection
Studies show that oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC), a bioflavonoid found in some plants, is one of the most powerful free radical fighters known to man. According to medical studies, OPC is 50 times more effective than vitamin E and 20 times more effective than vitamin C in protecting the body from free radicals.
One of the best sources of OPC is grape seed extract, documented use of which goes back almost 450 years. As a supplement, OPC has been used in Europe and around the world since 1951. Many people have reported incredible results with OPC:

Decreased risk of Cardiovascular Disease - Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart attack and stroke risk have been known to decrease with the addition of OPC. OPC inhibits histamine production, which reduces inflammation and helps the arteries to resist attack by mutagens, which contribute to cardiovascular disease. The proper functioning of the heart and a complete unhindered blood flow are the most essential physiological functions of the body.

Improvement in Allergies and Arthritis - Inflammatory improvements are not only limited to vascular disease; they also help conditions such as allergies, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis and stress ulcers. Today, allergies are very common because our bodies are overloaded with chemicals and pollutants from food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. The release of inflammatory chemicals in the body (called histamines) initiate symptoms in the conditions mentioned above. OPC inhibits the enzyme necessary for histamine production and prevents formation, which further reduce inflammation. OPC is the only known inhibitor of histamines that doesn't also inhibit other enzymes. As a result, allergy symptoms and joint inflammation can be relieved without interrupting the body's natural, healthy processes.

Reduction of Wrinkles - The skin is mainly made up of collagen and elastin. OPC protects the skin by reducing the damage done from overly aggressive enzymes and free radicals. It also protects vitamin C, which plays a major role in the synthesis of new collagen and elastin. OPC has such a positive effect on the skin that some experts have called it "a skin cosmetic in a capsule."

Improved Brain Function - OPC may help improve memory, reduce senility and the risk of stroke. In fact, studies indicate that OPC may help improve memory and brain function even after strokes! It is one of the few antioxidant nutrients that readily cross the blood/brain barrier. This barrier normally protects the brain from free radicals circulating in the blood, because the brain cells are so sensitive. Many people report increased energy and greater clarity in thinking after taking OPC.

Other reported benefits from OPC supplementation include but are not limited to:
* Improved vision and prevention of cataracts
* Inflammation relief from sports injuries
* Improvement in Diabetes
* Reduced risk of cancer
* Protection from the adverse effects of stress
* Relief from PMS symptoms
* Improvement of Multiple Sclerosis

Other Protective Nutrients
One of the ways OPC protects the body from free radicals is by protecting vitamin C, making it more effective and longer lasting.

A sufficient, constant supply of vitamin C in the body can help prevent most viral and bacterial infections by super-charging the immune system; offering protection against cancer-producing agents (like tobacco - 1 cigarette destroys between 25-100 mg of vitamin C); improving the cholesterol profile; healing wounds, burns and bleeding gums; lessening the effects of allergens; protecting against scurvy and extending life by enabling protein cells to hold firmly together.Vitamin C, in turn, protects vitamin E, making it more available for antioxidant defense. Vitamin E is particularly important, because it is one of the few fat-soluble antioxidants.

The body’s supply of vitamin E gets used up fighting free radicals, thus requiring replenishment. Vitamin E can help your body retain a more youthful appearance by retarding the normal cellular aging due to oxidation. It can also help lower your risk for developing heart disease. Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D., proved this from the results of his study of 17,894 adults, aged 50-98. He found that those who took supplements of vitamin E over a long period of time showed a significant decrease in heart disease. A study of 87,245 nurses, performed at Harvard University, found that those who took 100 IU's of vitamin E daily for more than two years had a 41% lower risk of heart disease. In addition, 39,910 male health care professionals produced similar results, by producing a 37% lower risk of heart disease. Vitamin E has also been known to lower blood pressure and help to alleviate fatigue.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is unique, because it is both water- and fat- soluble, which means that it can protect cells throughout the body. It also plays a primary role in the metabolic process, aids in sustaining normal blood sugar levels, helps support the nervous system and provides nutritional support for normal liver fuction. It is extremely versatile and is absolutely essential for normal function of the antioxidant system.

Bioperine®, an alkaloid from black peppers, is so special and so beneficial that it was awarded a US patent (#5536506)! Bioperine® makes nutrients more bioavailable, which means that they can be easily utilized by every cell of the body. In cinical studies, Bioperine® increased blood levels of beta carotene by 60% after 14 days and vitamin B6 by 250% after only two hours.

The Key to Better Health
Dr. Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D., states that 30 years of research have convinced him that the best protection against premature aging is a combination of natural antioxidant nutrients. Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible to get all the nutrients you need from food sources alone.

Premature harvesting, depleted soil, pesticides and preservatives - all this results in food that is nutrient-poor; especially when it comes to antioxidants. This makes supplementation crucial; otherwise your defenses will be severely compromised, making you more susceptible to a host of degenerative diseases.

Super Antioxidant Protection
The new Super Antioxidant Formula™ contains a powerful combination of antioxidant nutrients, such as 125 mg of Grape Seed Extract (a great source of OPC), Vitamin C (500 mg), 100% natural Vitamin E (400 IU), Alpha Lipoic Acid (20 mg), Vitamin A (5,000 IU) and Selenium (100 mcg). It also has a proprietary fruit complex of Orange, Pineapple, Blueberry, Strawberry and Rasp-berry. It is one of the best formulations in free radical protection known today.

INTRODUCTORY OFFER!
As a special introductory offer, when you call 1-800-227-9972 and order two bottles of the new Super Antioxidant Formula™ , you will receive one bottle ABSOLUTELY FREE!

Damage from free radicals can lead to fatigue, inflammation and premature aging, as well as circulatory, nervous and immune system disorders. Fight free radicals and protect yourself against premature aging with the Super Antioxidant Formula™!

REFERENCES:
Stop Aging Now!; Jean Carper
Phytonutrients - Medicinal Nutrients Found in Foods;
Beth M. Ley
OPC in practice; Bert Schwitters
The New Superantioxidant; Richard A. Passwater, Ph.D.
All About Grape Seed Extract; Dallas Clouatre, Ph.D.
Food - Your Miracle Medicine; Jean Carper

Vitamin E Effective Treatment for Abnormal Movement Disorder

Posted by:  Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP)  (BotanicChoice )

Healthnotes Newswire (March 11, 2004)—People with schizophrenia or related mental disorder who develop involuntary movements of the arms, legs, or mouth (called tardive dyskinesia [TD]) after taking anti-psychotic medications may experience a reduction in these movements by taking supplemental vitamin E, reports the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology (2004;24:83–6). This is encouraging news for the millions of people around the world who suffer from this condition.

People with TD suffer from repetitive and uncontrollable movements—puckering of the lips or mouth, writhing of the arms or legs—that can interfere greatly with their quality of life. TD is most often associated with long-term use of anti-psychotic medications, such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine®), thioridazine (Mellaril®), or trifluoperazine (Stelazine®). It is believed that these medications increase free radicals in the body, which in turn injure the neurological system. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and may help protect the body against free-radical damage.

In the new study, 41 Chinese adults with schizophrenia between the ages of 30 and 60 years were randomly assigned to receive 1,200 IU per day of vitamin E or placebo for 12 weeks. The degree of TD was measured using the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) initially and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment. Blood levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), a critical enzyme involved with elimination of free radicals, were measured before and after treatment. People with TD have been shown to have lower levels of SOD than those without TD.

The degree of TD decreased by 46% in those taking vitamin E, compared with only 4% in those taking placebo. SOD levels increased by 30% in the vitamin E treatment group, while no significant increase in SOD was observed in the placebo group. In addition to the reduction of TD with vitamin E treatment, these findings suggest vitamin E also boosts SOD levels in the blood, which may offer additional protection against free-radical damage.

Studies suggest that other nutrients may be useful in treating TD. Choline, lecithin, and evening primrose oil may reduce the severity of TD, although large amounts are often necessary to achieve desirable results. One group of researchers treated approximately 11,000 schizophrenics with a megavitamin regimen that included vitamin C (up to 4 grams per day); vitamin B3, either as niacin or niacinamide (up to 4 grams per day); vitamin B6 (up to 800 mg per day); and vitamin E (up to 1,200 IU per day). During that time, not a single new case of TD was seen, even though many of the people were taking anti-psychotic drugs. Further research is needed to determine which nutrients or combinations of nutrients were most important for preventing TD. The amounts of niacinamide and vitamin B6 used in this research may cause significant side effects and should only be taken under the supervision of a physician.

 Vitamin and Mineral Supplements for Healthy People
  Posted by:  (eVitamins)       

Why take vitamin and mineral supplements? Supplements may help healthy people for a number of reasons. They can help prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies when the diet is not adequate to provide all necessary nutrients. They can also provide amounts of nutrients larger than the diet can provide. Larger amounts of some nutrients may help to protect against future disease. Many of these nutrients will be briefly discussed here. However, for more information, refer to individual nutrient articles.

People may consume diets that are deficient in one or more nutrients for a variety of reasons. The typical Western diet often supplies less than adequate amounts of several essential vitamins and minerals.1 Recent nutrition surveys in the U.S. have found large numbers of people consume too little calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and, possibly, copper and manganese.2 3

Weight-loss, pure vegetarian, macrobiotic, and several other diets can also place some people at risk of deficiencies that vary with the type of diet. Certain groups of people are at especially high risk of dietary deficiencies. Studies have found that elderly people living in their own homes, often have dietary deficiencies of vitamin A and vitamin E, calcium, and zinc,4 and occasionally of vitamin D, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2. 5  Premenopausal women have been found often to consume low amounts of calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.6

What is the potential importance of taking vitamin A? Dietary deficiency of vitamin A is uncommon in healthy people except in older age groups.7 Although vitamin A is important for the function of the immune system, vitamin A supplementation did not help prevent infections in elderly people living in nursing homes, in one study.8 Due to concerns about birth defects9 and bone loss,10 people should not take over 10,000 IU of supplemental vitamin A in the form of retinol without consulting a doctor.

What is the potential importance of taking beta-carotene? Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, but may have a separate role in human health. Controlled research has shown that beta-carotene supplements can increase the numbers of some white blood cells and enhance cancer-fighting immune functions in healthy people who take 25,000–100,000 IU per day.11 12 However, some studies of smokers have reported that supplements of synthetic beta-carotene increased the risk of both heart disease13 14 and lung cancer.15 16 Other trials found no positive or negative effect of synthetic beta-carotene on the risk of many other diseases, including several types of cancer,17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 angina pectoris,25 diabetes,26 age-related eye disease,27 28 or intermittent claudication.29 Natural beta-carotene, though very similar to synthetic, was found in one preliminary study to reverse pre-cancerous changes, while synthetic beta-carotene did not.30 No other studies have investigated whether natural beta-carotene could be more effective than synthetic in preventing other diseases, but the potential harm from taking synthetic beta-carotene suggests it should be avoided.

What is the potential importance of taking B-vitamins? Many of the B-vitamins, including thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and niacin (vitamin B3), are in plentiful supply in the typical Western diet, because they are added to white flour products and other foods that have been depleted of those vitamins. Another vitamin, biotin, is produced by intestinal bacteria in amounts that, along with typical dietary biotin intake, provide enough of this vitamin to prevent deficiency in healthy people. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), on the other hand, appears to be in short supply in the typical diet. In one study, 49% of a group of male and female adolescents were consuming less-than-adequate amounts of pantothenic acid in their diet.31 No research has investigated whether supplements of these B-vitamins prevent disease.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency, at least in a mild form, may exist in 10–25% of people living in Western societies,32 and may be most common in the elderly.33 34 35 The possible role of vitamin B6 in the prevention of heart disease by helping to regulate blood homocysteine levels is discussed below. No other research on preventive effects of vitamin B6 supplementation has been done.

What is the potential importance of taking folic acid? Folic acid deficiency has been considered somewhat common in the U.S. It affects about 11% of healthy people,36 with a higher incidence among African-Americans and Mexican-Americans.37 Recently, however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated that some grain products provide supplemental folic acid. This appears to be causing a dramatic reduction in folic acid deficiency in the general population.38 Nonetheless, some authorities believe the recent increases in folic acid content of the food supply are not enough to optimally prevent diseases such as heart disease and birth defects (see discussions below).39

The requirement for folic acid doubles during pregnancy,40 and insufficient intake of folic acid has been linked with low birth weight and an increased incidence of neural tube defects in newborns. Supplementation with 400 mcg per day of folic acid prior to, and shortly after, conception, is effective in preventing neural tube defects.41

What is the potential importance of taking vitamin B12? Vitamin B12 deficiency is not common among healthy people,42 except for vegans (vegetarians who also avoid dairy and eggs)43 and in about 12–15% of the elderly in the U.S.44 45 Vitamin B12 deficiency may also occur in people who take acid-blocking drugs for long periods of time.46 Although vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly is often due to age-related declines in absorption of vitamin B12 from food, vitamin B12 supplements can be absorbed sufficiently in members of this age group if they do not have pernicious anemia or other significant gastrointestinal disorders.47 Supplementation with 100 mcg per day of vitamin B12 was adequate to reverse vitamin B12 deficiency in healthy elderly people, according to one recent report.48

The B-vitamins folic acid, B12 and pyridoxine (vitamin B6) are important for the control of homocysteine levels in the blood.49 Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with several diseases, including heart disease,50 stroke,51 Alzheimer’s disease,52 and osteoporosis,53 though it is unknown whether homocysteine has a direct role in causing these diseases. Daily supplementation with these B-vitamins, typically at least 400 mcg of folic acid, 10 mg of vitamin B6, and 50 mcg of vitamin B12, lowers elevated homocysteine levels in most people.54 55 56 However, no research has investigated yet, whether lowering homocysteine levels with these supplements helps prevent any disease.

What is the potential importance of taking vitamin C? Severe vitamin C deficiency is uncommon in people who consume Western diets, but mild insufficiency is found in 6% of healthy adults57 and larger numbers of college students58 and smokers.59 On the basis of extensive analyses of published vitamin C studies, some authorities have suggested that optimal intake for disease prevention may be at least 90–100 mg per day.60 61 However, supplementation with over 200 mg per day of vitamin C by healthy people does not result in higher vitamin C concentrations in the body,62 and may be no more helpful for preventing disease than smaller amounts.

What is the potential importance of taking vitamin D? Vitamin D can be obtained either from the diet or from sunlight exposure, but these sources can be insufficient, especially in the older population63 and in vegans, during the winter months.64 Six to fourteen percent of healthy adult Western European populations have been reported to be vitamin D deficient,65 but good data are not available for the U.S. Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with bone loss and fractures in older people.66 67 Reduced bone loss from vitamin D supplements has been reported in some,68 69 though not all,70 studies. In one double-blind study, supplementation with 800 IU per day of vitamin D prevented bone loss more effectively than 200 IU per day in postmenopausal women.71 While vitamin D is known to be toxic in very high amounts, up to 2000 IU per day is considered safe.72

What is the potential importance of taking vitamin E? A nationwide study recently reported that 27% of the U.S. population had low blood levels of vitamin E.73 Supplementation with at least 100 IU per day of vitamin E is associated with lowered risk of heart disease,74 75 and a double-blind study found that 400–800 IU of vitamin E per day reduced the risk of nonfatal heart attacks, but not fatal ones.76 However, a recent double-blind trial found no benefit from 400 IU per day of vitamin E supplementation on the risk of non-fatal heart attacks,77 while another study found that 50 IU per day had no effect on heart attack risk.78 A reduced risk of prostate cancer in smokers was reported in a double-blind trial with 50 IU per day of vitamin E.79 However, similar studies have not found vitamin E supplements to protect against other cancers.80 81 82 83

What is the potential importance of taking vitamin K? Vitamin K deficiency severe enough to cause bleeding problems is rare in healthy people. However, low vitamin K in the blood84 85 and in the diet86 has been associated with osteoporosis. Preliminary research has suggested that supplements of at least 1 mg per day of vitamin K reduce indicators of bone loss in some women.87 88 89 90

What is the potential importance of taking calcium? Compared to recent calcium intake recommendations, most people have calcium deficient diets, and less than 10% of women in the U.S. have adequate dietary intakes.91 Good calcium nutrition throughout life is essential for achieving peak bone mass and preventing deficiency-related bone loss.92 Calcium supplements are effective in increasing bone mass in children93 94 95 and slowing bone loss in adults according to most,96 97 98 99 100 101 though not all,102 double-blind studies. Calcium supplements have also been shown to reduce the risk of bone fractures in some elderly adults.103 104 105 106 The protective effect of calcium on bone is one of very few health claims permitted by the FDA. In order to achieve the 1,500 mg per day calcium intake deemed optimal by many researchers for postmenopausal women, 800–1,000 mg of supplemental calcium are generally added to diets that commonly contain between 500–700 mg calcium per day.

What is the potential importance of taking phosphorus? Phosphorus is a necessary nutrient, but diets are almost always adequate in this mineral.107 Some authorities have suggested that excess intake of phosphorus is hazardous to normal calcium and bone metabolism.108 However, this idea has been challanged.109 In any case, there does not seem to be a need for phosphorus supplementation. For this reason, many multivitamin-mineral supplements do not contain phosphorus.

What is the potential importance of taking magnesium? Dietary magnesium deficiency may occur in up to 25% of adult women in the U.S. and in even higher numbers of elderly people of both sexes.110 Magnesium supplements of at least 250 mg per day may help prevent bone loss.111 112

What is the potential importance of taking potassium? While potassium is lower in modern diets compared to so-called primitive diets, true deficiencies are rare.113 Some,114 though not all,115 research suggests that raising potassium intake may help prevent high blood pressure. Other research suggests higher potassium intake may help prevent stroke.116 However, the maximum amount of supplemental potassium allowed in one pill (99 mg) is far below the recommended amounts (at least 2,400 mg per day). Multiple potassium pills should not be taken in an attempt to get a higher amount, since they can irritate the stomach. The best way to get extra potassium is to eat several servings per day of fruits, vegetables, or their juices.

What is the potential importance of taking iron? Iron deficiency is not uncommon among some groups of healthy people, including some vegetarians,117 menstruating girls and women,118 pregnant women,119 and female and adolescent athletes.120 Nonetheless, many people in these groups are not iron deficient 121 and excessive iron intake has been associated in some studies with heart disease,122 some cancers,123 diabetes,124 increased risk of infection,125 and exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis.126 While none of these links has yet been proven, people should avoid iron supplements unless they have been diagnosed with having, or being at high risk of, iron deficiency.

What is the potential importance of taking iodine? Although iodine deficiency is a concern in many developing countries,127 until recently it was considered abundant in Western diets, due to the introduction of iodized salt and the presence of added iodine in many foods.128 However, iodine intake has decreased considerably in recent years and may be low in as many as 12% of the total U.S. population, and 15% of women of childbearing age.129 These numbers may be greater in countries where iodized salt is not available. Still, most people have adequate iodine intake unless they avoid iodized salt, seafood and sea vegetables. People with thyroid diseases should check with their doctor before using iodine supplements.

What is the potential importance of taking zinc? Zinc deficiency is not common in Western countries, except in people with low incomes.130 131 Zinc supplements (10 mg per day) have prevented growth impairment in deficient American and Canadian children.132 Supplementation with 25–150 mg of zinc per day has been shown to increase immune function in healthy people.133 134 135 136 However, too much zinc has been reported to impair immune function137 and some healthcare practitioners recommend no more than 30–50 mg per day. It is unknown whether these immune system changes are sufficient to cause or prevent infections or other diseases in people taking zinc supplements. Regular supplementation with zinc should be accompanied by copper supplements to prevent zinc-induced copper deficiency.

What is the potential importance of taking copper? The average dietary copper intake in the U.S. has been found to be below accepted standards.138 Although the significance of this is unclear, since symptomatic copper deficiency is quite rare.139 Supplementation with 3 mg per day of copper may help prevent bone loss.140 Since zinc can interfere with copper absorption, copper should be taken whenever zinc supplementation occurs for more than a few weeks.141

What is the potential importance of taking manganese? Dietary intake of manganese is adequate for most people, according to recent studies in the U.S.142 However, manganese, along with other trace minerals, is often low in refined and processed foods.143 144 People whose diets consist primarily of these types of foods may have low manganese intake. Manganese deficiency has been associated with osteoporosis in an unpublished study.145 A double-blind trial found that a combination of mineral supplements including manganese prevented bone loss in postmenopausal women.146 No other studies have investigated the health effects of manganese supplementation. Manganese may be especially important to include when iron is supplemented, since iron can reduce manganese absorption and cause lower body levels of manganese.147

What is the potential importance of taking chromium? Chromium nutrition has been difficult to study because of technical problems in analyzing foods and human body fluids for chromium content. Partly for this reason, there is disagreement about the extent of chromium deficiency in Western societies. Many studies have found sub-optimal levels of chromium in the diet, compared to published recommendations.148 149 150 However, some authorities question the validity of the recommended minimum requirements.151 Chromium deficiency has been associated with blood sugar and cholesterol abnormalities.152 Also, chromium levels in the body decline as people get older, which is when these problems often appear.153 Therefore, while chromium supplements have not been tested for their ability to prevent diabetes or heart disease, many healthcare practitioners recommend chromium supplements as a reasonable precaution. A few single case reports have described possible serious side effects in people taking large amounts of chromium, from 600–2400 mcg per day.154 155 156 Although it is not clear whether chromium was responsible for these reactions.

What is the potential importance of taking selenium? Dietary intake of selenium appears to be adequate in most people. This is according to recent studies in the U.S. based on the Recommended Dietary Allowance of 70 mcg per day of selenium.157 However, a recent double-blind study found that people given a supplement of 200 mcg of yeast-based selenium per day for 4.5 years, had a 50% drop in the cancer death rate over seven years compared with the placebo group.158 Higher amounts of selenium than are available in the diet may be necessary for this protective effect. The upper end of safe long-term selenium intake has been estimated to be 350–400 mcg per day.159

What is the potential importance of taking molybdenum? Molybdenum is an essential trace element with low potential for toxicity.160 Since little is known about human needs and deficiencies are quite rare, estimated requirements are based on what people typically receive in their diets.161 Cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention studies in China found no benefit from a supplement containing molybdenum and vitamin C.162 163 No other research has investigated disease prevention with molybdenum supplements.

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Natural Alternative to Viagra without Side Effects

Posted by:  ( Physician's Choice )

There's "a revolution taking place in the frontiers of sexual pharmacology," according to Dr. Harin Padma-Nathan, a clinical associate professor of urology at the University of Southern California and director of The Male Clinic in Santa Monica.

Padma-Nathan calls erectile dysfunction, or impotence, "the most untreated medical condition" in the world. He estimates that over half of men over the age of 40 suffer from the complaint, with just 5% seeking treatment.

Until recently, most treatments involved uncomfortable penile injections, implants, urethral suppositories or vacuum-like devices. Now, there is an oral medication, Viagra that can help cause an erection in 6 out of 10 people. Two other oral medications are being studied and may be approved by the FDA early next year.

Viagra has proven to be a very popular drug, with over 250,000 prescriptions filled every week. Thanks to Viagra, many men are able to engage in sexual intercourse for the first time in many years. Like any drug, Viagra has a number of side effects, such as dizziness, headaches, temporary blindness, blackouts and potential exacerbation of hidden diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Since it is so new, many other side effects are going to be discovered as more and more men use it.

The FDA has estimated that over 200 deaths have been attributed to the use of Viagra. Both the drug manufacturer and the FDA claim that the benefits still outweigh the risks.

There are less risky and more natural methods of restoring both libido (which Viagra does not affect) and erections. There are a number of natural herbs that have been known for centuries to improve one's ability to engage in sexual intercourse without all of the side effects of prescription drugs.

It is particularly encouraging that these natural substances actually restore your function and ability, and not just provide a temporary (and short-lived) improvement like Viagra.

Natural substances often lead to longer, stronger erections and better control of ejaculation. In addition, many users of the natural aphrodisiac herbs report much greater enjoyment of the sexual act with more pleasant climax and orgasm.

Clearly, the natural way is better - no side effects and better results.

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New Hope for Women Struggling With PMS
Posted by Karen Pallarito (HealthDay Reporter )

Many women find the week or two leading up to their monthly period marred by unpleasant physical and emotional symptoms, which may include bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue and irritability.
While these symptoms usually disappear after the period starts, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can be a monthly nuisance for many women, interfering with daily activities.
PMS symptoms tend to get trivialized, but they're no laughing matter. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that up to 40 percent of menstruating women experience some symptoms of PMS.
An estimated 5 percent to 10 percent of these women have a severe form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), characterized by depression, anxiety, tension and persistent anger or irritability.
With better treatments to ease or eliminate symptoms of PMS and PMDD, women needn't suffer in silence. Yet many still do.
Women have a grin-and bear-it mentality instilled by their own mothers who told them to just get through it, explained Ellen W. Freeman, a research professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia.
In some cases, she continued, women simply fail to take the time they need to seek out appropriate remedies: "They don't take care of themselves; they take care of everybody else."
While the causes of PMS are not clear, it appears some women may be more sensitive than others to fluctuating hormone levels.
Freeman led a recent study that may help confirm the hormone connection. In the May issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, her research team found that PMS sufferers are at greater risk of experiencing common menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, depression, poor sleep and decreased libido.
"One of the theories is that PMS women are sensitive to hormonal changes -- their hormones are not abnormal, but they are sensitive to the changes in hormone," she said.
Similarly, studies suggest PMDD sufferers may be more susceptible to swings in estrogen and progesterone, negatively affecting brain function and triggering symptoms of depression.
But unlike a typical case of PMS, PMDD symptoms are so severe they lead to problems with relationships, work and social activities. According to the American Psychiatric Association, a woman must exhibit at least five symptoms nearly every month to be diagnosed with PMDD.
Experts say the newest class of antidepressants, called selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), works well to treat the mood symptoms of PMDD. This class includes medications such as Prozac and Zoloft, among others.
"They eliminate symptoms, at least during the period of treatment," said Dr. Kimberly A. Yonkers, an associate professor of psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine.
But if women stop the medication, their symptoms very often return, Freeman cautioned. "It does appear to be a chronic disorder that doesn't go away if you have it," she said.
At this point, there aren't many non-pharmaceutical treatments for PMDD, Yonkers noted. Diet and exercise are not nearly as effective as the SSRIs, and psychotherapy is very understudied, she said.
To relieve the physical symptoms of PMS, the National Women's Health Information Center says regular exercise, a healthy diet and medications such as over-the-counter PMS formulations or ibuprofen may help. It's also recommended that women avoid salt, sugary foods, caffeine and alcohol when they are having PMS.
For severe symptoms, your doctor may prescribe diuretics to ease bloating or birth control pills to stop ovulation.
There haven't been many studies to evaluate the role of vitamins and minerals in easing PMS symptoms, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
The one nutritional supplement that doctors don't hesitate to recommend is calcium, which is critical for bone health and often lacking in women's diets. A 1998 study found taking 1,200-milligram calcium supplements each day significantly reduced PMS symptoms.
If you've tried over-the-counter medications, supplements and lifestyle changes and still aren't getting relief, don't be discouraged. Women respond differently to different remedies, and your doctor may help you find the right combination of treatments.
More information
Visit the National Women's Health Information Center to learn more about the differences between premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
SOURCES: Ellen W. Freeman, Ph.D., research professor, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia; Kimberly A. Yonkers, M.D., associate professor, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn.; May 2004 Obstetrics & Gynecology

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