Many people take garlic, either in supplement form, or in their diet, for its health benefits. Garlic is promoted for improved immune system, improved cardiovascular health, and perhaps even cancer prevention. But what does the science say and can it really benefit you? And, if it doesn’t really benefit you, can it actually harm you? These are the questions addressed in this article.
How does garlic work?
Garlic has long been considered a natural remedy for many illnesses, including bacterial, viral and fungal infections. The antibiotic activity of garlic has been associated with its primary active ingredient, thiosulfinate allicin, but there are other active ingredients that have been found to have antibiotic properties, including polysulfides, which have been shown to kill certain cancer cells. Scientists are still trying to understand the exact biological activity of these polysulfides, and many are hopeful that this understanding will help lead to ‘natural’ antiobiotics, fungicides and anticancer agents, with fewer side effects. .
What researchers have learned is that garlic has effects on many health conditions, such as high blood lipids, blood pressure and fungal, bacterial and viral infections, to name just a few. The effectiveness is determined by the amount of allicin, which triggers the production of other active constituents. Intact, fresh garlic cells contain an amino acid called alliin, which is actually odorless. However, when the cells are broken, they react with an enzyme, producing allicin, which is the smelly part. The more alliin, the more allicin is produced. The amount of allicin is dependent on the method of preparation. Crushing the garlic increases the allicin, but freeze-drying results in producing very little. Some companies will enterically coat their product to protect the active chemicals from stomach acid. The process to produce odorless garlic extract also reduces the amount of alliin. However, when looking for a garlic supplement, aged garlic extracts usually are standardized to S-allyl-L-cysteine content, which has also been shown to be an effective active ingredient.
What does the science say?
There has been a lot of research into the effectiveness of garlic constituents and how it works. Studies have primarily investigated the effectiveness of fresh garlic, powdered products and aged garlic extracts. Here is some of what has been found:
* For atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries), taking low doses of garlic powder daily, around 300 mg per day, appears to lessen age-related decreases in aortic elasticity. This elasticity is important for keeping the vessels healthy.
* Multiple studies have investigated fresh garlic and various garlic supplements and colorectal and gastric cancer. The overwhelming evidence shows that eating garlic is beneficial, but most studies do not find the same benefit from supplements of any kind. Fresh garlic may also lower the risk of prostate cancer by as much as 50%, but more research is necessary. Garlic in any form doesn’t seem to decrease the risk of breast cancer or lung cancer, however.
* Garlic supplements may help reduce blood pressure by 2% to 7% after 4 weeks.
* Eating high doses of garlic over 20 weeks may actually help reduce the likelihood of tick bites. So, if you plan a hiking trip, start 20 weeks early to ward them off on your trip. However, the amount studied was eating 1200 mg per day, which comes to more garlic than anyone would usually eat.
* It appears that a garlic jell might be as effective as Lamisil for various skin conditions.
* There have been many studies looking at how garlic may help with high blood cholesterol and triglycerides. These studies are very mixed, however. Early studies were showing a positive trend until more modern researcher started looking at these studies and found serious flaws. One analysis of all the studies suggested that there may be short-term benefits on blood lipids after 1-3 months, but no benefit after 6 months. When only the higher-quality studies were examined, the conclusion was that there is no reduction in cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
* For any other condition, research has either shown garlic to not be of any benefit or there is just not enough research to say one way or another.
* Something that studies do consistently seem to show is that often there is no active ingredient in the odorless products.
How should you take it?
Generally, the most effective form of garlic is fresh. Fresh garlic typically contains 1% alliin, where most aged garlic extracts only contain 0.03% alliin. So, for those who like to work with numbers, here are the details:
For every milligram of alliin, 0.458 mg of allicin is typically generated. Therefore, a dose of 4 grams of fresh garlic (approximately 1 clove) containing 1% alliin will produce about 18,300 mcg of allicin. A dose of garlic extract of 600 mg, containing 1.3% alliin will produce 3,600 mcg allicin. So, you decide.
To now answer the question how to take and how much, again, here is what the majority of research has concluded:
* For high blood pressure and high blood lipids, a garlic extract of 600-1200 mg divided up and taken three times a day may be effective, but aged garlic extract of 600 mg to 7.2 grams per day has also been used. Aged garlic extract contains less alliin than the powdered form.
* To prevent stomach or colorectal cancer, fresh or cooked garlic of 3.5 to 29 grams per week is recommended.
* Garlic in the form of the garlic constituent ajoene as a 0.4% cream, a 0.6% gel or a 1% gel has been shown effective for such conditions as tinea infections, warts and corns.
Will it harm you?
In studies, garlic has been used safely for up to 7 years in healthy subjects. For the most part, garlic can be safe, especially as a food ingredient. Just about anyone can take garlic in its food form. Nursing mothers may notice unhappy babies, as garlic can affect the taste of breast milk. Other negative side effects include breath and body odor, mouth and gastrointestinal burning or irritation, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The biggest concern with garlic is its effect on bleeding time. Therefore, if you intend to have surgery, discontinue it one to two weeks before surgery. Documentation of garlic’s effect on platelet function is very well-known. As a consequence, anyone taking any medications or herbs that affect bleeding, such as warfarin (Coumadin), fish oil tablets, vitamin E, willow bark, aspirin, Plavix, should discuss this use with their health care professional. Garlic has also been shown to be extremely reactive with antiviral medications.
Garlic a day keeps the doctor away
So, after all of this, what is the basic conclusion? Eat your garlic! Enjoy it in stir fry, raw, cooked, baked, you name it, just enjoy it! If you have a health condition that requires you to take any medications, it’s always best to discuss how garlic will alter the absorbency of that medication. Also remember that herbs are just natural drugs and either discuss them with your doctor or do your research. With a few precautions, however, fresh garlic is an excellent addition to any dish and to a healthy lifestyle.
About The Author
Marjorie Geiser helps people overcome their confusion and distress they feel when trying to add healthy eating and fitness into their busy lives through nutrition counseling and a successful e-coaching program. She offers a free, monthly newsletter on various topics of health, as well as an affordable weekly coaching program for people who want to lose weight or improve their health. Margie is a Registered Dietitian, Personal Trainer and Life Coach. To learn more about her services, go to her website at http://www.megfit.com or email her at margie@megfit.com.
Steps To Preventing Lung Cancer by: Gray Rollins
Lung Cancer Prevention
Did you realize that approximately 10% of lung cancer patients have never in their lives smoked cigarettes? When asked about lung cancer prevention, most people will tell you that the easiest way to prevent lung cancer is to never take up the dangerous habit of cigarette smoking. And while it’s true that smoking often leads to lung cancer, the fact that 10% of lung cancer patients are not now nor have ever been smokers cannot be easily explained.
Cancer in its simplest definition is the potential end result of a mutation or alteration that occurs within a gene. And sometimes, there is just no way to stop (or prevent) a gene from changing, nor is there a way to control the genes you inherit. When one gene in particular, the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, undergoes a mutation, the mutation is such that it basically gives the green light for cancerous cells to grow and also to divide. Such a situation is totally unavoidable.
Unfortunately, taking lung cancer prevention steps won’t eliminate your chance of developing today’s number one cause of death. That’s not to say that it’s okay to continue certain risky behaviors. You should take whatever steps you can to control the risks in your life. Not smoking, wearing a seatbelt, driving responsibly, and avoiding drugs and alcohol are all ways to control risk.
The Risks You Can Control
Even though lung cancer prevention is not guaranteed, there are ways to keep the risks associated with developing lung cancer to a minimum. Let’s take a look at some environmental factors.
Probably the best lung cancer prevention tip (besides not smoking) is to stay away from sources of passive smoke like burning cigarettes and exhaled smoke. Second-hand smoke in the long-term can do as much damage as first-hand smoke. When you breathe second-hand smoke, those dangerous chemicals still enter your respiratory system, although in weaker levels. If you live with a smoker or you spend a lot of time with one, ask that person to smoke outdoors or somewhere where you won’t have to inhale their smoke.
Try to stay away from the environmental pollutants that can cause lung cancer. These include asbestos, coal, soot, arsenic, nickel, chromium and radon. Use of asbestos has been banned in the United States, however it is still present in buildings and materials that were manufactured before its use was banned and in countries that have not passed such legislation. Anytime there is the possibility that you might come into contact with asbestos or the other pollutants listed above, be sure to wear a mask and take whatever other protective measures you can to limit the amount you inhale.
Moving to the suburbs may not prevent lung cancer, but there is evidence of a correlation between cites with major air pollution problems and increased rates of lung cancer.
Life is full of choices, but when it comes to lung cancer prevention the choices you make could mean the difference between life and death, so choose wisely!
About The Author
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for Life Lung Cancer. To learn more about lung cancer prevention, visit http://www.lifelungcancer.com/lungcancerprevention/ and to learn more about lung cancer symptoms, visit http://www.lifelungcancer.com/lungcancersymptoms/.
Did you realize that approximately 10% of lung cancer patients have never in their lives smoked cigarettes? When asked about lung cancer prevention, most people will tell you that the easiest way to prevent lung cancer is to never take up the dangerous habit of cigarette smoking. And while it’s true that smoking often leads to lung cancer, the fact that 10% of lung cancer patients are not now nor have ever been smokers cannot be easily explained.
Cancer in its simplest definition is the potential end result of a mutation or alteration that occurs within a gene. And sometimes, there is just no way to stop (or prevent) a gene from changing, nor is there a way to control the genes you inherit. When one gene in particular, the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, undergoes a mutation, the mutation is such that it basically gives the green light for cancerous cells to grow and also to divide. Such a situation is totally unavoidable.
Unfortunately, taking lung cancer prevention steps won’t eliminate your chance of developing today’s number one cause of death. That’s not to say that it’s okay to continue certain risky behaviors. You should take whatever steps you can to control the risks in your life. Not smoking, wearing a seatbelt, driving responsibly, and avoiding drugs and alcohol are all ways to control risk.
The Risks You Can Control
Even though lung cancer prevention is not guaranteed, there are ways to keep the risks associated with developing lung cancer to a minimum. Let’s take a look at some environmental factors.
Probably the best lung cancer prevention tip (besides not smoking) is to stay away from sources of passive smoke like burning cigarettes and exhaled smoke. Second-hand smoke in the long-term can do as much damage as first-hand smoke. When you breathe second-hand smoke, those dangerous chemicals still enter your respiratory system, although in weaker levels. If you live with a smoker or you spend a lot of time with one, ask that person to smoke outdoors or somewhere where you won’t have to inhale their smoke.
Try to stay away from the environmental pollutants that can cause lung cancer. These include asbestos, coal, soot, arsenic, nickel, chromium and radon. Use of asbestos has been banned in the United States, however it is still present in buildings and materials that were manufactured before its use was banned and in countries that have not passed such legislation. Anytime there is the possibility that you might come into contact with asbestos or the other pollutants listed above, be sure to wear a mask and take whatever other protective measures you can to limit the amount you inhale.
Moving to the suburbs may not prevent lung cancer, but there is evidence of a correlation between cites with major air pollution problems and increased rates of lung cancer.
Life is full of choices, but when it comes to lung cancer prevention the choices you make could mean the difference between life and death, so choose wisely!
About The Author
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for Life Lung Cancer. To learn more about lung cancer prevention, visit http://www.lifelungcancer.com/lungcancerprevention/ and to learn more about lung cancer symptoms, visit http://www.lifelungcancer.com/lungcancersymptoms/.
Steps To Preventing Lung Cancer by: Gray Rollins
Lung Cancer Prevention
Did you realize that approximately 10% of lung cancer patients have never in their lives smoked cigarettes? When asked about lung cancer prevention, most people will tell you that the easiest way to prevent lung cancer is to never take up the dangerous habit of cigarette smoking. And while it’s true that smoking often leads to lung cancer, the fact that 10% of lung cancer patients are not now nor have ever been smokers cannot be easily explained.
Cancer in its simplest definition is the potential end result of a mutation or alteration that occurs within a gene. And sometimes, there is just no way to stop (or prevent) a gene from changing, nor is there a way to control the genes you inherit. When one gene in particular, the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, undergoes a mutation, the mutation is such that it basically gives the green light for cancerous cells to grow and also to divide. Such a situation is totally unavoidable.
Unfortunately, taking lung cancer prevention steps won’t eliminate your chance of developing today’s number one cause of death. That’s not to say that it’s okay to continue certain risky behaviors. You should take whatever steps you can to control the risks in your life. Not smoking, wearing a seatbelt, driving responsibly, and avoiding drugs and alcohol are all ways to control risk.
The Risks You Can Control
Even though lung cancer prevention is not guaranteed, there are ways to keep the risks associated with developing lung cancer to a minimum. Let’s take a look at some environmental factors.
Probably the best lung cancer prevention tip (besides not smoking) is to stay away from sources of passive smoke like burning cigarettes and exhaled smoke. Second-hand smoke in the long-term can do as much damage as first-hand smoke. When you breathe second-hand smoke, those dangerous chemicals still enter your respiratory system, although in weaker levels. If you live with a smoker or you spend a lot of time with one, ask that person to smoke outdoors or somewhere where you won’t have to inhale their smoke.
Try to stay away from the environmental pollutants that can cause lung cancer. These include asbestos, coal, soot, arsenic, nickel, chromium and radon. Use of asbestos has been banned in the United States, however it is still present in buildings and materials that were manufactured before its use was banned and in countries that have not passed such legislation. Anytime there is the possibility that you might come into contact with asbestos or the other pollutants listed above, be sure to wear a mask and take whatever other protective measures you can to limit the amount you inhale.
Moving to the suburbs may not prevent lung cancer, but there is evidence of a correlation between cites with major air pollution problems and increased rates of lung cancer.
Life is full of choices, but when it comes to lung cancer prevention the choices you make could mean the difference between life and death, so choose wisely!
About The Author
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for Life Lung Cancer. To learn more about lung cancer prevention, visit http://www.lifelungcancer.com/lungcancerprevention/ and to learn more about lung cancer symptoms, visit http://www.lifelungcancer.com/lungcancersymptoms/.
Did you realize that approximately 10% of lung cancer patients have never in their lives smoked cigarettes? When asked about lung cancer prevention, most people will tell you that the easiest way to prevent lung cancer is to never take up the dangerous habit of cigarette smoking. And while it’s true that smoking often leads to lung cancer, the fact that 10% of lung cancer patients are not now nor have ever been smokers cannot be easily explained.
Cancer in its simplest definition is the potential end result of a mutation or alteration that occurs within a gene. And sometimes, there is just no way to stop (or prevent) a gene from changing, nor is there a way to control the genes you inherit. When one gene in particular, the epidermal growth factor receptor gene, undergoes a mutation, the mutation is such that it basically gives the green light for cancerous cells to grow and also to divide. Such a situation is totally unavoidable.
Unfortunately, taking lung cancer prevention steps won’t eliminate your chance of developing today’s number one cause of death. That’s not to say that it’s okay to continue certain risky behaviors. You should take whatever steps you can to control the risks in your life. Not smoking, wearing a seatbelt, driving responsibly, and avoiding drugs and alcohol are all ways to control risk.
The Risks You Can Control
Even though lung cancer prevention is not guaranteed, there are ways to keep the risks associated with developing lung cancer to a minimum. Let’s take a look at some environmental factors.
Probably the best lung cancer prevention tip (besides not smoking) is to stay away from sources of passive smoke like burning cigarettes and exhaled smoke. Second-hand smoke in the long-term can do as much damage as first-hand smoke. When you breathe second-hand smoke, those dangerous chemicals still enter your respiratory system, although in weaker levels. If you live with a smoker or you spend a lot of time with one, ask that person to smoke outdoors or somewhere where you won’t have to inhale their smoke.
Try to stay away from the environmental pollutants that can cause lung cancer. These include asbestos, coal, soot, arsenic, nickel, chromium and radon. Use of asbestos has been banned in the United States, however it is still present in buildings and materials that were manufactured before its use was banned and in countries that have not passed such legislation. Anytime there is the possibility that you might come into contact with asbestos or the other pollutants listed above, be sure to wear a mask and take whatever other protective measures you can to limit the amount you inhale.
Moving to the suburbs may not prevent lung cancer, but there is evidence of a correlation between cites with major air pollution problems and increased rates of lung cancer.
Life is full of choices, but when it comes to lung cancer prevention the choices you make could mean the difference between life and death, so choose wisely!
About The Author
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for Life Lung Cancer. To learn more about lung cancer prevention, visit http://www.lifelungcancer.com/lungcancerprevention/ and to learn more about lung cancer symptoms, visit http://www.lifelungcancer.com/lungcancersymptoms/.
A Detailed Guide To Making A Homemade Diet Pill by: Mike West
Most people don’t take the time to research what ingredients they are putting in their bodies by taking a diet pill. My advice to anyone considering a diet pill is to “READ THE LABEL!!!” Time and time again, I hear from clients who have had adverse effects because of an allergy or sensitivity to the ingredients in the diet supplement. Lucky for you, I do read the labels and I have been researching the ingredients in diet pills for years.
The purpose of this article is simple- It’s a guide that will help you make your own diet pill. I would like to say, however, that as with anything that you put in your body, precautions should be taken. Please consult with you doctor before taking any medication, vitamin, or supplement. This article should not be taken as medical advice and does not, in any way, substitute for the opinion of a medical profession including your doctor.
When you take a very close look at the ingredients in most diet pills you will see that the individual ingredients are very common vitamin supplements. Diet pills costing $50 or more a bottle can be made at home for a fraction of the price.
Let’s get down to business and discuss what these ingredients are because they are exactly what you will need to begin making your own diet pill. Let’s take, for example the very popular, Leptoprin, often sold online for over $150.00 per bottle.
Here is a list of ingredients as printed on a bottle of Leptoprin:
Calcium – Makes weight loss more efficient by breaking down fat in cells.
Vitamin B6 – Helps maintain blood sugar.
Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) – Prolongs thermogenic (fat burning) effects and increases metabolism.
Caffeine – Increases thermogenesis and triggers adrenaline flow.
Green Tea – Increases fat oxidation and raises metabolism.
L-Tyrosine – Raises the metabolic rate.
Kelp – Metabolizes excess fat.
Ephedrine – A Stimulant and Appetite Suppressant.
Cayenne – Contains ‘capsaicin’ which is considered a thermogenic substance.
THAT’S IT! Here’s the actual Label (http://www.diet-pill-review.com/leptoprin-label.pdf) if you don’t believe me.
Now you’re saying, wait, “I’ve seen most of those ingredients at the vitamin / grocery store. You’re right; you can get these ingredients in just about any pharmacy or vitamin store.
I should make it clear that I am not advising you to go out and buy all of these ingredients, nor am I telling you to take these pills all together. I’m suggesting that with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and vitamins as a supplement it is possible to lose weight without spending unnecessary money on diet pills (http://www.diet-pill-review.com/leptoprin-label.pdf).
About The Author
Mike West is a studying dietician and fitness professional. For more information, contact Diet Pills Reviews (http://www.diet-pill-review.com/)
The purpose of this article is simple- It’s a guide that will help you make your own diet pill. I would like to say, however, that as with anything that you put in your body, precautions should be taken. Please consult with you doctor before taking any medication, vitamin, or supplement. This article should not be taken as medical advice and does not, in any way, substitute for the opinion of a medical profession including your doctor.
When you take a very close look at the ingredients in most diet pills you will see that the individual ingredients are very common vitamin supplements. Diet pills costing $50 or more a bottle can be made at home for a fraction of the price.
Let’s get down to business and discuss what these ingredients are because they are exactly what you will need to begin making your own diet pill. Let’s take, for example the very popular, Leptoprin, often sold online for over $150.00 per bottle.
Here is a list of ingredients as printed on a bottle of Leptoprin:
Calcium – Makes weight loss more efficient by breaking down fat in cells.
Vitamin B6 – Helps maintain blood sugar.
Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) – Prolongs thermogenic (fat burning) effects and increases metabolism.
Caffeine – Increases thermogenesis and triggers adrenaline flow.
Green Tea – Increases fat oxidation and raises metabolism.
L-Tyrosine – Raises the metabolic rate.
Kelp – Metabolizes excess fat.
Ephedrine – A Stimulant and Appetite Suppressant.
Cayenne – Contains ‘capsaicin’ which is considered a thermogenic substance.
THAT’S IT! Here’s the actual Label (http://www.diet-pill-review.com/leptoprin-label.pdf) if you don’t believe me.
Now you’re saying, wait, “I’ve seen most of those ingredients at the vitamin / grocery store. You’re right; you can get these ingredients in just about any pharmacy or vitamin store.
I should make it clear that I am not advising you to go out and buy all of these ingredients, nor am I telling you to take these pills all together. I’m suggesting that with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and vitamins as a supplement it is possible to lose weight without spending unnecessary money on diet pills (http://www.diet-pill-review.com/leptoprin-label.pdf).
About The Author
Mike West is a studying dietician and fitness professional. For more information, contact Diet Pills Reviews (http://www.diet-pill-review.com/)
Your Cancer Resource by: Morgan Hamilton
It seems the news has become virtually unwatchable and the print media, too painful to read. With death, sickness and disease plastered across most nightly news programs, it may be unavoidable. One of the worst of the worst is a horrible disease that we call cancer. Our collective knowledge of this disease is scarce to say the least. This is why it's important to acquire cancer facts from a reliable cancer resource. In the best resource you have right now is at your fingertips, your computer.
Have you ever has it that need for a solid and cancer resource? There is a plethora of valuable information that is available to us. The most important resource is also the most convenient as a cancer resource. I'm talking about the Internet. Cancer is so prevalent that I believe we should all take the time to learn a little, and by doing so we may educate ourselves and how to avoid getting cancer.
Are you aware that cancer is a genetic condition in many cases? It's true; while most individuals people don't realize this, they nevertheless are susceptible to cancer like the rest of us. But just because there are cancer genes with MS doesn't mean we have to succumb to them. To start, our diets play a big role in our health.
That's why it is so important that we take care of ourselves by heating right and exercising. When you subject yourself to poor eating habits and gaining extra pounds, you in turn better your chances of acquiring some kind of illness. We must play an active role in protecting our bodies from those agents that may do us harm.
Are you watching your diet? You can certainly turn to a credible cancer resource such as the Internet to learn more about eating right and avoiding processed foods. And of course it goes without saying that cancer can be avoided in many cases by simply not smoking. By now, virtually all of us should know and understand the negative effects of smoking and what it does to our lungs. Although I personally know someone that smokes who was in denial of this fact. If you are a heavy smoker, then you may want to get online and browse a few websites that deal with lung cancer.
In this day and age it's definitely not difficult to find a cancer resource. We would all be well served to become better educated in this area. There are numerous types of cancer that can affect different areas of the body. It may very well be impossible to completely prevent cancer, but at the same time there are plenty of things that we can do to protect ourselves from contracting it to begin with. Having a quality cancer resource at your disposal is an excellent first step in battling this hideous disease.
About The Author
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning men's health. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.themenshealthjournal.com/mens-health/mens-health/your-cancer-resource.html
Have you ever has it that need for a solid and cancer resource? There is a plethora of valuable information that is available to us. The most important resource is also the most convenient as a cancer resource. I'm talking about the Internet. Cancer is so prevalent that I believe we should all take the time to learn a little, and by doing so we may educate ourselves and how to avoid getting cancer.
Are you aware that cancer is a genetic condition in many cases? It's true; while most individuals people don't realize this, they nevertheless are susceptible to cancer like the rest of us. But just because there are cancer genes with MS doesn't mean we have to succumb to them. To start, our diets play a big role in our health.
That's why it is so important that we take care of ourselves by heating right and exercising. When you subject yourself to poor eating habits and gaining extra pounds, you in turn better your chances of acquiring some kind of illness. We must play an active role in protecting our bodies from those agents that may do us harm.
Are you watching your diet? You can certainly turn to a credible cancer resource such as the Internet to learn more about eating right and avoiding processed foods. And of course it goes without saying that cancer can be avoided in many cases by simply not smoking. By now, virtually all of us should know and understand the negative effects of smoking and what it does to our lungs. Although I personally know someone that smokes who was in denial of this fact. If you are a heavy smoker, then you may want to get online and browse a few websites that deal with lung cancer.
In this day and age it's definitely not difficult to find a cancer resource. We would all be well served to become better educated in this area. There are numerous types of cancer that can affect different areas of the body. It may very well be impossible to completely prevent cancer, but at the same time there are plenty of things that we can do to protect ourselves from contracting it to begin with. Having a quality cancer resource at your disposal is an excellent first step in battling this hideous disease.
About The Author
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning men's health. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting http://www.themenshealthjournal.com/mens-health/mens-health/your-cancer-resource.html
Smoking and Drinking are Sources of Male Sexual Health Disruptions by: Marc Deschamps
Studies published by the medical and health community are unanimous. As much as forty percent of men in North America experience some form of sexual health dysfunction. Because many men refuse to face the truth, several experts believe the true figure to be much higher.
Health diseases, such as cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes, are common causes for erectile dysfunctions. However, lifestyle choices like drinking and smoking are also a major factor causing sexual health disruptions and are often overlooked. In reality, drinking and smoking have a negative effect on the normal flow of blood and directly interfere with male sexual performance.
Various studies have established a direct correlation between a quality sex life and a healthy blood flow. While diet, exercise and appropriate supplements effectively promote the sexual performance of men by maintaining and enhancing their level of libido, sperm production and motility and sexual activity, they do not guarantee positive results for people who smoke and drink large quantities of on a daily basis. Not to mention men that consume drugs such as cocaine, heroine and ecstasy which interfere even more with their blood flow or their stamina.
A recent study conducted by the Section of Endocrinology of the Lahey Hitchcock Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, revealed that smoking causes an important reduction in the number of spontaneous erections occuring during sleep. These erections are one of the most significant indication of a quality blood flow and good sexual health. A drop in the frequency or intensity of erections indicate a risk that some form of erectile dysfunction may develop in the short run. The study has also shown that refraining from smoking for as little as 24 hours brought about a dramatic increase in the quality of spontaneous erections. Needless to say, smoking also has several other "side effects" such as high blood pressure and lung cancer.
Another study conducted by the Department of Psychiatry from the University Medical School of Lubeck, Germany, concluded that heavy drinkers suffer more often from erectile dysfunction than those having an occasional drink. Alcohol tends to induce a pleasant state of relaxation and is generally thought to have a positive effect on the libido. Nothing is further from the truth. It is a suppressant and has a major negative impact on the libido. It also reduces the ability for men to achieve and maintain a quality erection.
The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, which is managed and operated by the University of California, has conducted its own study regarding the effects of smoking among teenagers. Their findings were frightening. They revealed that smoking has a disastrous impact on the quality of semen and that teenagers who are heavy smokers are jeopardizing their chances to have children and also increasing the risk of having children who suffer from various genetic problems due to the damaged DNA received from the father or mother.
Let's cite one last study, conducted by The University of Berne, Switzerland. The results of their own research unveiled facts backing the findings of the University of California. Statistical analysis conducted in Switzerland demonstrated significantly lower semen quality in smokers compared with non-smokers. Sperm concentration was also strongly affected.
Men are free to make their own decisions. Freedom of choice is an important principle that comes with consequences. Not even the energy of youth can offset the toll that smoking and drinking are bound to take on male sexual health. There are some things that should be sacrificed for the sake of a healthy and satisfying sex life. Let me ask you this delicate question : Should drinking and smoking be one of those?
Copyright 2006 Marc Deschamps
About The Author
Health diseases, such as cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes, are common causes for erectile dysfunctions. However, lifestyle choices like drinking and smoking are also a major factor causing sexual health disruptions and are often overlooked. In reality, drinking and smoking have a negative effect on the normal flow of blood and directly interfere with male sexual performance.
Various studies have established a direct correlation between a quality sex life and a healthy blood flow. While diet, exercise and appropriate supplements effectively promote the sexual performance of men by maintaining and enhancing their level of libido, sperm production and motility and sexual activity, they do not guarantee positive results for people who smoke and drink large quantities of on a daily basis. Not to mention men that consume drugs such as cocaine, heroine and ecstasy which interfere even more with their blood flow or their stamina.
A recent study conducted by the Section of Endocrinology of the Lahey Hitchcock Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts, revealed that smoking causes an important reduction in the number of spontaneous erections occuring during sleep. These erections are one of the most significant indication of a quality blood flow and good sexual health. A drop in the frequency or intensity of erections indicate a risk that some form of erectile dysfunction may develop in the short run. The study has also shown that refraining from smoking for as little as 24 hours brought about a dramatic increase in the quality of spontaneous erections. Needless to say, smoking also has several other "side effects" such as high blood pressure and lung cancer.
Another study conducted by the Department of Psychiatry from the University Medical School of Lubeck, Germany, concluded that heavy drinkers suffer more often from erectile dysfunction than those having an occasional drink. Alcohol tends to induce a pleasant state of relaxation and is generally thought to have a positive effect on the libido. Nothing is further from the truth. It is a suppressant and has a major negative impact on the libido. It also reduces the ability for men to achieve and maintain a quality erection.
The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, which is managed and operated by the University of California, has conducted its own study regarding the effects of smoking among teenagers. Their findings were frightening. They revealed that smoking has a disastrous impact on the quality of semen and that teenagers who are heavy smokers are jeopardizing their chances to have children and also increasing the risk of having children who suffer from various genetic problems due to the damaged DNA received from the father or mother.
Let's cite one last study, conducted by The University of Berne, Switzerland. The results of their own research unveiled facts backing the findings of the University of California. Statistical analysis conducted in Switzerland demonstrated significantly lower semen quality in smokers compared with non-smokers. Sperm concentration was also strongly affected.
Men are free to make their own decisions. Freedom of choice is an important principle that comes with consequences. Not even the energy of youth can offset the toll that smoking and drinking are bound to take on male sexual health. There are some things that should be sacrificed for the sake of a healthy and satisfying sex life. Let me ask you this delicate question : Should drinking and smoking be one of those?
Copyright 2006 Marc Deschamps
About The Author
Marc Deschamps is the editor of For-Men-Only-Magazine.com, a free online publication dedicated to the sexual health of the modern man. For more articles on male sexual health, visit http://www.for-men-only-magazine.com
