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Study Solves Testosterone’s Paradoxical Effects in Prostate Cancer

The AHA! Team — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 08:33:27 +0000

Duke Health – A treatment paradox has recently come to light in prostate cancer: Blocking testosterone production halts tumor growth in early disease, while elevating the hormone can delay disease progression in patients whose disease has advanced. The inability to understand how different levels of the same hormone can drive different effects in prostate tumors has been an impediment to the development of new therapeutics that exploit this biology. Now, a Duke Cancer Institute-led study, performed in the laboratory of Donald McDonnell, Ph.D. and appearing this week in Nature Communications, provides the needed answers to this puzzle. The researchers found that prostate cancer cells are hardwired with a system that allows them to proliferate when the levels of testosterone are very low. But when hormone levels are elevated to resemble those present in the normal prostate, the cancer cells differentiate. “For decades, the goal of endocrine therapy in prostate cancer has been to achieve absolute inhibition of androgen receptor function, the protein that senses testosterone levels,” said lead investigator Rachid Safi, Ph.D., research assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, at Duke University School of Medicine. “It’s been a highly effective strategy, leading to substantial improvements in overall survival,” he said. “Unfortunately, most patients with advanced, metastatic disease who are treated with drugs to inhibit androgen signaling will progress to an aggressive form of the disease for which there are limited therapeutic options.” Using a combination of genetic, biochemical, and chemical approaches, the research team defined the mechanisms that enable prostate cancer cells to recognize and respond differently to varying levels of testosterone, the most common androgenic hormone. It turned out to be rather simple. When androgen levels are low, the androgen receptor is encouraged to “go solo” in the cell. In doing so, it activates the pathways that cause cancer cells to grow and spread. However, as androgens rise, the androgen receptors are forced to “hang out as a couple,” creating a form of the receptor that halts tumor growth. “Nature has designed a system where low doses of hormones stimulate cancer cell proliferation and high doses cause differentiation and suppress growth, enabling the same hormone to perform diverse functions,” McDonnell said. In recent years, clinicians have begun treating patients with late-stage, therapy resistant prostate cancers using a monthly, high-dose injection of testosterone in a technique called bi-polar androgen therapy, or BAT. The inability to understand how this intervention works has hindered its widespread adoption as a mainstream therapeutic approach for prostate cancer patients. “Our study describes how BAT and like approaches work and could help physicians select patients who are most likely to respond to this intervention,” McDonnell said. “We have already developed new drugs that exploit this new mechanism and are bringing these to the clinic for evaluation as prostate cancer therapeutics.” In addition to McDonnell and Safi, study authors include Suzanne E. Wardell, Paige Watkinson, Xiaodi Qin, Marissa Lee, Sunghee Park, Taylor Krebs, Emma L. Dolan, Adam Blattler, Toshiya Tsuji, Surendra Nayak, Marwa Khater, Celia Fontanillo, Madeline A. Newlin, Megan L. Kirkland, Yingtian Xie, Henry Long, Emma Fink, Sean W. Fanning, Scott Runyon, Myles Brown, Shuichan Xu, Kouros Owzar, and John D. Norris. The study received funding support from the National Cancer Institute (R01-CA271168, P30CA014236) and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. To read the original article click here.

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Support Men’s Health With Testosterone Zone

AHA Publisher — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 07:00:49 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Did you know that serum testosterone levels decline approximately 1-1.6% annually after the age of 30 in men (1, 2)? Did you also know that declining testosterone may affect heart health, brain health, and blood sugars? While some men experience no negative symptoms and are able to maintain healthy levels overall, others deal with many symptoms in mood, sex drive, energy, and more. Alarmingly, the symptoms can go beyond how a men feels. Declining testosterone levels can be a real health concern. Father’s Day is a wonderful time to put the spotlight on the health of the men in our lives. Let’s learn more about declining testosterone and how we can better support mens’ health. Why Men Experience Declining Testosterone First of all, a decline of testosterone is completely natural as a man ages. As stated above, the typical decline is 1-1.6% every year after age 30. In fact, by age 60, most men experience testosterone levels low enough to be diagnosed as hypogonadism in a younger man (3). But there’s something else going on in modern times. Levels of physical work, time outside, diets, medications, and lifestyles have changed significantly over the last 3-4 generations. Factors that may negatively affect male hormones include: Use of certain medications Injury to or infection in the testes Chronic health issues, including abnormal blood sugars, weight gain, autoimmune conditions, and kidney and liver malfunction Disorders that affect the hormones, such as pituitary tumors or high prolactin levels Increased obesity (6) Indoor, sedentary lifestyles Lack of physical activity Environmental pollutants including pesticides Chemical exposure including BPA’s, chemicals in coolants, and antibacterial agents that mimic estrogens (7)Genetic predisposition Advanced age – as life expectancy, increases, testosterone is lower with each year Many of these modern-day issues may partially explain the decline in hormone levels in many men. In fact, the current rate of diagnosable hormone concerns in 45-year-old males is about 40% and climbing. The rate of declining testosterone levels has increased by 170% since 2012 in men over 60 years, and the issue of generational testosterone issues is being seen across the world in the United States, the Netherlands, and Australia, among other locations worldwide (4, 5, 6). Signs of Declining Testosterone There are many symptoms of declining testosterone, but they are often difficult to distinguish since many of them are similar and associated with normal aging. Signs that testosterone is declining include (7): Mood changes and decreased libido Diminished erectile quality, particularly at night Reduced cognitive function Decreased muscle strength Decreased body hair and skin changes Fatigue Decreased bone mass and bone mineral density An increase in abdominal fat mass Declining testosterone can also a health concern. It is associated with higher mortality and chronic conditions such as depressed moods, heart issues, metabolism problems, high blood sugars, and more. Unfortunately, treating conditions with medication, and even the diseases themselves, can also cause low testosterone…a vicious cycle (8). Importance of Testosterone Testosterone is very important in both men and women. It’s the primary male sex hormone, and it is produced by the testicles in men. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland control its production, including how much and when. Testosterone is responsible for male sexual characteristic development. Moreover, testosterone levels have a direct affect on a man’s sex drive, fat distribution, bone mass, muscle size, strength, sperm count and development of mature sperm, and red blood cell production. Women also produce testosterone, but in smaller amounts than men. In females, testosterone also contributes to sex drive, bone density, and muscle strength, and having too little or too much can be an issue (9). Testosterone is a vital component of whole body health and well-being. Declining Testosterone, Heart Health, and Brain Health Beyond the function mentioned above, declining levels of testosterone can also affect heart health, blood sugars, and brain health (10). Here’s how: Cardiovascular Health: In men, declining testosterone may increase men’s risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD), metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Men with lower levels and existing heart health issues experience poorer prognosis and increased mortality. In fact, studies have reported a reduced heart health risk when testosterone levels are higher (11). Blood Sugar Health: Interestingly, levels of both total and free testosterone are significantly lower in men with altered blood sugars (12). In fact, many studies (animal, epidemiological, and human trials) have found a strong association between declining testosterone and signs of unhealthy blood sugars (13). Testosterone levels in men seem to affect glucose in the blood and unhealthy body weight. Brain Function: Many animal and cellular models have demonstrated a variety of neuroprotective effects of testosterone. These neuroprotective effects include healthy cognitive performance and synaptic plasticity (14), improved synapse density (15), healthy cerebral blood flow and glucose metabolism in specific brain regions (16), and more (17). Inversely, in both rodents and humans, testosterone depletion may reduce cognitive performance while improvements have been seen with treatment (18). Testosterone Levels play a huge role in mens’ health! All-Natural Supplement for Declining Testosterone: Testosterone Zone Thankfully, there is a Keto Zone® formulation that support mens’ health and testosterone levels: Keto Zone® Testosterone Zone. Testosterone Zone’s primary active ingredient is Testofen. It is a potent aid for men’s health. Testofen is a specialized fenugreek seed extract. It has been found to support men’s health, encourage healthy testosterone levels when testosterone is low, and even promote health and sexual function in healthy aging males. In fact, in one landmark study, researchers found Testofen safe and effective in reducing low testosterone symptoms and supporting testosterone levels (19). Other studies also support Testofen’s efficacy (20). Keto Zone® Testosterone Zone Is All-Natural and Specially Formulated for Men’s Health Just as Keto Zone® Hormone Zone supports women’s hormones for balanced levels, Testosterone Zone is mens’ answer for healthy testosterone levels – support mens’ health this Father’s Day! Dr. Colbert’s Keto Zone® Testosterone Zone is formulated with all-natural, potent ingredients in addition to Testofen. Together, they support men’s overall health and hormone levels. Bottom Line Let’s put a spotlight on the men in our life and support their health this Father’s Day. Declining testosterone can be a real issue for many men. It affects many health aspects from mood to sex drive to heart and brain health. Thankfully, Dr. Colbert has a new answer with Keto Zone® Testosterone Zone. It’s safe, effective, and an all-natural formulation designed to support men’s health and testosterone balance. To read the original article click here.

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Father’s Day Special: Testosterone Help for Dad’s Health

AHA Publisher — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 07:00:17 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – It’s been said that hormones are at the center of health. For men, testosterone is a key health component and their entire life is affected when testosterone is low. In fact, a dad’s health is strongly linked to testosterone throughout his lifetime. As with other hormones, the endocrine system uses testosterone as a chemical messenger to communicate with the body. These hormones control and coordinate the body’s internal metabolism, energy level, reproduction, growth and development, and its response to injury, stress, and environmental factors. It’s easy to see how they can drastically affect the body’s well-being when out of balance. This Father’s Day, let’s put dad’s health and wellbeing in the spotlight. It starts with testosterone. When testosterone is low a man’s entire health and lifestyle can feel “off”. How can you help the men you love? Knowledge is power. Here’s what testosterone is, signs when testosterone is low, why modern life is detrimental to testosterone, and tips to keep it firing! Testosterone Is the Primary Male Sex Hormone and Paramount to Dad’s Health Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, and it is produced by the testicles. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland control its production, including how much and when. Testosterone is responsible for male sexual characteristic development. Women also produce testosterone, but in smaller amounts than men. In females, testosterone also contributes to sex drive, bone density, and muscle strength, and having too low of levels can be an issue. But in women, excessive levels are monitored. Excesses can cause women to experience male pattern baldness and infertility (1). For a dad’s health, testosterone is believed to regulate and balance many functions including: Sex drive Fat distribution, bone mass, muscle size, and strength Sperm count and development of mature sperm Red blood cell production It is a vital component of men’s health, and there are many concerns when testosterone is low. Signs Testosterone Is Low As a man ages, he may experience diminishing testosterone. There are many symptoms, but it can be difficult to diagnose as some of them are similar and associated with normal aging. Signs that testosterone is low include (2): Mood changes and decreased libido Diminished erectile quality, particularly at night Reduced cognitive function Decreased muscle strength Decreased body hair and skin changes Fatigue Decreased bone mass and bone mineral density An increase in abdominal fat mass Low testosterone is also a health concern. It is associated with higher mortality and chronic conditions such as depressed moods, heart issues, metabolism problems, high blood sugars, and more. Unfortunately, treating conditions with medication, and even the diseases themselves, can also cause low testosterone…a vicious cycle (3). Reasons Testosterone Is Low in Many Males First of all, testosterone naturally declines by about 1.6% every year as males age, typically after age 40 (4). By age 60, most men experience testosterone levels low enough to be diagnosed as hypogonadism in a younger man. Second, there are a myriad of reasons testosterone is low in men, from injury to sickness to advanced age to modern day lifestyle. They include: Use of certain medications Injury to or infection in the testes Chronic health issues, including abnormal blood sugars, weight gain, autoimmune conditions, and kidney and liver malfunction Disorders that affect the hormones, such as pituitary tumors or high prolactin levels Genetic predisposition Advanced age – as life expectancy, increases, testosterone is lower with each year Lastly, many aspects of modern life seem to be causing a more rapid decline in males now than in former generations. In fact, the current rate of hypogonadism in 45-year-old males is about 40% and climbing. What’s more, the diagnosis of low testosterone has increased by 170% since 2012 in men over 60 years, and the issue of generational low testosterone is being seen across the world in the United States, the Netherlands, and Australia, among other locations worldwide (6, 7). Modern-day testosterone diminishers include obesity (8), chronic medication use, sedentary lifestyles, environmental pollutants including pesticides, chemical exposure including BPA’s, chemicals in coolants, and antibacterial agents that mimic estrogens (9), and more. Father’s Day Solution: Introducing Testofen and Testosterone Zone for Dad’s Health Thankfully, there is a new Keto Zone formulation to support dad’s health and testosterone levels. This new supplement is called Testosterone Zone. Testosterone Zone’s primary active ingredient is Testofen. It is a potent aid for men’s health. Testofen is a specialized fenugreek seed extract. It has been found to support men’s health, improve testosterone levels when testosterone is low, and even promote health and sexual function in healthy aging males. In fact, in one landmark study, researchers gave 120 healthy men aged between 43-70 years an active treatment of Testofen or placebo for 12 weeks. The results? The men who received Testofen reported fewer androgen deficiency symptoms. They also experienced improved sexual function and higher serum testosterone, both total serum and free testosterone. These results continued after the initial experimentation. Testofen was safe and effective in reducing low testosterone symptoms and improving testosterone levels in this study (10). Other studies also support Testofen’s efficacy (11). Keto Zone Testosterone Zone Does More Just as Hormone Zone supports women’s hormones for balanced levels, Testosterone Zone is men’s answer to testosterone imbalance – just in time for Father’s Day! Along with Testofen, Dr. Colbert formulated it specifically with all-natural, potent ingredients that support men’s overall health and testosterone levels. Keto Zone Plus Testosterone For dad’s best health and testosterone levels, a whole-body healthy lifestyle is paramount. In addition to daily Testosterone Zone, getting into the Keto Zone can help dad feel energized, lose weight, and regain vitality. Together, Testosterone Zone and Keto Zone are a surefire combination for dad’s wellness! Bottom Line When testosterone is low, dad’s health suffers. It can be debilitating. And, more and more men are suffering from low testosterone than ever before. Thankfully, Dr. Colbert has a new answer with Keto Zone Testosterone Zone. It’s safe, effective, and an all-natural formulation designed to support men’s health and testosterone balance. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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6 Steps to Balance Hormones Naturally

AHA Publisher — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 07:00:16 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – Hormones — such as estrogen, testosterone, adrenaline and insulin — are extremely important chemical messengers that affect many aspects of your overall health. Conventional treatments for hormonal imbalances typically include synthetic hormone replacement therapies, birth control pills, insulin injections, thyroid medications and more. Unfortunately, for the majority of people suffering from hormonal disorders, relying on these types of synthetic treatments often does three things: It makes people dependent on taking prescription drugs for the rest of their lives in order to keep symptoms under control. It simply masks the patient’s symptoms, but doesn’t solve them, which means that the patient can continue to develop abnormalities in other areas of the body while the disorder progresses. It potentially causes a higher risk for serious side effects, such as stroke, osteoporosis, anxiety, reproductive problems, cancer and more. Is it possible to balance hormones naturally? The good news is: yes, in many cases it is. Below you’ll learn about some root causes of hormonal problems, as well as about treatment options to help you balance your hormones naturally. What Is the Endocrine System? The endocrine system is in charge of coordinating the relationship between different organs and hormones, which are chemicals that are released into your bloodstream from cells within your endocrine glands. Hormones are secreted by various glands and organs, including your thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, ovaries, testicles and pancreas. The entire endocrine system works together to control the level of hormones circulating throughout your body, and if one or more is even slightly imbalanced, it can cause widespread health problems affecting growth, sexual development and function, sleep, metabolism and hunger. Once your hormones are in circulation, they target specific tissues or cells by binding to receptors that are located inside the cell or on its surface. These hormones work as chemical messengers and play a key role in your body’s daily functions. The endocrine system is made up of many glands, including the pituitary gland or “master gland” that’s responsible for sending information from your brain to other glands in your body. The pituitary gland also produces many hormones that travel throughout the body and have different important functions. The pituitary gland is made up of two different tissue types: the anterior pituitary that synthesizes and releases classic hormones, and the posterior pituitary gland that secretes neurohormones that are made in the hypothalamus. Two hormones that are secreted by the anterior pituitary gland are growth hormone, which is responsible for your proper growth and development, and prolactin, which is the hormone that stimulates milk production after childbirth. Tropic hormones are also produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, which is an endocrine gland, and they also target other endocrine glands. These hormones include: thyroid-stimulating hormone (also called thyrotropin) follicle-stimulating hormone luteinizing hormone adrenocorticotropic hormone The posterior pituitary gland doesn’t produce hormones on its own, but stores and secretes two hormones made in the hypothalamic region, vasopressin and oxytocin, and then releases them into the bloodstream. Other important glands of the endocrine system include the pineal gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, thymus gland and adrenal glands. There are two major groups of hormones that circulate the human body — those that derive from amino acids (protein hormones, peptides and amines) and those that derive from lipids (steroids). Here’s a quick breakdown of these hormone subgroups: Amine hormones: Hormones that are synthesized from the amino acids tryptophan (such as melatonin) and tyrosine (such as thyroid hormones and dopamine). Peptide hormones: Hormones that consist of short chain amino acids and include antidiuretic hormone (called vasopressin) and oxytocin. Protein hormones: Hormones that consist of longer polypeptides and include growth hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. Steroid hormones: Hormones that are derived from cholesterol and include testosterone, estrogens and cortisol. When these hormones send messages, they are received by hormone receptors that process the message and signal specific event or cellular mechanisms that initiate the target cell’s response. Signs and Symptoms Before we talk about how to balance hormones naturally, it helps to know which signs and symptoms of hormone imbalances to look out for. These include: Infertility and irregular periods Weight gain or weight loss (that’s unexplained and not due to intentional changes in your diet) Depression and anxiety Fatigue Insomnia Low libido Changes in appetite Digestive issues Hair loss and hair thinning Symptoms of hormonal imbalances can range dramatically depending on what type of disorder or illness they are caused by. For example, high estrogen can contribute to problems that include endometriosis and reproductive issues, while symptoms of diabetes often include weight gain, changes in appetite, nerve damage and problems with eyesight. Some specific problems associated with some of the most common hormonal imbalances include: Estrogen dominance: changes in sleep patterns, changes in weight and appetite, higher perceived stress, slowed metabolism Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): infertility, weight gain, higher risk for diabetes, acne, abnormal hair growth Low estrogen: low sex drive, reproductive problems, menstrual irregularity, changes in mood Hypothyroidism: slowed metabolism, weight gain, fatigue, anxiety, irritability, digestive issues, irregular periods Low testosterone: erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, weight gain, fatigue, mood-related problems Hyperthyroidism & Grave’s disease: anxiety, thinning hair, weight loss, IBS, trouble sleeping, irregular heartbeats Diabetes: weight gain, nerve damage (neuropathy), higher risk for vision loss, fatigue, trouble breathing, dry mouth, skin problems Adrenal fatigue: fatigue, muscle aches and pains, anxiety and depression, trouble sleeping, brain fog, reproductive problems Risk Factors and Causes Hormonal imbalances are multi-factorial disorders, meaning they are caused by a combination of factors — such as your diet, medical history, genetics, stress levels and exposure to toxins from your environment. Some of the major contributors to hormonal imbalances include: Food allergies and gut issues: An expanding field of new research shows that your gut health plays a significant role in hormone regulation. If you have leaky gut syndrome or a lack of beneficial probiotic bacteria lining your intestinal wall, you’re more susceptible to hormonal problems, including diabetes and obesity. That’s because inflammation usually stems from your gut and then impacts nearly every aspect of your health. Being overweight or obese High levels of inflammation caused by a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle Genetic susceptibility Toxicity (which is related to exposure to chemicals like pesticides, or viruses, cigarettes, excessive alcohol and some medications) High amounts of stress, and a lack of enough sleep and rest Adrenal dysfunction is the largest cause of the hormonal imbalance with the sex hormones — especially because of something called the “cortisol steal.” This occurs when cholesterol, which usually helps to make the sex hormones, combines with too much stress and the enzyme 17/20 lyase blocks the conversion; the production of cortisol ensues. Cortisol then causes the imbalance of progesterone, estrogen and testosterone, which then decreases the sex drive. How to Balance Hormones Naturally 1. Swap Carbs for Healthy Fats Foods that balance hormones include a variety of fat-containing foods that provide short, medium and long-chain fatty acids. Your body needs various types of fats to create hormones, including saturated fat and cholesterol. Not only are these essential fats fundamental building blocks for hormone production, but they keep inflammation levels low, boost your metabolism and promote weight loss. Healthy fats have the opposite effect of refined carbohydrates, which lead to inflammation and can mess with the balance of your hormones. My four favorite sources of anti-inflammatory, healthy fats include: coconut oil, avocados, grass-fed butter and wild-caught salmon. Coconut oil uses are plentiful — for example, coconut oil (or cream/milk) has natural anti-bacterial and fat-burning effects. Avocado benefits include improving heart health, lowering inflammation, controlling your appetite and contributing to your daily intake of fiber and nutrients such as potassium. Salmon nutrition is also impressive: it’s one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to lower inflammation and help with cognitive functions. Omega-3 fatty acids are a large component of brain-cell membranes and are important for cell-to-cell communication in the brain. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids help protect against hippocampal neuronal loss and reduce pro-inflammatory responses. What food causes hormonal imbalance? It’s best to limit or avoid added sugar, processed carbs and refined vegetable/seed oils. Here’s a rule of thumb: Steer clear from oils high in omega-6 fats (safflower oil, sunflower, corn, cottonseed, canola, soybean and peanut), and load up on rich sources of natural omega-3s instead (wild fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts and grass-fed animal products). There is a type of omega-6 fat that you want to get in your diet called GLA. GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) can be taken in supplement form by using evening primrose oil or borage oil, and it’s also found in hemp seeds. Studies show supplementing with GLA can support healthy progesterone levels. 2. Supplement to Fill Nutritional Voids While a healthy diet is key for all aspects of health, it’s sometimes necessary to supplement in order to fill nutritional voids that can be leading to a hormone imbalance. Here are the top supplements to focus on in order to balance hormones: Evening primrose oil: Evening primrose oil contains omega-6 fatty acids, such as LA and GLA, that support overall hormonal function. Supplementing with evening primrose oil can help to relieve premenstrual and PCOS symptoms. It also helps to create a healthy environment for conception. Vitamin D: What is the best vitamins to take for hormonal imbalance? Vitamin D is definitely one of them, since it almost acts like a hormone inside the body and has important implications for keeping inflammation levels low. This is why people who live in dark areas often suffer from seasonal depression and other health problems unless they supplement with vitamin D. Sunshine is really the best way to optimize vitamin D levels because your bare skin actually makes vitamin D on its own when exposed to even small amounts of direct sunlight. Most people should supplement with around 2,000–5,000 IU daily of vitamin D3 if they live in dark areas, during the winter, and on days when they’re not in the sun. Bone broth: Bone broth soothes the digestive system and supplies the body with nutrients that can be easily absorbed. Consuming bone broth or protein powder made from bone broth is especially beneficial to your health because it contains healing compounds like collagen, proline, glycine and glutamine, which have the powder to boost your overall health. Probiotics: Probiotics are healthy bacteria that can actually improve your production and regulation of key hormones like insulin, ghrelin and leptin. They can also aid in repairing your gut lining, which in turn can balance your hormones. When undigested food particles, like gluten for example, leak through your gut into your bloodstream, it causes disease-causing inflammation that impacts the entire body — especially glands like the thyroid that is very susceptible to heightened inflammation. Most people with leaky gut have an a deficiency of probiotics in their guts. To consume more probiotics, you can both add fermented foods to your diet (such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, etc.) and take probiotic capsule supplements. Adaptogen Herbs: Adaptogen herbs are a unique class of healing plants that promote hormone balance and protect the body from a wide variety of diseases, including those caused by excess stress. In addition to boosting immune function and combating stress, research shows that various adapotogens — such as ashwagandha, medicinal mushrooms, rhodiola and holy basil — can: Improve thyroid function Lower cholesterol naturally Reduce anxiety and depression Fight brain cell degeneration Stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels Support adrenal functions Ashwagandha, in particular, can be extremely effective at balancing hormones. It benefits thyroid function because it promotes the scavenging of free radicals that cause cellular damage. Ashwagandha can be used to support a sluggish or overactive thyroid, and it can also help to overcome adrenal fatigue. Your adrenals can become overtaxed when you experience too much emotional, physical or mental stress, leading to the disruption of hormones like adrenaline, cortisol and progesterone. Holy basil, which is also known as tulsi, helps to regulate cortisol levels, thereby working as a natural remedy for anxiety and emotional stress. Studies show that holy basil can also protect your organs and tissuesagainst chemical stress from pollutants and heavy metals,...

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Breakthroughs in Prostate Cancer Treatments

AHA Publisher — Thu, 28 May 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Dr. Liji Thomas, MD viaNews-Medical Net– Prostate cancer is being diagnosed in an increasing number of men, but many of them will be non-aggressive forms that run an indolent course over the man’s lifetime, never requiring treatment at all. On the other hand, the treatment of aggressive prostate cancer is constantly evolving, with a wide spectrum of treatment modalities available at present. Cancer Staging Staging of cancer is vital to decide on the right treatment. Until a few years ago, CT (computerized tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans were the most accurate technologies available to stage prostate cancer, since the organ is buried deep beneath the superficial pelvic organs. Moreover, they tend to miss small areas of tumor in lymph nodes. Newer forms of imaging include multiparametric MRI, which club standard MRI with one or more other types. These could include diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI, or MRI spectroscopy. The results of the scans are compared to arrive at the final report. MRI with enhancement is another modality used to find cancerous lymph nodes. Here a standard MRI is followed by the injection of a magnetic particle dye, and a repeat scan is done the next day, to detect the presence of cancer cells. Newer PET (positron emission tomography) use a type of tracer called radioactive sodium fluoride, fluciclovine, choline, or carbon acetate to track metabolically active cells, such as the rapidly dividing cells of cancer. Cancer Risks Another type of testing attempts to assess the risk of aggressive cancer. Genomic and proteomic testing can complement more traditional tests like the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing to help predict cancer growth and spread. Some examples include the Oncotype DX Prostate which measures and reports specific gene activity levels from 0 to 100, Prolaris based on the same principle but measuring another set of genes, ProMark which measures protein activity for the same purpose, and Decipher, which looks at gene activity in surgically resected samples to help patients decide whether further treatment following surgery is desirable. Another tool is the PREDICT prostate questionnaire, which takes only a few minutes for the patient with nonmetastatic prostate cancer to fill, with the doctor’s help, and provides the expected odds of dying of the disease or other illnesses within 10-15 years. It also gives the odds of survival following the treatment. The risks of complications like urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction following the suggested treatment are also provided. The patient can then choose among different modalities of treatment, including active surveillance. Researchers believe such tools could reduce unnecessary and potentially harmful interventions as well as save the healthcare system millions every year, by giving patients the power to choose treatments in consultation with their healthcare providers based on sound evidence and probable risks. Liquid biopsy to exclude men with biomarkers of drug resistance from first-line chemotherapy, routing them to other therapies instead. In principle, they could use magnetic nanoparticles with DNA capture probes on their surface to target circulating tumor cells that contain the specific biomarkers. Treatment Different techniques and refinements of existing techniques are being evolved constantly to improve the quality of life and enhance survival among prostate cancer patients. Surgical techniques have moved from the traditional open or laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, where the whole gland is removed plus the seminal vesicles and other tissues nearby, to robotic techniques that may reduce the time and blood loss associated with the surgery. Newer forms of treatment include high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) that uses the heat produced by ultrasonic energy. Hormone Treatments Prostate cancer is driven by testosterone. As a result, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) can stop the growth of prostate cancers in many cases. Earlier forms of ADT included orchiectomy or surgical castration, and the use of LHRH agonists which inhibit testosterone production by the testes called medical castration. LHRH antagonists are another form of medical castration. Antiandrogens prevent the action of androgens on androgen receptors. Newer drugs in this class include enzalutamide, apalutamide, and darolutamide, and early research indicates that ADT can be paired with these drugs for a better outcome. Earlier used only for men with castration-resistant prostate cancer patients with metastatic cancer, these could now be approved for earlier use as well. Newer forms of hormone therapy include antiadrenal hormones like the new drug abiraterone, a cytochrome P17 antagonist that reduces androgen production within the adrenal cell and can delay cancer growth. However, this must be given with a glucocorticoid, which limits its application. Immunotherapy Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells. One type of immunotherapy is the prostate cancer vaccine, like sipuleucel-T, which is already approved for this indication. Others are in clinical trials. Vaccines seem to have fewer and less serious side effects than other modes of treatment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are another form of immunotherapy which exploits the body’s natural ability to not react to its self-antigens with an immune reaction, via checkpoint molecules that must be turned off or on to initiate the immune response. Sometimes, cancer cells hijack these checkpoints to disguise their immune ‘foreignness’. Newer drugs inhibit one or more of these checkpoints such as PD-1, or its associated PD-L1 protein. Similar drugs are being examined for their usefulness in prostate cancer. The combination of a checkpoint inhibitor with a vaccine, for instance, might make the vaccine response more durable and stronger. Another possible combination is when it is used with a drug that makes the cancer cells more recognizable as non-self, allowing the checkpoint inhibitor to stimulate the body more effectively. Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR) cell therapy uses the body’s immune cells to strengthen and specify the immune response against the cancer cell. T cells are removed from the patient and engineered to have receptors for antigens incorporating ‘foreign’ tumor components on their surface. These will bind specifically to the patient’s prostate tumor cell surface. The engineered cell is stimulated to multiply, and reintroduced to the patient’s blood, to detect the cancer cells and attack them. This is complex, experimental and could have potentially serious adverse effects. Interleukin-27 therapy is another promising therapy that may help reduce the growth of the tumor and stop cancer by signaling immune cells to come to the areas containing the tumor cells, kill the tumor, and initiate healing and wound repair. Targeted Therapy Some therapies attack only one specific part of the cell or the environment of the tumor cell, to inhibit its growth, division, repair, or multiplication. PARP Inhibitors If the prostate tumor has mutations in BRCA2 or similar genes, DNA damage cannot be repaired, leading to the persistence of possibly harmful mutations in these cells. Drugs called polyadenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are more toxic to such faulty cancer cells than normal cells. Olaparib is one PARP inhibitor that can enhance survival and disease-free progression rates more than abiraterone or enzalutamide. Monoclonal Antibodies These molecules are synthetic derivatives of immune proteins that bind to specific cancer cell targets like the PSMA antigen on a prostate cancer cell. Many of these are associated with chemotherapeutic agents or small radioactive molecules, so that the antibody will home in on the cancer cell, bringing with it the therapeutic agent. Newer experimental drugs include a monoamine inhibitor used decades ago to treat depression, which has been found to disrupt androgen receptor signaling. To read the original article click here.

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Vanilla Oil Helps Balance Hormones, Reduce Inflammation & Prevent Cancer

AHA Publisher — Wed, 27 May 2020 07:00:39 +0000

Christine Ruggeri, CHHC via Dr. Axe – Vanilla extract is widely used in both commercial and domestic baking, perfume manufacturing and aromatherapy, but many people don’t realize the array of health benefits that come from using vanilla oil, even though it is not technically an essential oil. Internally, pure vanilla oil fights inflammation, works as an antidepressant and contains high levels of antioxidants — preventing the growth of cancer cells. It’s been proven to fight infections and diseases caused by oxidation and inflammation. Vanilla oil also promotes skin and hair health, relieves muscle pain and cramps, and balances hormones naturally. For thousands of years, it’s been used by men and women who struggle with loss of libido, anxiety and high blood pressure. Vanilla oil is derived from Vanilla planifolia, a native species of the Orchidaceae family. The Spanish word for vanilla is vaina, which is simply translated as “little pod.” It was the Spanish explorers arriving on the Gulf Coast of Mexico in the early 16th century who gave vanilla its current name. Vanilla Oil Nutrition Facts Vanilla grows as a vine that climbs up an existing tree or structure. When left alone, the vine grows as high as the support will allow it. Although it is native to Mexico, it’s now widely grown throughout the tropics. Indonesia and Madagascar are the world’s largest producers. The vanilla seed pods are roughly a third of an inch by six inches and a brownish red to black color when ripe. Inside of the pods is an oily liquid full of tiny seeds. The vanilla flower (which is a beautiful, yellow orchid-looking flower) produces a fruit, but it only lasts for one day so growers have to inspect the flowers daily. The fruit is a seed capsule that when left on the plant ripens and opens. As it dries, the compounds crystallize, releasing its distinctive vanilla smell. Both vanilla pods and seeds are used for cooking. Vanilla beans have been shown to contain over 200 compounds, which can vary in concentration depending on the region where the beans are harvested. Several compounds, including vanillin, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, guaiacol and anise alcohol, have been found to be important for the aroma profile of vanilla. A study published in the Journal of Food Science found that the most important compounds responsible for the differentiation between the variety of vanilla beans were vanillin, anise alcohol, 4-methylguaiacol, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde/trimethylpyrazine, p-cresol/anisole, guaiacol, isovaleric acid and acetic acid. (1) 8 Health Benefits of Vanilla Oil 1. Contains Antioxidant Properties The antioxidant properties of vanilla oil protect the body from wear and tear by neutralizing free radicals. Antioxidants are substances that help prevent certain types of cell damage, especially those caused by oxidation. Oxidation is one of the biggest causes behind most of our health troubles and diseases. It leads to the formation of free radicals, which are very dangerous to the body’s tissues and have been connected to cancer and premature aging. High-antioxidant foods and plants are evaluated by ORAC score (oxygen radical absorption capacity), which tests the power of a substance to absorb and eliminate free radicals. Dried vanilla bean spice is rated at an incredible 122,400 ORAC value! A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry noted that pure vanilla extract, which was made with cured vanilla beans and 60 percent aqueous ethyl alcohol, has high levels of antioxidant activity. The study noted that the results “point towards the potential use of vanilla extract components as antioxidants for food preservation and in health supplements as nutraceuticals.” (2) 2. Boosts Libido Vanilla oil stimulates the secretion of certain hormones like testosterone and estrogen, which helps people who suffer from erectile dysfunction, impotence and loss of libido. Erectile dysfunction, for example, comes in many degrees and can be caused by low levels of testosterone, medications, poor diet, fatigue, stress, depression or other illnesses. The good news is that around 70 percent of these cases are restored with home remedies and natural treatment methods for impotence. Thankfully, vanilla oil has been shown to improve hormone levels, mood and outlook on life. 3. Relieves PMS Symptoms Because vanilla oil activates estrogen levels, it also regularizes menstruation and relieves PMS symptoms. PMS symptoms are experienced by over 75 percent of menstruating women, and hormone balance is the primary factor that determines these symptoms. Common PMS symptoms include fatigue, bloating, skin issues, emotional changes, breast tenderness and cramps. Vanilla oil serves as a natural remedy for PMS and cramps because it activates or balances hormone levels and manages stress, leaving your body and mind relaxed. Vanilla oil works as a sedative, so your body isn’t in a state of hypersensitivity while experiencing PMS symptoms; instead, it’s tranquil and the symptoms are minimized. 4. Prevents the Growth of Cancer Cells Vanilla essential oil has anticarcinogenic properties — it helps inhibit the development of cancer before it becomes a problem, making it a potential natural cancer treatment. This powerful oil curbs the growth of cancerous cells, mostly because of it acts as an antioxidant that prevents the oxidation of cells. Antioxidants kill free radicals in the body and reverse oxidative stress-causing chronic disease. According to the National Cancer Institute, at high concentrations, free radicals can be hazardous to the body and damage all major components of cells, including DNA, proteins and cell membranes. The damage to cells caused by free radicals, especially the damage to DNA, may play a role in the development of cancer and other health conditions. (3) Antioxidants are known as “free radical scavengers” that interact with, neutralize and fight free radical damage. 5. Fights Infections Some components present in vanilla oil, such as eugenol and vanillin hydroxybenzaldehyde, are able to fight infections. A 2014 study published in Basel, Switzerland, examined the effectiveness of vanilla oil as an antibacterial agent when used on the surface of bacterial cells. The study found that vanilla oil strongly inhibited both the initial adherence of S. aureus cells and the development of the mature biofilm after 48 hours. S. aureus cells are bacteria frequently found in the human respiratory tract and on the skin. (4) 6. Works as an Antidepressant Vanilla has been commonly used as a home remedy from the 17th century to fight anxiety and depression with nutrition. Vanilla oil has a calming effect on the brain, which helps with anger, insomnia, stress and anxiety. A study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology found that vanillin, one of the main components of vanilla oil, demonstrated antidepressant activity in mice, which was comparable with fluoxetine, a medication that treats depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. The study concluded that because the vanillin was able to cause a significant reduction of immobility in the mice, as indicated in a forced swim test, the sedative properties make vanilla oil effective in naturally treating depression. (5 7. Reduces Inflammation Inflammation is associated with just about every health condition, and researchers are furiously investigating chronic inflammation’s effects on health and possible preventive medical applications. Luckily, vanilla oil is a sedative, so it reduces stress on the body such as inflammation, making it an anti-inflammatory food; this is helpful to the respiratory, digestive, nervous, circulatory and excretory systems. Because vanilla is high in antioxidants, it reduces damage caused by inflammation. Vanillin, the component with the most antioxidant value, has the power to lower cholesterol naturally and reduce triglycerides levels and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune dysfunction where the white blood cells destroy the cartilage. This may be related to food allergies, bacterial infections, stress or excess acid in the body. Vanilla oil’s anti-inflammatory, sedative and antibacterial properties make it a perfect natural arthritis treatment. 8. Lowers Blood Pressure Vanilla oil’s sedative effects on the body allow it to naturally lower blood pressure by relaxing the body and mind. High blood pressure is when the pressure on the arteries and blood vessels becomes too high and the arterial wall becomes distorted, causing extra stress on the heart. High blood pressure levels can put you at risk for having a stroke, heart attack and diabetes. A major cause of high blood pressure is stress; by relaxing the muscles and mind, vanilla oil is able to lower blood pressure levels. Vanilla oil also helps you to get more sleep, which is another easy way to lower blood pressure levels. Vanilla oil serves as a natural remedy for high blood pressure because it also acts as an antioxidant, so it reduces oxidative stress and dilates the arteries. Vanilla Oil History & Interesting Facts The Totonac people, who lived on the east coast of Mexico (in the present-day state of Veracruz), were the first to cultivate vanilla. Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés is credited with introducing both vanilla and chocolate to Europe in the 1520s. During Montezuma’s capture in Mexico, one of Cortés’ officers saw him drinking a chocolate beverage that was made of cocoa powder and ground corn, flavored with ground vanilla pods and honey. The Spanish people tried his drink themselves and were so impressed by it that they took samples back to Spain. The vanilla flavor in particular was a hit, and by 1700 the use of vanilla spread through Europe — and Mexico became the leading producer of vanilla for three centuries. Because pollination is required to gain the proper flavoring of the vanilla plant, attempts to cultivate vanilla outside Mexico and Central America proved fruitless; however, in 1841, Edmond Albius, a slave who lived on the French island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean, discovered at the age of 12 that the plant could be hand-pollinated, which allowed global cultivation of the plant. Today, three major species of vanilla are grown globally, all derived from a species originally found in Mesoamerica, including parts of modern-day Mexico. Vanilla is the second most expensive spice after saffron because growing the vanilla seed pods is labor-intensive. How to Pick & Make Vanilla Oil It’s important to note that most of the cheap vanilla oils available commercially contain a ton of synthetic ingredients or are heavily processed. Finding 100 percent pure vanilla oil is very unlikely and expensive. When you look to buy vanilla oil for its health benefits, keep in mind that the higher the vanillin content, the more premium quality aroma you get. For instance, look for vanilla Co2 total extract, which is typically used in aromatherapy. Vanilla Co2 total extract contains 26 percent vanillin, while the vanilla extract that is used for cooking contains only 2 percent. Many companies try to sell low-level vanillin products as “vanilla essential oils,” so you need to read the labels carefully. Vanilla is not an “essential oil” in the same way that lavender oil, peppermint oil and thyme oil are because it is not steam-distilled, expeller-pressed or cold-pressed. You will find vanilla Co2 total extract (the highest quality), vanilla absolute (when extracted with a solvent like alcohol), vanilla dilution (when Co2 or absolute is blended with a carrier oil) or vanilla tincture (when beans are soaked in an alcohol base). Because of the confusing forms of vanilla, read the labels; the higher percentage of vanillin, the better the product. The price of a vanilla absolute or Co2 extracted oil costs over $100 for an ounce! If you plan on using a purchased vanilla oil on your skin or internally as medicine, make sure you choose a reputable company that has a high percentage of vanillin. Here’s a more cost-effective option that you can create at home: To make a vanilla oil infusion, buy whole vanilla beans or pods from your local health food store, preferably organic, then chop them into pieces and remove the seeds. Add them directly to a carrier oil (you want to pick an oil that isn’t very fragrant, like jojoba oil). Let the mixture sit for at least a week — with time the fragrance will be stronger. Keep the mixture in an airtight container. You can filter out the pods when you’re ready to use the...

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Fish Oil Supplements Could Benefit Testicular Function In Healthy Men Finds Study

AHA Publisher — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 08:00:46 +0000

Dr. Ananya Mandal, MD via News-Medical Net – A large Danish study has shown that fish oil supplements taken by healthy men of the reproductive age could help improve their testicular function as is evidenced by their semen quality and reproductive hormone levels. The study led by researcher Tina Kodd Jensen, titled, “Associations of Fish Oil Supplement Use With Testicular Function in Young Men,” was published this week in the latest issue of the JAMA. For this study the team of researchers looked at 1,679 Danish men of average around 18.9 years, who were healthy otherwise. They were taking omega 3 supplements including fish oil supplements over the three months prior to the study. The team speculated that there have been studies showing the fish oil supplements containing omega 3 fatty acids help men with infertility by improving their semen quality. There have been no studies looking at their benefits on the semen of healthy men, the team wrote. The study was conducted between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2017. The tests were part of the fitness for military service. After the fitness test, the men were given a choice to participate in the study. Reproductive fitness tests included semen quality and volume, sperm count and concentration, morphology or appearance of the sperms, motility of the sperms, levels of hormones including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, free testosterone, and inhibin B. Among the participants in the study, 98 men or 5.8 percent reported taking fish oil supplements during the past 3 months. Of these men 54.1 percent or 53 were taking these supplements for over 60 days in the past 90 days. The findings on reproductive health were compared among the men taking the supplements with those that were not taking any supplements. This study showed that in a “dose dependent manner” or rising benefits with rising dose, the fish oil supplements improved the volume of the semen, sperm count in the semen and increased the size of the testes. Taking fish oil supplements also raised the levels of free testosterone to luteinizing hormone ratio and lowered the levels of other hormones such as FSH and LH. These changes in the levels of the hormones also raised the fertility in the men. Authors of the study concluded from the results, “healthy men may benefit from intake of fish oil supplements”. They called for larger clinical trials with a control group that was not taking fish oil supplements, to arrive at a conclusion of definite benefit provided by the supplements. The team wrote that 15 percent of all couples suffer from infertility and of these 40 to 45 percent couples suffer from infertility due to fertility issues with the male partner. They added that over the past 5 to 7 decades there has been a sharp drop in male fertility and semen quality. Lifestyle factors, chemical exposure and behavioural changes have been attributed to these changes they wrote. Healthy diets rich in “ω-3 fatty acids, antioxidants (eg, vitamin E, vitamin C, β-carotene, selenium, zinc, cryptoxanthin, and lycopene), other vitamins (eg, vitamin D and folate) and low in saturated fatty acids and trans–fatty acids,” they wrote, could improve male fertility. Semen quality could be improved by taking, fish, sea food, poultry, fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy foods, cereals etc. they wrote. Semen quality declines with the consumption of processed meats, cheese, coffee, sweetened beverages, alcohol, potatoes and soy containing foods, the team wrote. The authors of the study wrote that till date benefits of fish oil supplements and omega 3 fatty acids have been seen in men with infertility and this is the first study that shows that healthy men also benefit from omega 3 fatty acid supplements. In an invited commentary by Albert Salas-Huetos, titled, “More Evidence of the Association of Diet With Human Testicular Function —Fish Oil Supplements,” the study was discussed further. Salas-Huetos blamed “environmental and lifestyle factors, such as pollution, smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, stress, and unhealthy diets,” on the declining semen quality and male fertility. He added that although this was a small study, and only two cut-offs for fish oil supplements (less than or more than 60 days) consumption was provided, the results are significant. He also wrote, “This is the first well-designed study from a general population and including healthy individuals published to date, making the findings more interesting.” He also lauded the authors of the study on including a large number of healthy participants. He added however that more needs to be studied to come to concrete conclusions about the definite benefits offered by fish oil and omega 3 supplements on male fertility. He also speculated that there may be some genetic modification of the offspring of men who take these supplements, that improve the health of the offspring as well. He said, “It will be exciting to see.” To read the original article click here.

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Low-Fat Diet Associated With Reduction in Testosterone Among Men

AHA Publisher — Sun, 12 Jan 2020 08:00:54 +0000

Wolters Kluwer via News-Medical Net – For the many men diagnosed with testosterone deficiency, losing weight can help increase testosterone levels. But certain diets – specifically a low-fat diet – may be associated with a small but significant reduction in testosterone. The study was published in The Journal of Urology®, Official Journal of the American Urological Association (AUA). The Journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer. “We found that men who adhered to a fat restrictive diet had lower serum testosterone than men on a nonrestrictive diet,” according to the report by Jake Fantus, MD, of the Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medicine and colleagues from the Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and the Department of Surgery, NorthShore University Health System. “However,” the researchers add, “the clinical significance of small differences in serum T across diets is unclear.” Best Diet for Low Testosterone? No Single Right Answer Yet Dr. Fantus and colleagues analyzed data on more than 3,100 men from a nationwide health study (the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES). All participants had available data on diet and serum testosterone level. Based on two-day diet history, 14.6 percent of men met criteria for a low-fat diet, as defined by the American Heart Association (AHA). Another 24.4 percent of men followed a Mediterranean diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains but low in animal protein and dairy products. Only a few men met criteria for the AHA low-carbohydrate diet, so this group was excluded from the analysis. The average serum testosterone level was 435.5 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter). Serum testosterone was lower in men on the two restrictive diets: average 411 ng/dL for those on a low-fat diet and 413 ng/dL for those on the Mediterranean diet. The associations were adjusted for other factors that can affect testosterone, including age, body mass index, physical activity, and medical conditions. After adjustment, the low-fat diet was significantly associated with reduced serum testosterone, although the Mediterranean diet was not. Overall, 26.8 percent of men had testosterone levels less than 300 ng/dL. Despite the difference in average testosterone levels, the proportion of men with low testosterone was similar across all diet groups. Low testosterone is highly prevalent in the United States, as approximately 500,000 men are diagnosed with testosterone deficiency each year. Testosterone deficiency can lead to problems, including decreased energy and libido, along with physiological alterations, including increased body fat and reduced bone mineral density. In addition to medications, treatment for low testosterone often includes lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and weight loss. But the effects of diet on testosterone levels have been unclear. Because testosterone is a steroid hormone derived from cholesterol, changes in fat intake could alter testosterone levels. This new analysis of how diet affects serum testosterone provides evidence that a low-fat diet is associated with lower testosterone levels, compared to an unrestricted diet. So what diet is best for men with testosterone deficiency? The answer remains unknown, according to the authors. In overweight or obese men, the health benefits of a low-fat diet likely far exceed the small reduction in serum testosterone. In contrast, for men who are not overweight, avoiding a low-fat diet “may be a reasonable component” of a multifaceted approach to increasing serum testosterone. Dr. Fantus and coauthors note that further studies will be needed to corroborate their findings, and to clarify the mechanism by which restrictive diets reduce testosterone. But due to the difficulties of large-scale dietary studies, definitive trials are unlikely to be performed. “Therefore, our data represent a valuable approach towards answering this important question,” the authors conclude. To read the original article click here.

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5 Facts to Know About Testosterone and Aging in Modern Times

AHA Publisher — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 05:22:46 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Low testosterone affects many men, both under and over 60 years old, and is becoming an increasingly diagnosed condition. There are many factors that affect testosterone and aging, and some declines are due to modern, sedentary lifestyles and environmental pollutants. Aging has a lot of effects on the human body. Some are positive, and some are not as positive. One effect that gets a lot of attention in men is the natural decline of testosterone. And while this is a natural part of the aging process, there are some concerning facts about modern-day lifestyle that may expedite and exaggerate the decline. What’s more, there are mortality-linked health conditions associated with low testosterone in addition to the hormonal and sexual challenges. Here’s your guide to testosterone, and 5 facts to know about testosterone and aging in modern times. What Is Testosterone? Testosterone is an androgen hormone produced by the testicles. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland control how much testosterone the testes produce and secrete. Testosterone is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics. Females also produce testosterone, but in small amounts than males. In males, testosterone is believed to regulate and balance many functions including: • sperm count and development of mature sperm • sex drive • fat distribution • bone mass • muscle size and strength • red blood cell production In females, it also contributes to sex drive, bone density, and muscle strength. But, too much can be a bad thing for women. Excessive levels can cause women to experience male pattern baldness and infertility (1). 5 Facts to Know About Testosterone and Aging in Modern Times 1. Testosterone Naturally Declines With Age After 40 Years Part of the natural aging process includes a decline in testosterone. Typically, this slow decline is not cause for extreme interventions, but it is concerning for many men. It is known as late-onset hypogonadism. In fact, after the age of 40, the concentration of circulating testosterone declines by about 1.6% every year for typical males (2). After about 20 years of decline, testosterone levels are low enough that they would be diagnosed as hypogonadism in a younger man. Unfortunately, the current rate of hypogonadism in 45-year-old males is about 40% and climbing. In those who are 60 years or older, the diagnosis of low testosterone has increased by 170% since 2012 (3). But why? 2. Beyond Aging, Many Factors Can Cause Low Testosterone In addition to natural aging, many factors contribute to declining testosterone. Causes can include: • testicular injury • infection of the testicles • medications • chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, kidney and liver disease, obesity, and HIV/AIDS • genetic diseases • disorders that affect the hormones, such as pituitary tumors or high prolactin levels • Long life expectancy (many men are getting tested at later ages) If these are the origin of a decline, the cause should be treated instead of, or along with, the symptoms. 3. There Is Concern About Modern Men’s Testosterone Levels Studies have found that the current levels of testosterone circulating in modern men are lower than generations past for the same age. This has been found in studies in the United States, Netherlands, and Australia, among other locations worldwide (4). In fact, low testosterone is becoming more and more common. Prescriptions for testosterone supplements and medications has increased fivefold since 2012 (5). There are many hypotheses regarding the cause of the generational decline in testosterone. These include: • Increased obesity (6) • Increased use of medications • Indoor, sedentary lifestyles • Lack of physical activity • Too much endurance-level activity • Environmental pollutants including pesticides • Chemical exposure including BPA’s, chemicals in coolants, and antibacterial agents that mimic estrogens (7) 4. Low Testosterone Can Result in Both Sexual Dysfunction and Major Health Problems Low testosterone after age 60, or late-onset hypogonadism, has become a recognized medical condition. However, many of its symptoms are associated with normal aging. These symptoms include (8): • diminished erectile quality, particularly at night • decreased libido • mood changes • reduced cognitive function • fatigue (9) • a decrease in muscle mass and strength • decreased body hair • skin changes • decreased bone mass and bone mineral density • increase in abdominal fat mass Unfortunately, low testosterone is also associated with higher mortality and chronic disease. It’s sort of a vicious cycle. Chronic disease can cause low testosterone, and low testosterone may also bring on conditions such as depression, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, and more (10). 5. Treatments Are Available But Not All Created Equal Low Testosterone is a real problem for many men, whether due to natural aging or medical causes. What can be done? First, there are lifestyle changes to make including: • Weight loss using Keto Zone • More Outside Activity • Reversal of High Blood Sugars and Diabetes Using Keto Zone • Addition of Resistance and Weight-Bearing Exercise • Decrease in Medications • A decrease in exposure to pesticides and pollutants Of course, these lifestyle changes are great for full-body health, but they may not bring on quick results for testosterone levels. For years, researchers and doctors have also weighed the benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy. While older men with clinically low testosterone often respond well to it, there may be significant side effects to consider. Also, there’s inconclusive evidence that it is helpful and safe in younger men. Bottom Line Low testosterone affects many men, both under and over 60 years old, and is becoming an increasingly diagnosed condition. There are many factors that affect testosterone and aging, and some declines are due to modern, sedentary lifestyles and environmental pollutants. But there is good news on the horizon. With Keto Zone, overweight men and those at risk of diabetes can improve testosterone through weight loss and improved blood sugars. There is also hope for new, natural formulations in the future to help with testosterone and aging in modern times. To read the original article click here. For more articles by Dr. Colbert click here.

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