Any problems, GUYS?

  

1.  Do you consume protein after a workout?

According to researchers at McMaster University:  Men who drink skim milk after a weight workout experienced a greater rate of muscle growth as compared to those who consumed a soya beverage even though both drinks contain same amount of protein.  Scientists believe it is because milk proteins digest more slowly than the soya variety, delivering a smaller but steadier dose of nutrients to the muscles over a longer time.  Avoid protein shakes loaded with calories only.

The good news is - every kilo of muscle burns 77 calories, even at rest and thus the more muscle you have, the more fats you will be able to lose.  Taking a protein-packed meal (eg. animal, fish, eggs, dairy) within the 30-90 min window after your gym workout can ensure better absorption of macronutrients.  This is also important for the replenishment of glutamine, responsible for 35% of the nitrogen that reaches the muscle cells.  Research suggests that glutamine, responsible for protein synthesis and muscle metabolism can be depleted by as much as 40% after engaging in heavy exercise.

On a regular basis, with “less calories in, more calories out” principle, you can achieve the goal of losing fat and gain lean muscle.

2.  Do you take good care of your ‘little guys’?

-  Turkish researchers:  Drinking pomegranate juice can improve sperm health.  Male rats fed such juice for seven weeks saw their sperm cells grew in size and numbers, displayed improved mobility and were healthier.  Evidence also suggested it could help regulate erectile dysfunction.

-  Clinical studies show that vitamin C helps to produce healthy and quality sperm.  Hence, taking high dosage can increase sperm count and motility to prevent getting an abnormal child.

-  Low zinc levels can be associated with male infertility and zinc is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), male infertility and erectile dysfunction (ED).

-  For those about to start a family, say NO-NO to drugs called PDE inhibitors like Viagra, Levitra and Cialis that promise to resolve erectile-dysfunction problem.  British scientists discovered that such drugs can cause the outer layer of the sperm head to break down before it reaches the female egg, preventing penetration.  Consult a urologist for other therapy that does not affect fertility.

-  How to keep your “little guys” safe:

+  placing laptop on your lap can damage the sperm by 25% as scientists found they had stopped swimming and undergone changes in their genetic code;
+  putting cellphones in pockets can reduce fertility as the network function operating on e-waves can lead to higher levels of free radicals in sperm samples, decreasing the quality of those swimmers;
+  exposure to high temperatures in saunas and hot pools can raise the temperature in the testicles, killing sperm and interfere with its production.

3.  Engaging in intensive aerobic training helps to build a stronger heart and body?

-  To build up stronger cardio health, run hard and not just jog.  The effect is a reduction in the number of heartbeats needed to achieve blood flow.  Do interval training like a 4 min run at 90% of your maximum heart rate and alternate with 3 mins at 70%.  Repeat the interval 3 times over 3 times a week to see result.

+  Do not overtrain.  A study conducted amongst marathon runners found that 40% had blood markers indicating heart damage after they finished a 42 km race.  Exercise ‘overdose’ from overtraining and declining performance sets in that can cause disastrous health effects.  Do not collapse for this reason.

+  Combining aerobic exercises with weight-training exercises can break the monotony and improve overall health.  Health experts believed in ‘lift weight, lose weight’ as adding muscle helps in speeding metabolism, or the number of calories to burn.  A good compromise is to start off with 20 mins of aerobic exercise before performing weight-lifting.  Serious bodybuilders can do the reverse so that the body is at its freshest when hitting the lifting machine.

+  As a reward for the hard work, both types of exercise drain the muscles’ fuel reserves – glycogen (stored glucose).  To replenish the lost of energy used, the body immediately shuttles any available glucose to the muscles, thereby reducing the blood-glucose levels.  As sugar makes one fat, this is a good way to minimise the harmful effect and create a leaner, healthier body.

4.  Do you go for your regular check-up?

Most guys avoid medical check-ups and do not like to talk about their health problems.  These days, even young guys are not spared and can die horrible deaths because they ignore warning signs.  Below are some symptoms that may be identifiable as there are visible signs:

+  A cardiologist commented:  “For 50% of heart-attack victims, their first heart attack is also their last.”  Statistics showed 1/3 of heart-attack victims never have any warning.  Do not brush off a chest pain if it occurs.

+  Doctor’s advice:  Any mole that suddenly darkens or changes shape should be checked out, especially if there are many moles or a family history of melanoma.  Other warning signs:  a ragged or blurred border, colour shifts across the mole’s surface, or a diameter exceeding that of the head of a pencil’s eraser.   Note that cancer can crop up in areas not directly exposed to sun or hide in the clothings most of the time.



  + Problem with passing urine?  Ask for prostate examination and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test after the age of 40 and if you have a family history of prostate cancer.  If symptoms such as severe burning or itching, and urethra discharge appears, do a STD test to check for syphilis, gonorrhoea etc.  Also watch for any testicular tumour that can grow to the size of grapefruits.

+  After 50 or family history of colon cancer, arrange for a colonoscopy test every 10 years.  If blood is found in your stools, ask for a fecal occult blood test.  Severe rectal pain and anemia can signal cancer.

Colon cancer can be tackled by increasing the intake of vitamin B6, found aplenty in bananas and tuna sashimi.  Japanese researchers did a study of 81000 men and found that consuming more than 1.1 mg of this vitamin daily decreases colon cancer by 30% by preventing mutations of cancer cells.  

SAFE to use Steroids? (III)

 

Steroid is a type of organic compound that can be derived naturally from plants, animals and fungi. In our human body it can be found in the dietary fat cholesterol and the sex hormones estradiol and testosterone. The adrenal glands secrete a number of steroid hormones, known as corticosteroids, that are important for the maintenance of blood pressure, blood glucose levels, salt and water balance, and other critical bodily processes.

History

Tracing back its origin, synthesized in the 1930s, steroids have been used therapeutically in medicine for two different, but overlapping, types of effects:

- Anabolic, meaning that they promote cell growth, recommended for anemia, osteoporosis, reverse protein loss following trauma, surgery or prolonged immobilization and treat chronic wasting conditions, such as cancer and AIDS.

- Androgenic, meaning affect the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics such as the growth of the vocal cords, testicles and body hair involving the pubertal growth, sebaceous gland oil production, and sexuality (especially during foetal development).

Commercial uses

In recent times, the application has widened to other areas like:

+ Steroids from simple precursors is frequently used to produce antibiotics, treatment of various bone-degenerative diseases, cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins and the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone. They are easily available from pharmacists, veterinarians and physicians.

+ Steroids used for non-medical purposes which work by interacting with androgen receptors to increase muscle and bone synthesis. There are natural and synthetic anabolic steroids available at fitness centres, competitions and through the mail. Certain physicians may choose to prescribe steroids to those involved in sporting activities.

Mechanical action

Technically known as anabolic-androgen steroids (AAS) these are drugs which mimic the effects of the male sex hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

As fat-soluble hormones, such steroids are able to penetrate the membrane of the target cell and bind to an androgen receptor located in the cytoplasm of that cell. From there, the compound hormone-receptor diffuses into the nucleus, where it either alters the expression of genes or activates processes that send signals to other parts of the cell. Their effects on muscle mass are:

+ Firstly, they increase the production of proteins from amino acids, increased appetite, increased bone remodeling and growth, and stimulation of bone marrow, which increases the production of red blood cells. With the formation of muscle cells, the size of skeletal muscles is increased, leading to increased strength. Some users experienced weight gain by 2-5 kg within 10 weeks mostly on lean mass. The upper body benefits most where the androgen receptors are located.

+ Secondly, they reduce recovery time by blocking the effects of stress hormone cortisol on muscle tissue, so that breakdown of muscle is greatly reduced. Also possible is the number of cells that develop into muscle cells instead of fat-storage cells with a corresponding rise of metabolic rate.

Side effects

Health risks can be produced by long-term use or excessive doses of anabolic steroids. These effects include:

+ Harmful changes in cholesterol levels (increased low-density lipoprotein and decreased high-density lipoprotein)

+ Acne (mostly due to stimulation of the sebaceous glands by increased testosterone levels)

+ High blood pressure (especially those with pre-existing hypertension)

+ Liver damage (mainly with oral steroids) on high doses as the steroids are metabolized in the digestive system to increase their bioavailability and stability

+ Dangerous changes in the structure of the left ventricle of the heart which impairs its contraction and relaxation that can lead to cardiac complications such as congestive heart failure, heart attacks and sudden death.

+ The rapid growth in muscles can cause stress on the tendons that attach the muscle to bone and at risk for tendon rupture.

+ Conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can accelerate the rate of premature baldness for males who are genetically predisposed

+ Conditions pertaining to hormonal imbalances such as gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in males) and testicular atrophy (caused by the suppression of natural testosterone levels, which inhibits production of sperm).

+ Reduced sexual function and temporary infertility can also occur in males. This side effect is temporary – the size of the testicles usually returns to normal within a few weeks of discontinuing anabolic steroid use as normal production of sperm resumes.

+ In adolescents use anabolic steroids can result in premature stop in the lengthening of bones stunting growth due to accelerated bone maturation. Other side effects are increased frequency and duration of erections, and premature sexual development. There seems a correlation with poorer attitudes related to health as well. In some, it can develop into psychiatric and psychologic complications that include manic behavior and psychosis (eg. hallucinations and delusions.)

Application methods

There are three common forms in which anabolic steroids are administered: oral pills, injectable steroids, and skin patches.

* Oral administration is the most convenient but ineffective due to high absorption rendering most testosterone inactive with only about 1/6 available in active form.

* Testosterone administered by injection releases free testosterone at the site of injection and has to repeat semi-weekly to once every 12 weeks. A more frequent schedule may be desirable in order to maintain a more constant level of hormone in the system. The steroids are pumped into the muscle, not into the vein, to avoid sudden changes in the amount of the drug in the bloodstream. As testosterone is dissolved in oil, intravenous injection has the potential to cause a dangerous clot in the bloodstream.

* Testosterone-containing creams and gels which are applied daily to the skin are also available, but absorption is inefficient (roughly 10%, varying between individuals) and these treatments tend to be more expensive.

Considerations

* Some physicans believe that decreased testosterone that occurs normally with aging is an indication for replacement therapy with anabolic steroids, but their use in otherwise healthy older patients is still controversial because of the potential serious side effects.

* Performance-enhancing drugs are no longer just for bodybuilders or pro-athletes who are willing to try illegal and potentially dangerous means to improve body’s performance and appearance. The peer pressure to use anabolic steroids in some sports and races because of a fear that normal training is not enough to succeed as well as the perception that everybody else is using them to gain an unfair advantage is conventionally considered “cheating” and often banned by all major sporting bodies.

* There are many anabolic steroids that have been manufactured over the past decades. The goal of the manufacturing chemists is to promote the anabolic effect of the drug while decreasing the androgenic effects that are most often associated with potential side effects that can be life-threatening.

* However, the prevalent abuse of anabolic steroids used as performance-enhancing drugs to increase the ability to do work and exercise by abnormally stimulating muscle growth, power and aerobic capacity, can also pose life-threatening side effects. This is because the excess testosterone can affect almost all the organ systems in the body of which some of the effects are reversible and decrease when the drug use stops, while others are permanent and irreversible. Note that steroids can linger in the body for many years.

VIVA corner

Why risk your life taking those harmful drugs when there are safe and effective supplements around?

+ VIVA Ageguard boasts the full range of amino acids in unchained form (high bioavailability) that bodybuilders are too pleased to take. It helps to increase muscle mass, burn fat, increase skin thickness and regenerate body tissues. Take after an exercise can help the body to recover faster. This product is used by bodybuilders during their workouts and before competition
.
+ VIVA Plus, protein extracts from rice, soy and milk is a good energy provider, helps to repair worn-out tissues, builds strong muscle and regulates psychological functions of the body. This can

be taken about half hour before the start of an exercise. Children with finicky appetite, elderly, post-surgery patients, athletes and those who wan to gain weight would find this product beneficial too.

+ VIVA Cellpex helps to detoxify the liver and cleanse our body cells from drug damage with its potent antioxidants eg. milk thistle and grape seed extract.

Guys! Watch your testesterone

What is testosterone?

Like other steroid hormones, testosterone is derived from cholesterol with the largest amounts produced by the testes in men and lesser in the ovaries of females (ratio 10:1). Only small amounts are secreted by the adrenal glands. When testosterone levels are low, a trigger on the pituitary gland to release two hormones stimulate the testis to produce and regulate its levels in the bloodstream.

Testosterone is found in mammals, reptiles, birds and other vertebrates. Being the principal male sex hormone, its androgenic properties are crucial to the development of male reproductive tissues such as the testis and prostate, and promote secondary male sex characteristics (in both men and women) such as voice deepening and hair growth patterns. As an anabolic steroid, it promotes secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone density, thus for prevention of osteoporosis.

In recent times, the prevalent abuse of anabolic steroids used as performance-enhancing drugs to increase the ability to do work and exercise by abnormally stimulating muscle growth, power and aerobic capacity, can pose life-threatening side effects. This is because the excess testosterone can affect almost all the organ systems in the body of which some of the effects are reversible and decrease when the drug use stops, while others are permanent and irreversible.

Main causes of low testosterone -

Early infancy androgen effects commence in the first weeks of life for male infants, with testosterone levels rising with a decline seen in both sexes in the later decades of adult life. The normal value for total testosterone in males is 270-1000 ng/dl. As men get older, the testosterone-producing Lyedig cells of the testicles decline in function and size, resulting in decreased production, termed "hypogonadism". As much as women hit 'menopause', men reach "andropause" with much decline in this hormone.

+ When the problem is in the organs that produce testosterone (the ovaries or testes, for the most part), it is called a "primary" problem. This failure of the gonads can be due to:

++ Undescended testicles at birth

++ Injury to the scrotum

++ Cancer therapy

++ Genetic birth defect

+ When the problem is related to the pituitary and its ability to regulate testosterone, it is called "secondary hypogonadism." It can be due to:

++ Tumors of the gland itself or because of damage caused by the side effects of treatment of nearby brain tumors

++ Excessive blood loss in the brain

++ Inflammation caused by AIDS, HIV and tuberculosis

++ Illegal use of anabolic steroids as in body building

++ Obesity specifically enhances the conversion of testosterone to estrogen

Other factors affecting testosterone levels -

• Weight loss makes fat men more masculine. Fat cells synthesise the enzyme aromatase which converts testosterone into estradiol, the female sex hormone. A four point increase in body mass index accelerates natural decline in testosterone by 10 years.
• The hormone vitamin D in levels of 400-1000 IU (10-25 mcg) raises testosterone level.
• Magnesium and zinc raise free testosterone according to studies.
• Strong motivation drives the testosterone up.
• Lack of sleep can lower testosterone levels.
• Diets with limiting fat to less than 10% of the total calories can significantly reduce testosterone levels.
• Alcohol drinking can result in lower testosterone secreted from the testicles and thus its circulation in the blood.
• Constant exposure to endocrine disruptors such as environmental contaminants.

How exercise affects testosterone levels?

Some research found that intense aerobic exercises can lead to lower than average testosterone levels because of a decrease in the pituitary gland's ability to signal the testicles to produce more testosterone. On the other hand, resistance training increases testosterone levels because testosterone has to be released for muscle-building purpose. Thus, combining both help to reverse the decline. Adequate rest is important as over-training can cause the body to reduce testosterone output too.

Time matters...

+ In males, symptoms of decreased testosterone depend upon when the low levels occur.

- If there is inadequate testosterone in the foetus, genital formation may be affected. In extreme cases, the penis and scrotum can be so badly developed that female or ambiguous genitalia appear. Hence, it is the chromosomal composition and not the outward appearance that matters.

- If low testosterone occurs before or during puberty, there may be a lack of sexual maturation. Signs may include failure to develop muscle mass, failure of the voice to deepen, poor hair growth, enlarged breasts and failure of the penis and testes to enlarge.

- In adulthood, low testosterone may lead to decreased intellectual ability and spatial orientation, depression, lethargy, decreased sexual function and desire, infertility, erectile dysfunction and absence of morning erections, hot flushes, hair loss on upper body and osteoporosis.

+ Whilst low testosterone is usually associated with males, low levels may occur in women and cause significant issues. Symptoms may include hot flashes, irritability, loss of sexual desire, sleep disturbances, loss of hairs, reduced muscle mass and bone density.

High testosterone?

Much less likely is the opposite scenario: A T score that tops 1000 ng/dl. Other than steroid abusers, this condition is extremely rare other than caused by glandular cancer.

Detection

A medical test can be conducted to check on the testosterone, albumin and sex hormone binding globulin levels in your blood. As testosterone levels fluctuate significantly in the bloodstream, being highest in the morning, it is advisable to take the test between 7-11 am for best accuracy.

How about estrogen?

Just the reverse - the hormone estrogen is produced in greater amounts by females and less by males. An appropriate amount of estrogen is required in the male in order to ensure well-being, bone density, libido, erectile function, etc.

Exceptionally high levels of estrogens in men lower testosterone, decrease muscle mass, stunt growth in teenagers, enhance feminine characteristics and increase risk to prostate cancer, reduce libido and cause erectile dysfunction.

What foods can boost testosterone levels?

Incorporating more fat in the form of monunsaturates (eg. walnuts, peanuts, almonds), animal meat protein and Omega 3 to reach 35-40% of total calories can be optimal for robust testosterone levels. A diet high in sugar can temporarily lower the testosterone levels too. Other foods to watch -

1. Grapes for more active sperm - resveratrol found on grape skins can raise T levels, improve motility rate and hardier sperms

2. Cabbage to flush out female hormone, oestrogen - for more effective testosterone

3. Honey for better blood circulation - a mineral found in it, boron is linked to high testosterone

4. Venison for muscle growth - lack of protein boosts testosterone-deactivating hormones. This meat is not too rich to cause blood-clogging

5. Egg to boost hormone - its yolk is the precursor for testosterone

Testosterone replacement?

Most urologists accept that a total testosterone level above 12nmol/l does not require testosterone replacement.

1. Amongst the many modes of administering testosterone replacement, the most popular being intramuscular injection such as testosterone undecanoate, as the slow release method into the bloodstream over a 10-12 week period results in more stable levels.

2. Transdermal gel application is recommended for short-acting and bypassing liver metabolism for medical reasons. It is applied daily by men rubbing testosterone gel over their upper arms and abdomen till dry.

Though such applications are beneficial to the patients in many aspects, the risks should not be overlooked. This is especially crucial for men suffering from prostate and breast cancer where hormonal therapy may require removal of testosterone from the body to prevent further spread of cancer cells. In younger men experiencing low serum testosterone, such applications may also impair sperm production and quality due to its effect on the brain's production of follicle stimulating hormone.

Source: Men's Health, Mar 2012 edition

Guys! Check your prostate

Gentlemen, if trips to the restroom require sudden dashes or are marked by difficulty urinating, your prostate may be enlarged.


The prostate gland commonly becomes larger in older men in their mid-life termed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Even though it can cause problems with passing urine, symptoms are often mild. Without treatment, the condition may not deteriorate and improve over time instead. However, if symptoms become troublesome or distressing, a medical review is necessary. You can determine the severity of the condition by conducting a self-examination as follows:

	Not at all	Less than 1 time in 5	Less than half the time	About half the time	More than half the time	Almost always	Your score
Incomplete emptying Over the past month, how often have you had a sensation of not emptying your bladder completely after you finish urinating?	0	1	2	3	4	5
Frequency Over the past month, how often have you had to urinate again less than two hours after you finished urinating?	0	1	2	3	4	5
Intermittency Over the past month, how often have you found you stopped and started again several times when you urinated?	0	1	2	3	4	5
Urgency Over the last month, how difficult have you found it to postpone urination?	0	1	2	3	4	5
Weak stream Over the past month, how often have you had a weak urinary stream?	0	1	2	3	4	5
Straining Over the past month, how often have you had to push or strain to begin urination?	0	1	2	3	4	5
	None	1 time	2 times	3 times	4 times	5 times or more	Your score
Nocturia Over the past month, how many times did you most typically get up to urinate from the time you went to bed until the time you got up in the morning?	0	1	2	3	4	5
Total IPSS score (see recommendations below)

Basically the signs of any trouble brewing below:

• A frequent and urgent need to urinate. Is common to get up many times a night to go to the bathroom
• Trouble starting a urine stream. Even with an urge, may find it hard to start urinating
• A weak stream of urine
• A small amount of urine each time
• The feeling that you still have to go, even when you have just finished urinating
• Leaking or dribbling urine
• Small amounts of blood in your urine

What is happening under?

The prostate is part of a man’s sex organs. At birth, a boy’s prostate gland is about the size of a pea. It is about the size of a walnut fully developed by age 25 and surrounds the tube called the urethra, located just below the bladder. Its job is to produce fluid that protects and nourishes sperm cells in semen.

 

The urethra has two functions: to carry urine from the bladder when you urinate and to carry semen during a sexual climax or ejaculation.

Prostatitis refers to the condition where the prostate is inflamed or irritated, causing a burning feeling when urinating and with increased frequency. There may also be a fever or extreme fatigue. Like any inflammation, it is usually a sign that the body is fighting germs or repairing an injury. If prostatitis is caused by bacteria, tiny organisms can be seen through a microscope in a sample of your urine. Often an antibiotic or a medicine that kills bacteria is prescribed.


More worrying is prostate enlargement or BPH where an expanding prostate is caused by changes in hormone balance and cell-growth factors. As it grows, it squeezes the urethra. Since urine travels from the bladder through the urethra, the pressure from the enlarged prostate may affect bladder control. With the bladder weakens and loses the ability to empty itself, urine may stay on for too long to cause urinary tract infection, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and on continence.

Medical detection and Diagnosis


Men with such problem normally refuse to seek medical treatment due to the embarrassment and misunderstanding that it may affect their sexual life. Take note that you are not alone. The Urology Care Foundation estimates that 50% of men in their 50s are sharing a similar fate. Seek early treatment before the condition worsens. Three tests commonly conducted are:

1. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) - This test checks for protein released by the prostate gland with safe range below 4 ng/mL and higher readings evidenced in benign prostate enlargement or inflammation of the prostate.

2. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) - The doctor feels the texture of the prostate gland with a finger gently placed in the back passage or rectum. Prostate cancer can cause abnormal nodules to form on the wall of the prostate.

3. Prostate therapy - An ultrasound guided biopsy is performed to obtain tissue samples from the prostate performed under local anesthesia before sending to the laboratory for microscopic examination.

How is BPH treated?

Several treatments are available -

• Watchful waiting. If your symptoms do not bother you too much, you may choose to live with them rather than take pills daily or have surgery. However, monitor closely and go for regular checkups to ensure your condition does not deteriorate. These steps may help you manage mild symptoms:

        ++ Do pelvic-strengthening exercises.
        ++ Stay active.
        ++ Decrease alcohol and caffeine intake.
        ++ Space out how much you drink rather than drinking a lot at once.
        ++ Urinate when the urge strikes — don’t wait.
        ++ Avoid decongestants and antihistamines.

• Drugs. The most common type of medications are called alpha-blockers. This class of medications works by relaxing the bladder neck muscles and the muscle fibers in the prostate. The muscle relaxation makes it easier to urinate. You can expect an increase in urine flow and a less frequent need to urinate within a day or two if you take an alpha blocker for BPH.
• Nonsurgical procedures. For severe condition, where the urethra is totally blocked and the patient cannot urinate or bad urinary tract problem like infection, bladder stones and kidney failure, a more established procedure known as transurethral resection of the prostate (Turp) needs to be performed. It involves inserting thin tubes charged with an electrical current through the urethra to the area where the prostate meets the bladder to scrape out the swollen parts of the prostate around it. With the bladder muscles relaxing, urine can flow out of the bladder easier. A gel may be applied to the urethra to prevent pain or discomfort. You do not need drugs to enable you to sleep. Long-term medication is available but does not always work and has side effects such as decreased libido and enlarged breasts.
• Surgery is the last option in complicated cases of a very enlarged prostate, difficulty in urinating, having a partial blockage in their urethra that causes repeated urinary tract infections, bladder stones or damage, or those who have kidney damage. Such operation involves removing only the portion of the prostate blocking urine flow. Surgery for BPH may have a temporary effect on sexual function. However, most men recover complete sexual function within a year after surgery. The exact length of time depends on how long you had symptoms before surgery was done and on the type of surgery. After the surgery, some men find that semen is not released from the penis during orgasm. Instead, it flows back into the bladder. In some cases, this condition can be treated with a drug that helps keep the bladder closed. A doctor who specializes in fertility problems may be able to help if backwards ejaculation causes a problem for a couple trying to get pregnant. Erection problems and loss of bladder control can be treated, and chances are good if medical help is sought.
• Hormonal therapy - Androgens, such as testosterone, are primarily made by the testes and a small fraction is produced by the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys). These hormones are responsible for the development and function of the male sexual organs and distinct male characteristics. Anti-androgens are prescribed for patients undergoing surgical and chemo treatment to disable the hormone from fueling the growth of abnormal cell growth.

PROSTATE CANCER
 
In recent years, prostate cancer is fast becoming the top cancer killer in the world amongst the male population, after colorectal and lung cancer. The incidence of prostate cancer increases substantially with age above 50 years as can be seen from statistics collected:

Age	Incidence of prostate cancer
<40	1 in 10,000 men
40-59	1 in 38 men
60-69	1 in 14 men

In many cases, multiple factors may be involved, including adopting sedentary lifestyle, genetics and exposure to environmental toxins such as certain chemicals or radiation. Men with diet high in animal fat and low in soya products are vulnerable. There is also evidence that vitamin D deficiency may increase risk for prostate cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

 

+  Trouble passing urine (frequent urination especially at night, painful urination and difficulty starting and maintaining a steady stream of urine)

+ Blood present in the urine or semen

+ General pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, lower back, hips or thighs, as cancer has spread to bones

+  Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, even loss of bladder or bowel control from cancer pressing on the spinal cord

+ Erectile dysfunction


Treatment options


Mutations in the DNA lead to the growth of cells in the prostate to start growing uncontrollably and abnormally. The cancer can take the form of a benign growth that does not cause any problems throughout one's lifetime or malignant tumor that turns aggressive and invades other parts of the body.











After diagnosis of prostate cancer, additional tests are required to find out if cancer cells are confined to the prostate or have spread to other regions in the body. This is achieved by bone scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The decision on the choice of treatment also depends on the profile of the patient and the aggressiveness of the cancer. As signs and symptoms of prostate cancer tend to show up late, it may be already in the advanced stage upon first detection.

+ In patients where prostate cancer is involving other organs and where medical care is not possible, they are prescribed hormonal therapy to control symptoms and improve quality of life.

+  As the male sex hormone testosterone fuels the growth of prostate cancer cells, removing it will result in tumor cells not being able to survive. For those with severe cancer profile and in good health, surgical procedure may necessitate the removal of prostate, both testes, surrounding tissue and seminal vesicles. In some instances, the pelvic lymph nodes around the prostate gland may also be removed. Usually a 15cm incision below the navel in the midline of the abdomen is performed.

+ Radiation therapy entails the use of high energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Hormonal therapy is usually applied at the same time.

+ Chemotherapy therapy is usually given to patients with advanced cancer not responsive to hormonal treatment. This modality involves drugs used to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing or stopping them from dividing.

+ In more advanced stage, highly potent drugs have to be prescribed when conventional treatment like chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are no longer effective.

+  Vaccine therapy and bone-directed therapies may also be necessary for some patients.

For all the above treatment options be prepared to endure discomfort and pain from complications.

The Natural Way to Solve Prostate Problem

Recent study from a German medical team shows that men who subject themselves to repeated biopsies to diagnose prostate cancer could suffer from temporary erectile dysfunction (side effect decreases with time) and in some cases, lingering problems with urination, such as straining to pass urine and frequent night-time trips to the toilet.

Taking more samples during the biopsy should increase the chances of finding any tumor. However, all those needle sticks may come with a cost due to the damage to the "neurovascular bundle" a maze of nerves and blood vessels close to the prostate.

There are a number of well-controlled clinical studies that confirm the safe and effective use of saw palmetto for the treatment of BPH. Saw palmetto extracts can reduce the activity of 5-alpha-reductase by about 40%, and hence reduce the uptake of dihydrotestosterone by the prostate gland. The active substances in saw palmetto berries, such as the phytosterols, provide beneficial effects such as increased urinary flow, increased ease in commencing urination, reduced post-voiding residual volume, decreased frequency of urination, and a decreased urge to void during the night. While saw palmetto effectively diminishes the symptoms of BPH, it appears to act without reducing the size of the prostate.

Experiments have shown that men with an enlarged prostate who received an extract of saw palmetto for 30 days experienced 45% less nocturnal trips to the bathroom, a 50% increase in urinary flow rates, diminished residual urinary volume, and less pain during urination. After three months 90% of the patients reported much lesser problems with no side effects.

Our comments

Making dietary changes and regular exercises may slow the progress of prostate disorders. Men should increase the intake of vitamins and minerals from whole food, such as flaxseed, tomato and soybean. Low fat and high fiber diet are no longer important to just women, but also men. Beside, health authorities should educate public on the importance of healthy prostate and encourage them to be brave when faced with such 'embarrassing' issue.

Scoring & VIVA Recommendations

Total Score	Severity	ProsmettTM
0 - 7	Mild or no symptoms	1 capsule twice daily after meal (Preventive dosage)
8 - 19	Moderate	2 capsules twice daily after meal
20 - 35	Severe	3 capsules twice daily after meal

It is recommended that all adults men especially those above 40 years old to take preventive dosage of VIVA Prosmett even without any symptoms. It contains natural bioactive botanical and herbal compounds like saw palmetto extract, pygeum bark extract, tomato extracts, wheat germ powder that are widely recognised to exert protective effects within the prostrate gland and urinary system. Other ingredients include:

Beta-sitosterol (found in soybean) naturally inhibits the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone which stimulates enlargement of the prostate

Pumpkin seed extract inhibits production of testosterone, a hormone which contributes to an enlarged prostate

Red clover extract helps decrease total prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland that is often elevated in the presence of prostate disorders

Green tea extract reduces oxidative DNA damage and inflammation  

Antioxidant vitamins A and E, and trace minerals selenium and zinc fight against free radicals and maintain proper functioning of the prostate.

Phytonutrients such as tomato lycopene have high antioxidant activity and supports healthy PSA levels.

For prostate cancer, viva products to consider - germanium, selguard, vivashield, oxypower, dailyguard, floraguard, greem barley, Omega 3.