A recent study was released last week from German researchers that show a substantial link between men who begin to experience ED problems and an increasing problem with heart disease. As we are all engaged in the national discussion on the passage of health care reform last night, I felt it appropriate to briefly discuss this study and how men can begin address the connections of decreasing testosterone, ED issues, and the life threatening disease of the circulation system and thus the dreaded heart attack or stroke.
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Although I have some knowledge on the need for exercise to maintain a healthy body, the science involved in combining exercise, testosterone, and a healthy heart may be beyond my pay grade. But much of it is now being researched and we all need to heed medical advice on a healthy diet and intensive exercise.
Links to Google search for articles
From the Study
The men with ED and cardiovascular disease were:
1.9 times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease
Twice as likely to have a heart attack
1.2 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure
1.1 times more likely to have a stroke
Researchers have known for years that there is a link between erectile dysfunction, commonly abbreviated as ED, and heart disease, said Dr. Sahil Parikh, an interventional cardiologist from University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland who was not involved in the study. "But now there is pretty clear evidence that there is a substantially increased risk of heart attack and death when patients have erectile dysfunction."
I would encourage you to consider the results and its implications for your health. Most men are apprehensive about discussing problems in the bedroom. Hell, we seldom even visit a doctor. Yet, one of the most advertised male help for ED problems is on the TV all the time. Whether she is smiling adoringly at her partner or holding hands while lying in separate bathtubs and dreaming about the near future, we know that this problem is important to both male and female.
Now we learn that more is involved than just sexual functioning. The health risks are more physical than just taking Viagra or Cialis. Thousands of men see their doctors to discuss this issue. Or do they simply ask the doctor at the last minute for a prescription?
The human body is an amazing creation of evolution and a possible supreme hand. No where on the body does tiny microscopic blood caprillaries produce such sensations as it does in the sexual functioning of both men and women. It is very logical that if these tiny blood sources begin to close off and possibly seal forever, that sexual functioning is altered.
The problem that this study exposes is that the link between a man and his doctor (GP) may be dysfunctional. Do doctors spend the needed time to counsel the man on other options than Viagra or is it simpler just to write the prescription and move on to the next man down the hall. Yes, Viagra may be the easy way and for some small percentage it may be the only way.
As men near the age of 35-40, the body begins to produce less testosterone. Most of us think it is just a product of aging. Just like we think that it is natural for us to lose about 1% of our muscle mass each year after we reach age 40. But in reality, it is reversible to a small degree. And the window of opportunity narrows as men get older.
We can influence our health and vitality in so many ways while we are in our 20's and 30's yet many men do not invest the time and knowledge to make the needed health changes. If one thing comes from our historic health care bill, I truly hope that it will gradually increase the chances for all of us to receive regular annual health checkups that encourage more dialogue. We all know how important it is to invest financially for our future. It works the same way for our health. Investment needs to begin at a very early age in proper diet and exercise in order to build a higher level of muscles and to maintain a high level of sexual awareness and functioning well into one's golden years.
Men need to be concerned about maintaining a high level of testosterone as long as possible. Studies show that this can be accomplished in most men. Diets that include such common foods as almonds, blueberries, celery, cabbage, oily omega-3 fats, bananas, or wild game meats all will contribute to higher levels. The key for improving T levels is zinc. Monitor your diet and make sure you are receiving adequate levels.
Studies show that men who perform intensive exercises also improve T levels. Using weights at least 80% of one time maximums and performing compound lifts that emphasize the legs and glutes are primary in this effort. High intensity training whether in running, rowing, or spinning are also crucial. But studies show that if these exercises exceed one hour the level of T production actually begins to drop.
As men begin to exercise and increase the production of natural testosterone, we also see a reduction of weight. This occurs most often around the waist and around the internal organs of the body. As the shift is toward more T, then the inbalance of estrogen is corrected and improvement can be seen in breast size of obese men.
All of us here at WHEE are concerned with our health. Maybe this HCR discussion can now move from political rage to a more tempered discussion of improving our health. Maybe, just maybe, there can now be more discussion with our GP's on natural yet scientific ways we can lose body fat, maintain needed levels of T, exercise often and intensively to improve blood flow, and through a balanced diet increase our body's performance in many areas for longer years.
Here's to your health. The discussion hopefully begins now!