Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Photo by Marcel Heil on Unsplash Written by Amanda Williams, MPH The Standard American Diet (SAD) is known to be high in carbohydrates. But the rate at which our bodies convert those carbs into sugar is very high. That’s where Benfotiamine comes in! Think about …
Written by Amanda Williams, MPH Doctorate in Medicine from Xavier University in Aruba With the busy lives that we lead, we are all looking for the best way to get more energy. It is one of the most common complaints customers ask me about; they …
Written by Amanda Williams, MPH
You often hear men say, “If I could only have the stamina of when I was a twenty year old”. Well, the great news is that there are so many alternatives to prescriptions and medications available to support your libido and enhance your overall sexual performance the natural way. Nowadays, we are bombarded by commercials on pharmaceutical agents that are prescribed to men with erectile dysfunction. These medications can have multiple unwanted side effects (have you listened to a TV commercial promoting a product for erectile dysfunction lately?) and are not always an option for men with certain health conditions. So let’s look at a few key nutrients that may help support overall sexual health and libido.
Let’s start with the basics, like the amazing amino acid L-arginine, which allows for the release of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide (NO) is a vasodilator, naturally occurring in the body that requires arginine for its release.[1] L-Arginine is the only substrate in the biosynthesis of NO, which plays critical roles in diverse physiological processes in the human body including neurotransmission, vasorelaxation, cytotoxicity and immunity. L-Arginine is engaged in several metabolic pathways within the human body. It is an essential component of the urea cycle, the only pathway in mammals that allows the elimination of toxic ammonia from the body.
There are many herbs that can play a supportive role in enhancing sexual performance that have been extensively studied for their multiple health benefits.
In late 2008, investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital conducted a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study of two different doses of Maca Root for the treatment of sexual dysfunction related to the use of the selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of modern antidepressant drugs. Researchers found that after giving Maca Root extract to both men and women on a daily basis, participants experienced a significant improvement in a standardized score of sexual function, while subjects taking a placebo did not.[2]
Muira puma extract, commonly called the “Viagra of the Amazon”, is another great herb for overall male sexual support, as it has been shown to have adrenal adaptogen-like properties to help support stress, as well as being a well-known aphrodisiac. [3]
Horny goat weed, also known as Icariin, is a powerful extract that has been studied for its ability to mimic testosterone.[4] Icariin may further support the ability to maintain an erection by blocking phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5)-the enzyme responsible for causing erections to subside.[5] This extract has been shown to also enhance the release of nitric oxide and optimize the vasodilatory action of obtaining an erection.[6]
Shown to support male hormonal balance, libido and performance, Long Jack Extract is also known as Tongkat Ali and Eurycoma longifolia. This Southeast Asian botanical is used traditionally to enhance energy levels, endurance and stamina.[7]
According to Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center, Tribulus Terrestris extract is a perennial herb that grows in the subtropical regions of eastern and western Asia, southern Europe, and Africa. It is used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine systems for chest pain, heart-related problems, dizziness, skin and eye disorders, to expel kidney stones, and as a diuretic.[8] A recent pilot study evaluating Tribulus in men with partial androgen deficiency showed significant differences in testosterone levels and erectile function.
There are a wide array of nutrients that may help to support a healthy libido and enhance sexual performance. It is important to recognize that hormone levels can and will change as we age. This is why I always encourage men (and women!) to get their hormone levels tested with their doctor. Feeling youthful and vivacious is the key to a long life. Do not let low hormone levels get you down and out of the game, when there really are so many wonderful nutrients that are available to support your needs.
References:
[1] Mayo Clinic Drugs and Supplements, www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/arginine
[2] Dording CM, Fisher L, Papakostas G, et al. A double-blind, randomized, pilot dose-finding study of Maca root (L. Meyenii) for the management of SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2008;14(3):182-91
[3] Plato AL, Detanico BC, Link VM, et al. Anti-stress effects of the “tonic”Ptychopetalum olacoides (Marapuama) in mice. Phtyomedicine. 2010 Mar;17(3-4):248-53
[4] Zhang ZB, Yang QT. The testosterone mimetic properties of icariin. Asian J Androl. 2006 Sep;8(5):601-5
[5] Dell’Agli M, Galli GV, Dal Cero E, et al. Potent inhibition of human phosphodiesterase-5 by icariin derivatives. J Nat Prod. 2008 Sep;71(9):1513-7
[6] Xu HB, Huang ZQ. Icariin enhances endothelial nitric-oxide synthase expression on human endothelial cells in vitro. Vascul Pharmacol. 2007 Jul;47(1):18-24
[7] Kotirum, Surachai et al. Efficacy of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) on erectile function improvement: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine , Volume 23 , Issue 5 , 693 – 698
[8] Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/tribulus-terrestris
Amanda Williams, MPH
Director of Nutrition– Boca Raton, Florida, 561.367.8646
Amanda Williams holds a doctorate in medicine from Xavier University in Aruba, a Masters degree in Public Health from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Mary’s College Orchard Lake. Amanda has spent the last ten years focused on nutrition and wellness. Her background in disease state management allows for a unique nutritional approach to many of the most common health concerns. She has successfully completed training as an instructor in Diabetes Self-Management through Stanford University. To stay on top of the wellness world, she continues to obtain medical education credits through the American Academy of Anti-Aging. Listen to Amanda LIVE on InVite® Health Radio at www.invite.nyc! Email Amanda Williams: [email protected]
Amanda Williams holds a doctorate in medicine from Xavier University in Aruba, a Masters degree in Public Health from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Mary’s College Orchard Lake. Amanda has spent the last ten years focused on nutrition and …
Amanda Williams holds a doctorate in medicine from Xavier University in Aruba, a Master’s degree in Public Health from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Mary’s College Orchard Lake. Her background in disease state management allows for a unique nutritional …
I strongly disagree with the unfortunate negative reports that encourage people to avoid all forms of soy in the diet. I will agree that the overuse of the highly-processed government subsidized soy (which is GMO soy) is not a healthy choice for you. However, if you are choosing an organic, non-GMO soy product, you really can reap great benefits from the soy isoflavone, genestein.
Types of Estrogen Receptors
If you look at the research, such as from the Shanghai Women’s Health Study, where close to 75,000 women participated and reported their daily intake of soy found that the women with the highest intake of soy during adolescents and adulthood had a nearly a 60% reduced risk of breast cancer. We now know that there are two different estrogen receptors – alpha and beta. What we also know from study is that the overexpression of estrogen receptor alpha has been linked to breast, endometrial, colon, ovarian, liver, and prostate cancers. Where the estrogen receptor beta counteracts the cancer causing effects of the alpha receptor. Now, when it comes to soy, the most abundant isoflavone is genistein. Genestein activates the protective beta receptors and actually causes the harmful alpha receptors to self-destruct.
Soy beverage protects some patients with dangerous prostate cancer
Health Benefits of Soy
The health benefits of soy are impressive – from cholesterol support to cancer fighting properties. Soy is considered to be a weak phytoestrogen, also known as a plant-based estrogen. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, “phytoestrogens don’t always mimic estrogens. In some tissues, they actually block the action of estrogen. If soy’s estrogen-blocking action occurs in the breast, then eating soy could, in theory, reduce the risk of breast cancer because estrogen stimulates the growth and multiplication of breast and breast cancer cells.” This comes down to the ability of the estrogen beta receptor being able to cause the alpha receptor to self-destruct. We know that soy contains very powerful antioxidants and we know the importance that antioxidants play in combating free radicals damage to our cells. Diets that are rich in soy isoflavones have been shown to support healthy cardiovascular systems by releasing Nitric Oxide, to keep good healthy blood flow through our blood vessels. Another benefit of a diet rich in soy isoflavones is that it is an excellent source of magnesium – a mineral responsible for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. The low glycemic index of soy makes it an ideal food for anyone concerned with blood sugar control, which should include everyone!
This study says soy builds bone and causes fat loss!
Soy Protein
Soy protein is just as it sounds; it is only the protein-containing portion of the soybean. Whole food soy products will contain protein, fiber and some carbohydrates. This makes it a great protein choice, especially for those who are not getting protein from animal sources. Now, soy protein can be extracted and processed in a variety of different ways and this is where problems can arise. You always want to use Non-GMO sourced soy no matter if you are eating whole food sources of soy, such as tofu and edamame, or if it is an isolated protein form. Cheap genetically modified soy proteins are used as fillers in a variety of food products such as salad dressings, cereals, breads, cheeses, and pet foods. Try and find a can of tuna fish that does not contain soy as a filler and you will find it challenging. The overall health benefits of soy have been proven through multiple scientific published studies. Unfortunately, like so many things in the nutrition world, misinformation and lack of scientific evidence can run the headlines and lead to unwarranted fears. Choose an organic, non- GMO soy product to reap the benefits that soy has to offer.
Source: http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/89/6/1920.long