Ayurveda - Ayurhelp.com

Erectile Dysfunction Linked To Smoking

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:08:00 +0000

Erectile Dysfunction Linked To Smoking
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070727153458.htm
A team of researchers led by Jiang He, Professor of Epidemiology at the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, examined the association between cigarette smoking and erectile dysfunction in a 2000-2001 study in China involving 7,684 men.

The team found that there was a significant statistical link between the number of cigarettes that men smoked and the likelihood they would experience erectile dysfunction. The association between smoking and erectile dysfunction was even stronger in participants with diabetes. An estimated 22.7 percent of erectile dysfunction cases among Chinese men might be attributable to cigarette smoking, says the study.

Although erectile dysfunction is not a life-threatening condition, it compromises well-being and quality of life. The Tulane study results suggest that smoking prevention should be an important approach for reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Posted By Dr.Savitha Suri Ayurveda help through ayurveda consultations

Male Painters Exposed To Fertility Damaging Chemicals

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:34:00 +0000

Men working as painters and decorators who are exposed to glycol ethers are more likely to have poor semen quality, according to research carried out by scientists from the Universities of Sheffield and Manchester.

Sperm motility is an important factor in the fertility of men and the concentration of motile sperm per ejaculate has shown to be linked with conception. However, the size and shape of sperm (morphology) and the quality of sperm DNA are also important factors that may be affected by chemical exposure.

The researchers however did conclude that, apart from glycol ether, there are currently few workplace chemical threats to male fertility.

In additional to chemical exposure, the study looked at other non-chemical factors in the men's lifestyle. The researchers discovered that men who had undergone previous surgery to the testicles or who undertook manual work were more likely to have low motile sperm counts, whereas men who drank alcohol regularly or wore boxer shorts were more likely to have better semen quality.

Read Complete article at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/108733.php

Posted By Dr.Savitha Suri Ayurveda Help through ayurveda consultations

Erectile Dysfunction From Bike Riding: New Report From Harvard Medical School Explains How To Protect Yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 07:30:00 +0000

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/62639.php

Research suggests that riding a bike for long periods can cause temporary erectile difficulties, explains "What to Do about Erectile Dysfunction," a new report from Harvard Medical School. The risk appears highest among men who cycle more than three hours a week.

Sitting on a bicycle for a long time puts pressure on the perineum, the area between the genitals and anus. This pressure can harm nerves and temporarily impede blood flow, causing tingling or numbness in the penis and, eventually, erectile dysfunction. However, one study showed that while a conventional bicycle caused a dramatic (though temporary) drop in oxygen supply to the penis, a recumbent bicycle did not.

If you don't want to switch to a recumbent bike, these precautions may help you prevent cycling-related erectile problems:

-- Wear padded biking shorts.

-- Raise the handlebars so that you're sitting relatively upright. This shifts pressure from the perineum to the buttocks.

-- Use a wide, well-padded or gel-filled seat instead a narrow seat, which places more pressure on the perineum.

-- Position the seat to reduce pressure: Make sure it is not so high that your legs are fully extended at the bottom of your pedal stroke, and don't tilt the seat up.

-- Change your position and take breaks during long rides.

-- If you feel tingling or numbness in the penis, stop riding for a week or two.

Harvard Health Publications
http://www.health.harvard.edu/ED

POsted By Dr.Savitha Suri http://www.ayurhelp.com Ayurveda help through ayurveda consultations

Oily Skin - Beauty Face Packs

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:37:00 +0000

1. 2 teaspoons of honey mixed well in one egg white makes a very good face pack for oily skin. Apply this on face and wash it off with plain water after 10 minutes

2. Place thin slices of apple on face for 15 minutes.This removes excess oil from face.

3. mix neem leaves juice with corn flour in equal proportion. Add little water to make it thin. Apply this pack on oily skin and wash it off with cold water when it dries.

4. Prepare a scrub with green gram flour and dilute buttermilk. Scrub the face gently and wash it off with cold water. This removes dirt, dead skin and excess oil from oily skin

5.A mixture of fresh mint leaves' juice, gram flour, lime juice and papaya pulp is a healthy face pack for oily skin.

6.Before applying a make up for oily skin dab your face with lime juice and wash it off after 5-6 minutes.

Posted By Dr.Savitha Suri
Ayurveda help through free ayurveda consulatations

Antidepressant Associated Changes In Semen Parameters

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:15:00 +0000

Antidepressant Associated Changes In Semen Parameters

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/57127.php

UroToday.com - The authors describe 2 patients who have had severely impaired sperm concentration and motility closely associated with the use of antidepressant medications.

They noted a temporal relationship between abnormal semen parameters and antidepressant therapy in these two patients. Each had normal semen parameters off medications.

The evaluation of each patient was unremarkable. While on antidepressant medications, both patients produced semen samples with marked impairment of sperm concentration and/or motility. Each patient demonstrated a normalization of sperm concentration and motility after discontinuation of antidepressants.

The authors hypothesize that Serotonin-reuptake inhibitor antidepressants may affect sperm transport, resulting in impaired sperm motility and concentration for some patients.

Related Blogs and web pages
http://www.ayurhelp.com/2008/04/sunny-holidays-hit-sperm-count.html
http://www.ayurhelp.com/2007/12/eating-soya-could-slash-mens-sperm.html
http://www.ayurhelp.com/lowspermcount.htm
http://www.ayurhelp.com/increase_sperm_count.htm

Normal skin care

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:05:00 +0000

Normal skin is usually a problem free skin. (without acne, pimples, scars and marks)

1.Wash it with rose water in morning. Add few drops of pomegranate leaf juice to 1/2 mug of water and wash your face with it. Do not use face wash with alcohol
2.Apply a moisturising lotion which is free of petrolium product.
3.Always use good quality make up and remove make up with herbal skin cleanser before going to bed.
4.Use normal skin face pack which prevents drying of your skin
5.Apply a good moisturizing lotion to your body after bath
6.Do not forget to massage your body with gingelly oil (sesame oil) once in a week.
7.Use besan flour as scrub for body skin.

Posted By Dr.Savitha Suri http://www.ayurhelp.com

Exercise is a natural pain reliever for arthritis

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Sun, 18 May 2008 04:55:00 +0000

Exercise is a natural pain reliever for arthritis

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=37163
It may seem counterintuitive to exercise when suffering with joint pain, but physical activity is actually a natural pain reliever for most people suffering from arthritis.

A recent study published in Arthritis Care and Research journal concluded that regular exercise, specifically the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, is an effective course in significantly improving and managing arthritis pain. This is good news for the aging population of U.S. baby boomers who want to get back to basics with a natural remedy for pain. In fact, arthritis is projected to increase by 40 percent, affecting 67 million Americans, in the next two decades.

The in-depth study looked at the effectiveness of the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, developed in 1987 to reduce pain and stiffness by keeping joints flexible and muscles strong. Key findings of the study include participants reporting a decrease in pain and fatigue, an increase in upper and lower extremity function, and an increase in strength after participating in the basic, eight-week exercise program. Also, participants who continued the exercise program independently, beyond eight weeks, sustained improvement in reduced stiffness.

Posted By Dr.Savitha Suri
Ayurveda Help through ayurveda consultations

Holiday Skincare Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Fri, 09 May 2008 06:54:00 +0000

Holiday Skincare Tips

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/91728.php

Whether at a party, on vacation or out in the winter cold, following a few simple steps can help maintain healthy skin throughout the holiday season, according to the experts at Smoothmed, a New York-based walk-in botox boutique. To follow is a list of Smoothmed's do's and don'ts to help keep skin merry and bright throughout the holiday season.

- Apply an extra dose of moisturizer prior to a party to help keep skin hydrated.

- Increase acne regimen in days leading up to the party.

- Avoid salty foods for at least two to three days prior to a party to prevent puffy eyes.
- Increase your water intake to keep yourself hydrated and counter the effects of alcohol and chocolate.

- Don't get an injectable treatment such as Botox on the day of a party. Make sure to plan a treatment two weeks in advance to allow the treatment two to five days to work and to avoid bruising.

- Don't get a facial peel on the day of a party. This should be done one week before an event to avoid redness and irritation.

- Test sun block on your skin before purchasing it to make sure it doesn't irritate your skin.

- If you have sensitive skin, bring your own pillow case on a trip, as your skin may react negatively to the hotel's laundry detergent.

- If you're going to be skiing, consider a heavy greasy moisturizer to protect your skin from the cold wind.

- Don't put bug repellent directly on your skin. Instead, spray your hat and collar.

- Pack all of your skin and acne products when going on a trip, as the change in environment and diet can induce acne.

Posted By Dr.Savitha Suri
http://www.ayurhelp.com

Smoking And Obesity May Increase The Risk Of Erectile Dysfunction

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Sun, 04 May 2008 07:50:00 +0000

Smoking And Obesity May Increase The Risk Of Erectile Dysfunction
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/46104.php

A prospective study by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) has found that obesity and smoking are strongly associated with a greater risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). Meanwhile, regular physical activity appeared to have a significant impact on lowering the risk of ED. This is the first large-scale prospective study to examine the links between ED and smoking, obesity, alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle. The study will appear in the July 2006 issue of The Journal of Urology.

The researchers, led by Constance Bacon, a former post-doctoral fellow at HSPH, and Eric Rimm, associate professor of epidemiology and nutrition at HSPH, surveyed 22,086 healthy subjects between the ages of 40 and 75 from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study who reported good or very good erectile function and no major chronic disease before 1986. Among the participants, 17.7 percent (3,905) reported new onset of ED between 1986 and 2000. The researchers adjusted the results to take into account those with and without prostate cancer during the follow-up period, since prostate cancer treatments, such as radiation or surgery, may lead to ED.

The results showed that both smoking and obesity were associated with a higher risk of the development of ED among previously healthy men with good erectile function. The researchers also found that regular physical activity showed a strong inverse association with ED risk. "We found a 2.5-fold difference in risk of ED when we compared obese men who did little exercise with men who were not overweight and averaged 30 minutes of vigorous exercise a day. (Obesity was defined as a body mass index of more than 30 kilograms in weight divided by the square of height in meters.) For men younger than 55 there was a 4-fold difference in risk for the same comparison," said Rimm. Alcohol consumption did not increase the risk of ED. In general, men without prostate cancer showed stronger associations with these lifestyle factors than those with prostate cancer.

These results suggest that ED and coronary heart disease may share many of the same risk factors. Rimm said the results should encourage men to follow a more healthy lifestyle. "Many men may choose not to change to a healthier lifestyle, which includes exercise and a prudent diet, because they perceive heart disease as something that may only develop decades in the future. Hopefully, these results will help to motivate men to adopt a more active lifestyle to avoid a problem which may be more immediate," he said.

Posted By Dr.Savitha Suri
Ayurveda help through ayurveda remedies

Sunny holidays 'hit sperm count'

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Thu, 01 May 2008 04:48:00 +0000

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6688963.stm

Going abroad for a relaxing holiday before trying for a baby may not be a good idea, fertility experts say. Officials at the Bourn Hall Clinic in Cambridgeshire say soaking up the sun in tight trunks may be one of the worst preparations for fathering a child.

Australian research has shown that too much heat can reduce sperm count and slow down the surviving sperm.

But other experts cast doubt on the claims, although they said it may be wise to be cautious.

Many couples feel that a foreign break improves their chances of conceiving by allowing them to relax fully.

However, sperm takes eight weeks to mature in the testes, and during that period, is vulnerable to any changes in temperature.

The testes naturally hang outside the body to keep them cool, and confining them in tight underwear, or dipping them in the hot tub may not be a good idea, it is claimed.

Dr Thomas Mathews, the Medical Director at Bourn Hall, the world's first assisted conception clinic, said: "We find that at an initial consultation men may have a normal sperm count, but in some cases this has declined when we check again before treatment, which may be several months later.

"It is only recently that it has occurred to us that there may be a seasonal effect at work."

Hot baths
He said experiments had found that exposing the testes to heat over long periods led to a decreased sperm count.

In the 1950s, it was even suggested that regular hot baths could be a successful contraceptive.

Modern IVF methods do not require large numbers of viable sperm, as a single sperm can be used to fertilise an egg, in a process called ICSI.

The Australian research on animals found that heating the testes caused cell death, and a subsequent reduction in the numbers of sperm in the semen.

In addition, the sperm that were present had a reduced swimming ability, and might therefore be less capable of fertilisation.

But Sheffield University fertility expert Dr Allan Pacey said: "If this was a major effect, I think we would see people having problems conceiving in every country in the Tropics.

"However, it's worth being cautious, as there is some evidence that scrotal heating can have an effect on DNA quality in sperm."

Posted by Dr.Savitha Suri Ayurveda help through ayurveda consultations

Men’s Health – Diabetes

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:43:00 +0000

Men’s Health – Diabetes

http://www.healthnews.com/family-health/mens-health/mens-health-diabetes-458.html

Individuals who suffer from diabetes are at higher risk for kidney disease, arteriosclerosis, blindness, heart disease, nerve diseases, and are at greater risk for infections than the general population.

Because diabetes can cause problems related to the nerves and blood vessels it can cause neuropathy, a condition which causes nerve damage throughout the body. Erectile dysfunction, as a result of neuropathy is common in more than half of men who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Nerve damage does not allow proper communication to achieve an erection, and narrow blood vessel damage does not allow healthy circulation of blood in and out of the penis. The emotional response to engage in intercourse is there, but nerve damage and blood vessel constriction do not allow the proper physical response. This type of problem, diabetes related erectile dysfunction, does not respond as well to drugs such as Viagra as non diabetes related erectile dysfunction.

A diabetic male who is experiencing erectile dysfunction should speak to his health professional. This will determine if the problem is entirely related to diabetes.

Other ways to help with the diabetes related problems include:

• Controlling blood sugar
• Avoid all forms of tobacco
• Reduce or avoid alcohol consumption
• Seek treatment for cardiovascular risk
• Seek counseling if diabetes and erectile dysfunction are causing depression

Diabetes, if neglected, can lead to serious health issues besides erectile dysfunction. Proper diet and a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce the consequences of diabetes and if treatment is started early and is persistent, the risk of erectile dysfunction and other health problems will be greatly reduced. If you believe you have symptoms of diabetes see your health care professional immediately.

Posted By Dr.Savitha Suri
Ayurveda help through ayurveda consultations

Men’s Health – Diabetes

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:43:00 +0000

A nanotech solution to wrinkled skin

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 03:47:00 +0000

A nanotech solution to wrinkled skin

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2007/January/09010602.asp

Those of us unhappy with our ageing skin may find solace in nanotechnology. Researchers who have discovered that nanoparticles prevent thin polymer films from buckling say their concept could be applied to stop human skin wrinkling too.

Nanoparticles are already marketed in cosmetic skin products; usually because they can penetrate much deeper into skin than conventional creams, delivering vitamins that are supposed to plump and soften the skin, reducing wrinkling. The approach of Ilsoon Lee, of Michigan State University, US, is somewhat different: nanoparticles in sufficient concentration, he suggests, may stop the skin ever wrinkling in the first place.

That's because the same underlying principles of wrinkling lie behind human skin and the polymer film systems which Lee has been investigating. Human skin, Lee says, consists of a thinner outer layer (the epidermis, around 50-100 ?m thick) resting on top of a thicker layer (the dermis, around 1-3 mm thick). Similarly, thin polymer films used to create anticorrosion, water-repelling, or biocompatible surfaces, and also in electronic devices like thin film transistor (TFT) screens, are formed on top of a thicker substrate - a flexible plastic, for example.

Although skin is a living material, vastly more complicated than a polymer film, Lee believes that both heated film and aged skin wrinkle permanently because they stiffen up more than the soft plastic or dermis below them. The same effect is seen in dried fruits, when thin dried skin stiffens over a soft interior.

Lee and his colleague Troy Hendricks wanted to prevent polymer films from buckling as they were compressed or heated during the manufacturing process. Wrinkled films, Lee told Chemistry World, can be a problem for electronic applications; for instance, the wrinkles can approach the size of the increasingly small features printed on the film, disrupting an electronic device's function.

The researchers found that 50 nm silica particles deposited in layers through a thin polyelectrolyte film stopped the film from wrinkling up when heated or compressed. Lee suggests that the particles work by redistributing stress forces out of the plane of the film. The nanoparticles might affect the film's performance, Lee conceded; though in the case he tried, the film stayed transparent to light as required. His group are testing different sorts of nanoparticles, of varying size and shape, to see if they have the same anti-wrinkling properties.

In themselves, said Geoffrey Ozin of the University of Toronto, California, US, these results are 'extremely interesting and scientifically surprising'. But Lee thinks that the same principles could be applied in a cosmetic product or implantable device to stop skin wrinkling too.

'We don't mean that people will literally bombard their skin with nanoparticles,' Lee told Chemistry World (though he pointed out that injecting a toxin, Botox, into one's skin to remove wrinkles also sounds strange). Instead, he speculates that wrinkle-free film could be sandwiched between protecting layers, to be used in artificial skins for surgery, or implanted onto a face. Another route involves a topical cream containing materials which act in human skin as the nanoparticles behave in thin films.

There are obvious health and safety issues with such applications - the nanoparticles will have to be cleared for toxicity. Nor may Lee's technique be generally applicable, if skin doesn't behave in the same way as thin films do. But it's an intriguing possibility: one more cosmetic spin-off to add to nanotech's lengthening list.

Posted By Dr.Savitha Suri of ayurveda help

When Stress Gets You Down

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 11:44:00 +0000

When Stress Gets You Down

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=51148

Worried about your sex life? Ease up. You don't have to let stress get in the way of a good erection

When trouble strikes men below the belt, it often comes as a surprise -- not to mention the shock. And whether it's erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, one of the main culprits is stress -- even if you don't realize that the torment in your brain is the cause of distress down below. But understanding the inner workings of erections can help get you back on track.

To understand how erections work, here's a crash course.

Erections 101

Most of the neural communications from our brain down to our spinal cord are involved in everyday voluntary tasks -- activities you normally can control -- such as coordinating the muscles for shaking hands, signing checks, or dancing. However, one set of communications, controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS), regulates all sorts of the good, visceral stuff such as blushing, gooseflesh, and orgasms.

The ANS has two parts. The sympathetic nervous system mediates sexual arousal, reaction to emergencies, and vigilance by increasing your heart rate, boosting your blood pressure, and speeding your breathing. It's responsible for the classic "fight-or-flight" response, which is mediated by two main chemical messengers, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine.

The parasympathetic nervous system, in contrast, primarily counters the sympathetic one by mediating the body's calm and vegetative functions. Eat a big meal, take a nap, meditate, and the parasympathetics kick in, slowing down your heart rate, breathing, and so on.

Like most other organs in the body, the penis receives both sympathetic and parasympathetic messages, and proper sexual function requires an impressive amount of choreography between these two branches of the ANS. To begin with, the parasympathetics need to modify blood flow to the spongy tissues of the penis so that they fill up and an erection can occur. That's simply how the organ works. Terrific. So far, so good.

And what may happen next? Well, for social reasons that may have had something to do with, er, getting that erection in the first place, a guy might just begin to feel -- how should I say this -- a little less calm and vegetative. He begins to breathe faster. His blood pressure goes up. In short, the sympathetic system kicks in throughout the body. With more and more sexual arousal, activation of the sympathetics increases and he holds on to (figuratively speaking) the parasympathetic aspect of the situation as long as he can. Finally, he can control things no longer. The sympathetic system reaches its height of stimulation, he ejaculates, and the parasympathetics are inhibited, resulting in the loss of the erection, usually within a short period of time.

Erections Gone Awry

During significant stress, one of two things may occur. In the first scenario, the male becomes too anxious to establish enough parasympathetic input to the penis to get the erection in the first place. The result is stress-induced impotence.

In the other scenario, the guy has managed to get an erection but then becomes anxious about something -- say, Alan Greenspan and the prime lending rate -- and shazzam, his ANS rapidly shifts from calm, vegetative parasympathetic to adrenaline-surge sympathetic. Things have gone too fast, and he suffers from either loss of erection or premature ejaculation (or both).

Interestingly, it requires remarkably little stress for the autonomic system to produce erectile dysfunction. And more than a few men are affected. Although statistics are, as you might imagine, difficult to compile, the National Institutes of Health estimates that 5% of 40-year-olds and 15%-25% of those 65 years and up have this problem. Causes can be broadly classified as "psychogenic" (the result of psychological factors) or "organic" (the result of such conditions as blockage of the blood vessels supplying the penis, as can occur in atherosclerosis or diabetes); or nervous system abnormalities that limit the ability to direct blood to the penis (as can occur after a stroke or in multiple sclerosis).

Stress vs. Disease

So, how does the average guy tell the difference between erection problems due to stress (psychogenic) and those due to physical problems (organic)? It's simple, really. He needs to figure out what his penis is doing while he is asleep. Human males, like most other primates, normally have erections at that time, particularly during the rapid eye movement stage, when dreaming occurs. If a man has normal nocturnal (while sleeping) erections, the inability to perform is almost certainly psychogenic. If the nocturnal erections are disrupted, there's a high likelihood of underlying organic problems.

Health care professionals check for nocturnal erections by using a high-tech, electronic pressure cuff transducer. They attach the device to the base of the guy's penis, wire it up to satellite relays, 24-hour operators -- the works -- and by the next morning they have an answer: thumbs up or down on the erection. A drawback of this, of course, is that you may be so convinced that the damned thing is going to electrocute you during the night that it becomes a stressor in and of itself.

The Postage Stamp Test

A great low-tech alternative that you can try at home is to take a strip of postage stamps, loop it snugly around the base of the flaccid penis, overlapping the ends by one stamp (moistening the overlapping stamp) to make a sealed loop. If the stamp roll is broken in the morning, there was a nocturnal erection. (Alcohol, sedatives, or sleep-inducing medications should be avoided for two days prior to the test, to help ensure you're in peak condition.)

Isn't that simple? Spending a paltry $2.22 (you do the math if you really want to know the average number of 37-cent stamps needed, although penny stamps would work just as well) gives you a result probably just as good as that from the more technological version (but insurance plans won't likely pay for it).

The Speed Problem

So much for the erection problem. What about that other dilemma: stress-inducted premature ejaculation? One solution would obviously be to figure out how to feel less stressed about whatever it may be that is wreaking penile havoc.

But a second strategy targets the wiring. To slow himself down, a man can just try taking slow, deep breaths. Simple stretching of the chest muscles triggers a relaxation reflex that results in parasympathetic stimulation throughout the body. This, in turn, helps to hold the sympathetic component at bay just a little longer -- and that might just save the day.

Robert Sapolsky is professor of biological sciences at Stanford University and of neurology at Stanford University School of Medicine. Among his books are Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers: A Guide to Stress, Stress-Related Diseases and Coping. In 1990, he won the Young Investigator of the Year Award from the International Society of Psychoneuroendocrinology for his research on testosterone and behavior in primates.

Posted By Dr.Savitha Suri
http://www.ayurhelp.com

25 per cent of infertility patients have sexual problems: survey

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:34:00 +0000

25 per cent of infertility patients have sexual problems: survey

http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/13/stories/2006021315831000.htm

Sexual problems can be both the cause and the effect of infertility and infertility treatments themselves

can often cause sexual dysfunction in normal couples, a study by the Indian Institute of Sexual Medicine of

Aakash Institute of Fertility and Research, has shown.

Out of a total number of 5,728 infertility patients surveyed by the institute from 1996 to 2005, 20 to 25 per cent were found to have sexual problems. Among male patients, 89 per cent had erectile dysfunction, 20 per cent suffered from anejaculation, 32 per cent had extreme premature ejaculation, and three per cent reported lower libidos, K.S. Jeyarani Kamaraj, infertility specialist of the institute said while presenting

the results of the study during the First International Conference on Sexology organised by the institute here on Sunday.

Among sexual problems causing infertility, erectile dysfunction was found to be the main factor. While factors such as poor sex education, lack of sexual knowledge and conservatism were found to be the cause of unconsummated marriages, urban-life related stress, long working hours/working in shifts and lack of privacy were found to be the cause of infrequent intercourse between couples, she added.

In an interactive session devoted to lots of plain-talking on the myths and realities surrounding sex, renowned sexologist Prakash Kothari said sexual disorders were amongst the most common human disorders.

Anxiety over sexual performance bred a cycle of conflict, hostility, fear, shame and guilt and several myths and misconceptions paralysed sexual response. Masturbation was often found to be a safe sexual outlet as it could avoid unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases and did not result, as was often believed, in impotency.

Conditions such as diabetes and alcoholism affected sexual performance as they resulted in lesser blood flow to the genital organs. Lack of semen did not affect sexual performance and it was a myth to state that celibacy led to increased physical strength.

Another misconception was that the hymen was a proof of a woman's virginity or that the size of genital organs mattered in sexual performance. Homosexuality and lesbianism were not aberrant sexual behaviour.

Aphrodisiacs may provoke desire but if overdosed, they could also affect performance, he said.

Related Blogs
http://ayur-help.blogspot.com/2008/03/stress-on-health.html
http://ayur-help.blogspot.com/2008/02/coffee-boosts-male-fertility.html

For a radiant skin...

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 06:50:00 +0000

For a radiant skin...
http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2003/06/04/stories/2003060400080200.htm
Our face is the mirror of our personality - we are wearing it all the time, contrary to our clothes and jewellery, which we change constantly. So, as requested, I will be doing a series on basic skin care that involves cleaning, toning and moisturising.

Cleansing
OUR skin is the most vulnerable organ of the body. It is constantly exposed to pollution, grime and the adversities of the weather, and not surprisingly, all of us have some skin problems at some stage of life. There is no magic potion that can make your spots and pimples disappear overnight or a remedy to turn the clock back to give you the skin of your youth. However, there is a way by which you can improve your skin, bring it back to good health and even rejuvenate it. The skin has tremendous powers of regeneration when properly cared for and it is never too late to start.

An effective skin care regime which yields maximum benefits comprises a daily routine of cleansing, toning and moisturising - what in beauty language is called CMT.

Cleansing is the most important of these three. Whatever the texture and type of your skin, it requires thorough cleansing. If you look at unclean skin through a magnifying glass, the surface is covered by a film of dirt, sweat, oil deposits, stale make-up and other pollutants. They not only upset the normal balance of the skin but also hamper its natural functions.

Soap and water are the most common cleaning agents used by all of us. We feel comfortable with soap and water because water is refreshing while soap imparts a clean feeling. Actually soap only cleanses the skin superficially and does not remove every trace of grime, oil and other debris.

Do you know that most soaps being alkaline, remove the skin's natural oils and moisture. Besides, excessive use of soap and water can lower the acid level of the skin and encourage bacterial activity.

The cleaning procedure should be such that it prevents the accumulation of dead epithelial cells. The build-up of dead cells presents many problems - it causes the skin texture to become thicker and the skin looks rough and uneven. Whenever there is accumulation of dead cells, the skin starts looking dark and patchy. Pigmentation also increases and this imparts a blotchy appearance. If proper cleansing is not done, the pores get blocked and you can have a face full of blackheads.

To clean your skin, you must know what type of skin you have. Every individual has a unique skin texture. Skin conditions can be generally characterised into three categories.

Oily skin: It has a shiny appearance with large visible pores containing blackheads and white heads and the texture, if thick, coarse and sallow yellow.

Dry skin: There are two types of dry skins - the oil-dry and the moisture-dry. The oil dry skin is sensitive and has flaky patches with no visible pores. It tends to age and wrinkle prematurely unless carefully looked after. The moisture-dry skin has a fine texture. Its appearance is taut and dry with a tendency to chap easily and even at early age, may show lines around the eyes and mouth.

Combination skin condition: This skin is partly dry and partly oily. The central part of the face - the forehead, nose, chin and parts of the cheek look glossy and oily. The other parts appear dry.

Home tests:
For the test, all that is needed is a few strips of tissue paper.

In the morning, before washing your face, rub the strips gently across your forehead, nose and cheeks by sliding them back and forth. The strips will either gain greasy stains or remain transparent and clear.

If the strips used on forehead, nose and chin are greasy, whereas the strips used on the cheeks are clean, you have a combination skin. If all the strips are greasy, including the ones used on the cheek, you have an extremely oily skin. If all the strips are clean and transparent, it means you have a dry skin. Through this test, you can find out the skin type and also know of parts that are excessively oily or dry.

Cleansing procedures:
FOR a cleansing procedure to be effective, it has to perform three important functions:

Remove surface grime

Cleanse without disturbing the normal balance

Keep the skin surface free from dead cells

Normal to dry skins:
CLEAN your skin twice a day using a glycerine soap. Choose and invest in a good cleansing soap or face wash. If you can afford it, it is best to use a face wash as this is perfectly formulated for the skin of your face. For dry skin, use a face wash that contains aloe vera which cleans without disturbing the normal PH balance.

They have powerful curative properties and aid the skin's natural ability to retain moisture. They also contain certain enzymes that help to dissolve and remove the cells from the skin surface.

Normal to oily skin:

Oily and problem skins require a medicated cleanser/soap.

Combination Skin:
Should be cleansed according to the dry skin procedure for the dry areas on the face and oily skin procedure for the oily areas. In other words, the two areas of the face have to be treated differently.

If you use heavy makeup:

Clean your face with cleansing milk as soap, water and face wash are not good to remove make-up. After the make-up is removed wash your face.

Some tips for washing with water:
* Avoid using very hot or very cold water. Very hot water removes the natural oils and very cold water closes the pores.

* After cleansing, wash well with plenty of water, especially if you have an oily skin. Do not rub dry with a towel; just pat dry.

* If the water is chlorinated or hard, it can dry the skin further. So, if you have dry skin, use mineral water or bore well water.

* If you have a very dry skin with rough, reddish patches that flake, you are suffering from dry-skin sensitivity. Discontinue soap immediately and use a face wash or no soap at all.

Homemade cleansing scrub:

Mix ¼ cup Multani Mitti (fullers earth), ¼ cup dried orange peel, 2 tablespoons sandalwood powder/oatmeal and store in a container in the bathroom. Take one teaspoon mixed with water and work into the skin in a circular upward motion. Rinse with warm water. Use every other day.

Cleansing mask:
Mix ¼ teaspoon fullers earth, some tomato pulp and yoghurt in a little cucumber juice and apply on the face; leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse it with cold water. You should apply this mask at least twice a week.

Posted By Dr.Savitha Suri

Soft drinks up risk of gout: Study

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 06:21:00 +0000

perSoft drinks up risk of gout: Study
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Soft_drinks_up_risk_of_gout_Study/rssarticleshow/2748274.cms
LONDON: It has long been considered as a disease of the rich. But, no more. Gout can affect all those who have a sweet tooth, according to a new study.

A team of international researchers has carried out the study and found that high consumption of sugar-loaded soft drinks and fruit juices substantially ups the risk of gout which is a painful joint disease.

According to the team, the risks associated with these fizzy drinks are worse than hard liquor.

"This is the first study and a very large one, linking the commonly consumed products to this common disorder. We've found that if you have high consumption of fructose, your gout risk is doubled. And that's due to easily available sugary beverages," lead researcher Hyon K Choi of the British Columbia University was quoted by the British media as saying.

The researchers came to the conclusion after following more than 46,000 men aged above 40 with no previous history of gout over a period of 12 years - the participants' intake of soft drinks, fruits and fruit juices was monitored.

The team found that the risk of developing gout was 85 per cent higher among men who drank two or more cans of soft drinks daily than those who consumed less than one a month - this is greater than the risk linked to drinking spirits.

Men who consumed large amounts of fruit juice or fructose-rich fruits, such as apples and oranges, also had a higher risk of the condition. However, those who drank diet soft drinks showed no extra risk.

"These findings support the importance of recommending a reduction in fructose intake in patients with hyperuricaemia and gout in order to reduce the risk of gout," according to co-researcher Gary Curhan of the Harvard Medical School.

The results of the study have been published in the British Medical Journal .

Stress on health

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:49:00 +0000

Stress on health

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2005/04/07/stories/2005040701500100.htm

THIRTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD RADHA is your typical middle-class working mother. Mother of two children studying in the third and fifth standards, her worst fear in life is the milkman or the maid not showing up in the morning.

"I have so many things to do in the morning. Cook, clean, dress up the kids, pack lunchboxes, put the kids in the school van, send my husband to work and then myself go to work. I just lose it when something goes wrong," she says. That is if the milkman or the maid fails to show up, the utensils, the kids and the husband pay the price for it.

Twenty-two-year-old Richard passed out of college a year back. He now works on night shift in a call centre. After a long night dealing with irate credit card users, he longs to get some sleep in the morning. But morning is the time when his house is buzzing with activity.

"I just can't get sleep in the morning. There is so much noise. Everyone wants to do everything in the morning. So I end up sleeping just five hours a day," he complains. His workload and lack of sleep have ensured that his temper is always on a short fuse. But anger is the least of his problems; he suffers from everything, indigestion to anaemia.

Meanwhile, 28-year-old Amit, an art director with an advertising agency, has problems of a different kind. Married for two years, his wife was unable to conceive. Worried, Amit and his wife went to a fertility clinic where doctors found that Amit had very low sperm count, coupled with erectile dysfunction.

All three mentioned above — Radha, Richard and Amit — suffer from excessive stress. And today on World Health Day, it is America's number one and Bangalore's growing healthcare problem.

There are no reliable numbers available for people suffering from high stress levels in the city, but it is believed that over 75 per cent Americans have "great stress" once a week.

High stress levels lead to a range of health problems in addition to accompanying psychological problems. And the number one source remains job stress, though stress levels have increased in all sections of the society. "We cannot live without stress. Our body is always stressed but it is high levels of stress that lead to various problems. We are stressed while running, but the stress is anticipated. When you have emotional upsets or suppressed anger, then you start doing some real damage to the heart because the strain lasts for a longer time and is repeated over and over again. It hastens build-up of cholesterol in the coronary arteries and weakens the heart muscles," warns K.S.S. Bhat, Consultant Cardiologist, Manipal Hospital, and President of the Indian College of Cardiology.

Though the heart is one of the first organs to be affected by excessive stress, symptoms are first noticed when the behaviour of a person changes. Classic symptoms include insomnia, low energy levels, feeling of inadequacy, decreased concentration levels, social withdrawal, excessive anger, self-pity and tearfulness. Marital relations are often the first to be affected by this drastic change in behaviour.

"Often people come back so tired from work they are reluctant to have sex. But it is interpreted as not liking the partner. Also, as stress levels increase, it leads to impotence. About one-third cases of erectile dysfunction are due to stress. So sex takes a backseat and the relationship suffers," says Vinod Chebbi, psychotherapist and sex and marriage counsellor.

He also points out to another interesting source of stress that prevents people from enjoying sex:

"In India, there is great stress to become pregnant after marriage. The pressure from relatives often becomes so unbearable that sex becomes an act for just having a child. If it fails, the couple go to the extent of even seeking donor semen or fertility treatment," says Dr. Chebbi.

Both Dr. Chebbi and Dr. Bhat prefer to relieve that extra stress without medication. Exercise, regular food habits and good time management is the mantra, they say.

"There is nothing like a brisk walk in the morning or evening," says Dr. Bhat.

And to solve marital stress, Dr. Chebbi advises: "The couple must spend time together. They must get used to each other and enjoy time together. About 95 to 97 per cent of stress-related sex can be treated with just non-drug therapy."

* * *
Fast lane to perdition

IF YOU'RE one of the lucky few who've coped well so far, here are some wicked tips to help you join mainstream society:

Never exercise

Eat anything you want

Gain weight

Take plenty of stimul-ants (nicotine, caffeine and alcohol)

Get rid of your social support system (friends)

Personalise all criticism

Throw out your sense of humour

Males and females alike — be macho

Become a workaholic

Discard good time-management skills

Procrastinate

Worry about things you can't control (tsunamis, earthquakes and Osama Bin Laden)

Become not only a perfectionist but also set impossibly high standards for yourself

Coffee 'boosts male fertility'

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:40:00 +0000

Coffee 'boosts male fertility'

Drinking coffee makes sperm swim faster and could improve male fertility.

The finding was announced by Brazilian scientists at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine meeting in San Antonio, where the effects of drugs on male fertility are under review.

Coffee can do more than just wake you up - it appears that men might also be giving their sperm a kickstart by drinking just a few cups a day.

This, research by a team from Sao Paulo University suggests, increases sperm motility, which could potentially improve the chances of pregnancy.

But caffeine appears to be the only drug that is good for sperm.

Tobacco has no effect on sperm quality but can lead to erectile dysfunction, the same research has found.

Smoking marijuana, though, appears to be bad for sperm and can reduce fertility.

Scientists at Buffalo University found regular smokers had significantly less seminal fluid, and a lower sperm count.

Instead of making sperm slow down and relax, marijuana makes them peak too early: they swim too fast and too soon - they literally burn out before they reach the egg.

Posted by Dr.Savitha Suri http://www.ayurhelp.com

Coffee 'boosts male fertility'

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 23:53:00 +0000

Coffee 'boosts male fertility'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3189224.stm

Drinking coffee makes sperm swim faster and could improve male fertility.

The finding was announced by Brazilian scientists at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine meeting in San Antonio, where the effects of drugs on male fertility are under review.

Coffee can do more than just wake you up - it appears that men might also be giving their sperm a kickstart by drinking just a few cups a day.

This, research by a team from Sao Paulo University suggests, increases sperm motility, which could potentially improve the chances of pregnancy.

But caffeine appears to be the only drug that is good for sperm.

Tobacco has no effect on sperm quality but can lead to erectile dysfunction, the same research has found.

Smoking marijuana, though, appears to be bad for sperm and can reduce fertility.

Scientists at Buffalo University found regular smokers had significantly less seminal fluid, and a lower sperm count.

Instead of making sperm slow down and relax, marijuana makes them peak too early: they swim too fast and too soon - they literally burn out before they reach the egg.

Posted by Dr.Savitha Suri http://www.ayurhelp.com

Pomegranate juice as good as Viagra

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 07:09:00 +0000

Pomegranate juice as good as Viagra
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2586221.cms

Men who want to boost their performance in the bedroom should drink pomegranate juice, says a new research. According to the University of California scientists, a daily glass can act like Viagra.

Lead author Dr Christopher Forest says that the juice is rich in antioxidants, which increases blood supply to the genitals. For the study, the team tested 53 men with libido problems. They found that nearly half the men who drank it for a month said they found it easier to perform.

"Pomegranate juice has great potential," the ‘Mirror’ quoted Forest, as saying.

Pomegranates have already been associated with reducing the risk of heart disease and preventing prostate cancer.

Researchers had previously asserted that a daily 0.236 litre glass of the fruit’s juice not only increases the stability period of prostate cancer four-fold, but that the effect is so marked that they believe it can also make it possible for men between the ages of 60 to 75 to live out a full life span without the need for medical treatment, rather than dying from the cancer.

That study was conducted by researchers from the University of California who looked at 50 prostate cancer patients who had surgery or radiotherapy, who had experienced a post-treatment increase of PSA (prostate specific antigen), indicating that cancer was still present in their bodies.

During the study, the researchers measured the men’s PSA levels to calculate how long they took to double. They found that men suffering from prostate cancer with short doubling times are more likely to die from their illness, and that the average doubling time is 15 months.

They noted that consuming a glass of pomegranate juice everyday extended the doubling period to 54 months, and that there was also evidence that the juice was actually killing off prostate cancer cells.

Dr Allan Pantuck, who led the study, said that the improvements had been surprising, and that though it was not a cure, scientists may now be able to stump prostate cancer growth.

Posted by Dr.Savitha Suri
Ayurveda help through ayurveda consultations and remedy

Blame stress for shaky gums, common colds

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 05:58:00 +0000

Blame stress for shaky gums, common colds
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/ET_Cetera/Blame_stress_for_shaky_gums_common_colds/articleshow/2688354.cms

NEW YORK: Stress kills. Its potentially fatal effect on the heart is well documented. But new research suggests that it is probably the reason for everything from decaying gums to common colds.

An article in Observer, the monthly magazine of the Association for Psychological Science, cites new research across psychology, medicine, neuroscience and genetics to conclude that stress is at the root of a whole range of health problems.

Stress encompasses the strains experienced by living organisms in their struggles to adapt and cope with changing environments. When danger is perceived, a chain reaction of signals releases hormones like epinephrine (‘adrenaline’), norepinephrine and cortisol from the adrenal glands.

These hormones kick up the heart rate, increase respiration, and up the glucose levels in the blood — enabling the ‘fight or flight’ reaction. As these responses take a lot of energy, cortisol tells other physical processes — including digestion, reproduction, physical growth and some aspects of the immune system — to shut or slow down.

When the threat passes, the body’s stress thermostat adjusts accordingly.Cortisol levels return to normal and the body resumes its usual functions.

But problems occur when stresses don’t let up, or when, for various reasons, the brain continually perceives stress even if it isn’t really there.

This causes prolonged exposure to cortisol, which inhibits the growth of new neurons and can cause increased growth of the amygdala, the portion of the brain that controls fear and other emotional responses. It also affects the hippocampus, an area that helps form new memories.

Researchers now say these brain changes are at the heart of the link between stress and depression as well as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Besides heart disease, PTSD, and depression, chronic stress has been linked to ailments as diverse as intestinal problems, gum disease, erectile dysfunction, adult-onset diabetes, growth problems, and even cancer.

Chronic rises in stress hormones have been shown to accelerate the growth of pre-cancerous cells and tumours; they also lower the body’s resistance to HIV and cancer-causing viruses.

Home remedies to prevent hairloss and dandruff

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 08:12:00 +0000

1. Applying juice of neem or margosa leaves to scalp prevent dandruff and hair loss caused by it.

2. Washing hair and scalp with decoction of neem leaves helps to prevent hair loss and stabilizes color.

3. Boil few pieces of amla, curry leaves and neem leaves in pure coconut oil till it becomes crisp. Massage this oil on scalp. This is best tonic for hair growth.

4. Rubbing scalp with equal quantity of amla juice and lime juice after washing hair help in hair loss and increases the luster.

5. Consuming fresh lettuce leaves or lettuce juice helps in growth of hair.

6. After washing hair with cold water, rub the scalp vigorously with finger tips till you feel the heat. This effectively controls hair loss.

7. Applying a pack of soaked and ground fenugreek seeds for half an hour help to prevent dandruff.

Tired techies turn to ayurveda

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 04:23:00 +0000

Tired techies turn to ayurveda

BANGALORE: There are ways and ways of deleting stress. But techies in Bangalore are logging on to the country’s ancient wisdom to de-stress: they are increasingly finding solace in ayurvedic remedies.

And this year-end, they are heading straight to ayurveda therapy centres, hospitals and nature spas in Kerala. Like Nimesh Chary and Pavan Vangaroo. They are all set to board a flight to Kochi where they will go through a five-day ayurvedic rejuvenation and relaxation therapy.

"There is hardly any balance between work and life today. At the end of every year, I feel like a balloon filled with stress. I roped in a friend to join me on this de-stressing tour," says Chary. After having chased series of project delivery deadlines and unrealistic business goals round the year, software engineers feel they need this annual soothing break.

"Over 90% of our clients in the last one year have been IT professionals, and over 70% of them were from Bangalore. Most of them come with stress while some come with chronic cases like heart ailments," says Gopala Krishnan, MD of an ayurvedic centre based in Alappuzha.

According to Babu Vincent, MD of a firm that books leisure and spa holidays for IT professionals, the demand for ayurvedic rejuvenation packages has been on the rise. "The number has been exceptionally high this year and 95% of our bookings for Xmas and New Year are from the IT sector."

Quoting a recent study conducted by Lady Harding’s Medical College in New Delhi among tech workers, A M Anvar of a Kochi hospital says: "The study found that 93% of IT people were morbid and had high chances of falling chronically ill. Ayurveda is viewed as a medicinal system for the old. But now the young tech community is changing that notion."

According to Dr Nilakandan Moose of a Trichur-based ayurveda firm, "Everything that works needs periodic service. Human beings tend to wait for a breakdown. Thankfully, this tendency is slowly changing."

'Smoking turns men bald'

noreply@blogger.com (Dr.Savitha Suri) — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 07:38:00 +0000

'Smoking turns men bald'
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Smoking_turns_men_bald/articleshow/2571337.cms

WASHINGTON: Asian men should kick the butt if they don’t want their locks to fall off, for a new study has stated that smoking might be the cause of age-related hair loss among them.

According to doctors in Taipei, the risk for the condition is largely genetic, however some environmental factors may also play a role.

“Androgenetic Alopecia, a hereditary androgen-dependent disorder, is characterized by progressive thinning of the scalp hair defined by various patterns,” the authors wrote as background information in the article.

“It is the most common type of hair loss in men”, they added.

A survey was conducted among 740 Taiwanese men of age 40 to 91 (average age 65) in 2005, where at an in-person interview, information was gathered from the men regarding their smoking habits.

They were also asked about other risk factors for their hair loss and if they were suffering from Alopecia, and if so, at what age they began losing their hair.

Using clinical classifications, their degree of hair loss was assessed, height and weight were measured and blood samples were taken for analysis.

It was found that men increased their risk of hair loss with advancing age, but still had lower risk than the average white men.

“After controlling for age and family history, statistically significant positive associations were noted between moderate or severe Androgenetic Alopecia and smoking status, current cigarette smoking of 20 cigarettes or more per day and smoking intensity,” the authors wrote.

They noted that the relationship between the two could be caused by a number of means. Smoking may destroy hair follicles, damage the papilla that circulate blood and hormones to stimulate hair growth or increase production of the hormone estrogen, which may counter the effects of androgen.

“Patients with early-onset Androgenetic Alopecia should receive advice early to prevent more advanced progression,” the authors conclude.

Posted By Dr.Savitha Suri
Ayurveda help through ayurveda consultations