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High Fructose Could Mean High Blood Pressure and More

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A high blood pressure diet is commonly associated with foods high in fructose corn syrup.  Sweet soft drinks, fruit juices and most candies contain high fructose corn syrup. HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) increases your risk of chronic and deadly health problems, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease; it can also raise your cholesterol levels.

What are the side effects of high cholesterol in men?

Studies conducted by the University of Colorado Denver Health Services suggests a strong link between hypertension and high cholesterol.  According to the study, as little as two and a half sodas per day correspond to 74 grams of fructose and increase the risk of high blood pressure. The risk for hypertension increases as cholesterol levels increase.

This study suggests that lowering the intake of high fructose corn syrup can have a great impact on decreasing blood pressure. Hypertension can also be a major cause of erectile dysfunction. The effects of hypertension in men can have serious issues on sexual health. A healthy diet is one way to help combat the problem.

High Fructose Corn Syrup – a Recipe for High Blood Pressure 

High fructose corn syrup acts as sweetener and a preservative at the same time.  It is created through the conversion of glucose from corn starch to fructose. The end product is a combination of glucose and fructose.  This kind of sugar enhances the shelf life of the food.

During the 60’s, high fructose corn syrup was commonly used as a replacement for sugar and due to the increased cost of sugar in the market. This corn-based product is cheaper, as a result it became prevalent in the American diet.  HFCS is generally manufactured from genetically modified corn and not natural and definitely not healthy. An increasing rate of obesity in the US is partially because of this ‘high blood pressure diet’.

A High blood pressure diet mainly consists of sweets and other foods containing high fructose corn syrup.  Some critics say that high fructose corn syrup makes sweet foods cheaper and more readily available. Other critics believe that it is the direct cause of an obesity crisis.

Obesity leads to hypertension and increases the risk of high cholesterol and impotence in men.  Sugary foods lower “good” cholesterol and raise triglycerides in the bloodstream. As a result, increasing levels of triglyceride predispose men to abnormal levels of cholesterol.  High cholesterol and hypertension are one of the major causes of erectile dysfunction.

There are numerous studies, but one published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that only two weeks of moderate consumption of high fructose corn syrup caused cholesterol and triglycerides levels to rise and the risk was greater in men than in women.*

Ways for Men to Reduce High Cholesterol 

One of the easiest ways to reduce high fructose corn syrup in the diet is through reading the label of the foods you purchase. Careful selection of foods is necessary to avoid buying foods high in fructose. Sugary foods like soft drinks, lemonade, iced tea, sweet drinks and even those sold as ‘natural’ often contain high amounts of fructose.  Other sources of high fructose corn syrup include: cereals, bread, pastries, cookies, ice cream and even salad dressings.

Reducing the occurence of hypertension, in addition to regular medical care and taking appropriate medications, is all about changing your lifestyle. Eating the right food and proper exercise is the best way in dealing with diet related disorders.  Most everyone loves to indulge their sweet tooth, but proper control and a wise selection of foods are a very important step towards a healthy body.

 

*Source: UC Davis, Sugary Drinks Boost Risk Factors for Heart Disease.

Erectile Dysfunction and Gum Disease: How is Impotence Associated with Gum Disease?

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Sexual dysfunction can have many contributing factors or associated conditions. The more educated you are about your general health issues, the better you can regulate and optimize your performance.

Is there a link between periodontal disease and erectile dysfunction?

That’s exactly the case with some types of impotence (or ED) and gum disease. Periodontal disease is a form of inflammatory gum disease that affects one or more periodontal tissues. The chronic inflammation links periodontal disease to other disorders namely erectile dysfunction. Researchers have found strong connections between impotence and periodontal disease. Gum disease can have an adverse effect on a man’s sexual function and overall health.

Inflammatory processes involve a bacterial formation. As bacteria get into the bloodstream, it creates serious effect across the body. Studies show that people suffering from gum disease are found to be twice as likely to develop CAD or (Coronary Artery Disease). They are also more likely to have a stroke.

Diabetic patients are more susceptible to developing periodontal disease, and periodontal disease can also trigger diabetes. A regular and healthy blood flow in the arteries is a critical component to normal sexual function. There is also a relationship between arteriosclerosis and worsening erectile dysfunction.

Blood infections are harmful to sexual health. It is best to discuss health and sexual issues with a doctor, especially in finding the right treatment for any sexual dysfunction.

EAT MORE PISTACHIOS AND OTHER NUTS

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Studies suggest that a diet rich in Pistachios (and other nuts) can actually improve erectile function. It is known that ED and heart disease can be two different manifestations of an underlying condition, poorly functioning or diseased arteries. To help combat clogged blood vessels one should seek a diet full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods, those that could help lower cholesterol levels. A handful of nuts each day have been shown to improve chronic erectile dysfunction in just three weeks, pistachio nuts that is.

Erectile dysfunction is often related to poor heart health because the same processes needed to maintain an erection – blood vessel relaxation – becomes impaired. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts and pistachios have been show in a number of studies to improve heart health so it makes sense they may help men suffering from erectile dysfunction as well.

To see if a small amount of pistachio nuts (100 g) each day could improve erectile dysfunction 17 married men who had experienced erectile dysfunction for over a year added pistachios to their diet. The study* concluded that after three weeks the men had marked improvements in erectile function and the only ‘side effect’ was improved cardiovascular health.

This should not be surprising. Antioxidant-rich foods can boost nitric oxide production. Pistachios have a bunch of both antioxidants and arginine, which may help explain the improvement in blood flow.

We also know that cholesterol is an important predictor of sexual dysfunction in both men and women and after just three weeks, those eating pistachios had significant improvements in cholesterol.

*Source: Pistachio diet improves erectile function parameters and serum lipid profiles in patients with erectile dysfunction.

Andropause Symptoms: Understanding the Effects of Andropause on Men

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Male Andropause is a condition often associated with low testosterone levels. As men begin to undergo aging process, they often experience low testosterone and even erectile dysfunction in later stages.  It has also been called Low T or ‘Male Menopause’ and involves a decline in sex hormone levels.

Male andropause symptoms produce significant impact on men’s health. Andropause normally begins in males over 35 years. They often experience a drastic fall in testosterone levels,  by about 10% every 10 years and 1% decrease in a year.  Although, there are rare cases where men are prone to high estrogen, can have early onset of male andropause symptoms.

Serious Effects of Andropause in Men

Studies show that around 30% of men in their 50’s will experience male andropause symptoms. These symptoms are often the primary cause of low testosterone levels. Testosterone is a hormone responsible for male sexual characteristics. Low testosterone and erectile dysfunction predispose men to psychological problems. This includes depression, denial and problems with work and relationships.

Men with andropause are likely to experience a decreased sexual drive. Also, men often have weight gain, loss of energy and decreased bone density. Male andropause can lead to erections problems including impotence and may lead to erectile dysfunction.  Low testosterone and impotence affect men’s ability to maintain a satisfying sexual life.

Low Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction

Testosterone is a vital hormone for a healthy erectile function. An erection begins with a release of testosterone which in return activates the brain receptors to release nitric oxide. Nitric oxide works to relax the penile muscles and allows more blood for engorgement to occur. This creates a satisfying erection.

Low testosterone levels caused by andropause can result in decreasing levels of the hormone, necessary to stimulate the cranial nerves. Brain stimulation increases sexual desire that results in an erection. Low testosterone level can also lead to erectile dysfunction, low libido and impotency.

Treatments for Andropause Symptoms

People suffering from low testosterone levels require regular follow-up from a specialist. There are manifold treatments available in the market. This includes hormone replacement therapies.  However, choosing the right treatment involves a thorough assessment from an expert. Therefore, better seek a medical advice about the treatments for andropause symptoms.

Belly Fat: A Serious Concern in Men’s Health

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Dr. Michael Jensen, an endocrinology specialist at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota recently voiced the growing concern regarding belly fat in men. Jensen discusses the risk that men take when disregarding the weight gain in their belly area. It may seem inevitable that as we age, men accumulate fat in that area, however, belly fat is worse to have than fat in other areas.

Having excessive belly fat can lead to a number of different health conditions such as:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Some types of cancer
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Insulin resistance
  • Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as “good” cholesterol
  • High triglycerides
  • Sleep apnea

According to health specialists, a man can tell if he is carrying an unhealthy amount of belly fat if his waist exceeds 40 inches. At 40 inches, the risk of heart disease becomes far greater. To lose belly fat, Jensen recommends lowering your caloric intake, developing a light exercise routine; gradually increasing physical activity.

As Boston Medical Group often advises, a man’s sexual function relies partially on how well he takes care of his body. Eating healthily, exercising and visiting a doctor for regular check-ups is very important.  More information on weight loss and belly fat can be found at http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/belly-fat/MC00054/METHOD=print

The ED & Low-T Experts