Health

Viagra is probably one of the most talked-about and controversial medications in the world. Although taking it can significantly improve your sex life, it can also lead to several side effects you should be aware of.

Read further on to find out more about these side effects.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Sildenafil, the main ingredient of Viagra, is an inhibitor that facilitates an erection by enhancing nitric oxide in the blood. This compound is a vasodilator, which means it dilates blood vessels and significantly lowers blood pressure levels.

People that have hypotension or take nitroglycerin shouldn’t take Viagra.

Affects Vision

Several studies investigated the connection between taking Viagra or other medications containing sildenafil and vision problems. Some people experienced blurry vision, while others lost sight for more than 24 hours.

The scientists stated that more research is necessary but concluded that vision disturbances could be related to sildenafil sensitivity.

If you’ve experienced eye-related issues upon taking Viagra for the first time, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor. You may be sensitive or allergic to sildenafil.

Causes Dizziness

One of the potential side effects of taking Viagra is dizziness or lightheadedness. The symptom typically disappears on its own after a short time and doesn’t leave any long-term consequences. However, if the dizziness persists, you should contact your doctor.

Be Careful When Taking Viagra

While Viagra can significantly improve the sex life and boost confidence, it’s essential to use it only if prescribed to you by a doctor. Don’t forget to take it only as prescribed because higher amounts can lead to severe side effects such as chest pain, burning urination, or painful erections.

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Italian scientists investigated the connection between craft beer and skin and published the study in Cosmetics. The results showed craft beer could improve our skin in numerous ways.

Read on to learn how craft beer can be beneficial for our skin.

Craft Beer and Better Skin

The scientists based their study on the fact that many craft beers are developed from natural ingredients such as malt and yeast that release antioxidants.

The results showed that hops have the highest phenol content, and yeast can absorb phenol. Both hops and yeast affect our mitochondrial activity, essential for producing energy and maintaining cell health. Plus, they prevent oxidative stress, which is an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals.

According to the authors, mitochondrial activity and oxidative stress are the two factors that contribute to skin aging. They concluded that hops and yeast are excellent sources of phenols, powerful antioxidants that promote healthy, glowing skin. The authors suggested these ingredients could be used in skincare products.

Craft beer is also rich in vitamin B complex and protein, promoting cell growth and strengthening your nails and hair.

Other research indicates there’s a connection between the color of your craft beer and the antioxidant content. Typically, darker beers have more antioxidants, and this is most likely due to malt.

Be Responsible

While drinking craft beer can improve your skin, it doesn’t mean you should consume it in large amounts. Moderate consumption is essential if you want to harness the benefits. Excessive alcohol intake isn’t good for your health and should be avoided.

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There are two types of inflammation: Acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is what we experience after an intense workout or as a result of an injury, and it helps our body heal. On the other hand, chronic inflammation can cause numerous diseases and health problems and should be avoided. Fortunately, you can reduce chronic inflammation by adjusting your breakfast habits.

Read on to learn more about which habits you should avoid.

Consuming Refined Carbs

Refined sugar and carbs are some of the main factors contributing to inflammation. They are found in highly processed foods that don’t provide the nutrients necessary for maintaining your health. Pastries and baked goods may be a delicious breakfast option, but they are most often loaded with unhealthy ingredients you should stay away from.

Eating Foods With Trans Fats

Many turn to fast-food restaurants when they don’t have time in the morning. Unfortunately, this isn’t a healthy choice. Burgers, french fries, and other foods from these restaurants often contain high levels of trans fats that increase inflammation. Plus, fast food also leads to higher cholesterol levels and jeopardizes your heart health.

Consuming Processed Meat

Processed meat like sausage, salami, or bacon isn’t something that should be on your plate if you want to reduce chronic inflammation. Moreover, this kind of meat is related to numerous conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and even cancer.

Reduce Inflammation With a Healthy Diet

Although these habits are unhealthy, it doesn’t mean you should completely give them up. It’s perfectly fine to treat yourself to this kind of food every once in a while. But remember what your diet should be focused on fruits and veggies, whole grains, nuts, legumes, chicken, and so on. Create a balance that will keep both your mind and your body happy.

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The older we get, the more experience, wisdom, and meaningful relationships we typically have. However, not everything about getting older is positive. For most people, working out gets more challenging as the years go on, if not more dangerous as well.

Incorporating the right supplements into your workout routine will help you feel healthier and stronger. Read on to learn what those supplements are.

L-Carnitine

L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps turn fat into energy, and our brain, kidneys, and liver produce it. But as we age, the L-carnitine production decreases. If you want to feel energized while working out, taking L-carnitine supplements is a good option.

Protein Shakes

Protein shakes are great additions to any workout routine, regardless of your age. If you’re over 60, protein shakes can help you prevent the loss of muscle mass, reduce the risk of heart disease, and maintain bone density.

Vitamin D

Taking vitamin D supplementation boosts your immune system, reduces inflammation, and improves bone strength. Some studies have indicated vitamin D is beneficial for our mental health: it enhances mood and assists in fighting depression.

Curcumin

Curcumin is an herbal supplement and is known for its bright yellow color. It has plenty of benefits for people of all ages: improved cognitive functions, reduced inflammation, less risk of heart disease, etc. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, taking curcumin supplements is extremely useful.

Omega-3

Incorporating omega-3 supplements into your workout routine decreases the risk of stroke and heart disease, aids in fighting inflammation, and improves insulin sensitivity.

Creatine

As we age, we lose our muscle mass, and some of us do so more than others. Taking creatine supplements is essential if you want to maintain your muscles mass and prevent deterioration.

Be Active Regardless of Your Age

Remaining physically active throughout our lives has dozens of health benefits. It lowers the risk of diseases and conditions, improves our immunity, and even affects our mental health. In addition to working out, a healthy diet and regular checkups are part of the recipe for a long and healthy life.

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Many can’t start their day without a cup of coffee. This drink has numerous benefits, from boosting your energy to lowering the risk of many diseases. Even though coffee is great in many ways, it can also have a surprising side effect.

Read on to learn what it is.

Kidney Damage

A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology investigated the connection between consuming too much coffee and kidney damage. The research involved 3,800 participants, and the scientists looked at 372 blood metabolites. Metabolites are products of metabolic reactions when our bodies break down food, medication, muscles, or fat.

The results showed 41 metabolites were connected to coffee consumption. Out of the 41, three metabolites were associated with a higher risk of kidney disease.

Does this mean you should stop drinking coffee? Not at all, unless you have existing kidney disease. Scientists agree that moderate amounts of coffee can be good for our health.

In fact, a study published by the National Kidney Foundation shows that one cup of coffee each day reduces the chances of getting kidney stones by 40%. Also, coffee is rich in antioxidants, potassium, and B vitamins. These ingredients reduce the risk of numerous diseases and conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, and even certain types of cancer.

It can be hard to determine a moderate amount of coffee. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 400 mg of caffeine per day won’t cause harmful effects. An eight-ounce cup typically contains around 95 mg of caffeine, meaning you should consume three to four cups of coffee per day at most.

Enjoy Coffee but Be Cautious

Whether it’s the ritual or its taste, coffee has become a sort of fuel for many people. If you want to fully take advantage of the nutrients found in coffee, don’t overconsume it. Otherwise, you could experience side effects and damage your kidneys.

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Humans are creatures of habit. We develop behaviors and routines that become part of our personalities and stay with us for a lifetime. That’s why it can be challenging to notice them and think consciously about how they impact our health.

Recent research has highlighted some common habits that decrease our lifespan and by about how many years, on average. In this article, we’ll discuss three of these everyday habits that you might be guilty of. Read on to find out what the research says about them.

1. Not Enough Exercise

Recent research found that people who exercised for 30 to 45 minutes most days or took 7,000 to 9,000 steps each day cut their risk of early death by up to 70%. When it comes to adding years to your life, even 10 minutes of movement is good enough, according to a 2019 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

2. Spending Too Much Time Alone

Minimize your time spent connecting with friends and family through technology and, whenever possible, meet up with them in person instead. Staying social reduces your risk of some age-related diseases like dementia. Numerous studies have shown that isolation has comparable negative health impacts to things like smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Scientists have found that loneliness activates our body’s stress response, causing chronic inflammation that is harmful to the immune system, heart, and brain.

3. Not Getting Enough Sleep

Sleep is vital for our bodies to repair and maintain critical functions, like our brain and immune system. UCLA scientists found that one bad night is enough for cells in older adults to age faster. Studies have also found that adults who often get less than seven hours of quality sleep each night potentially increase the risk of developing a life-shortening disease.

Extending Your Life Made Easy

The habits discussed in this article can be quickly curbed with just a few tweaks to your lifestyle; the key is to make time. Think about what you do every day that doesn’t add to the quality of your life and replace that with more exercise, visiting friends and family, and more rest. By making these three simple changes, you’ll notice a difference in how you feel. By making them a part of your routine, you can add years to your life.

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Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death globally. According to the CDC, in the United States alone, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds. As dismal as these statistics may be, the tide is turning. Fortunately, it is possible to lessen the odds of developing heart disease with the help of readily available resources and information.

Become proactive in maintaining a healthy heart. Accurate information is the first step to achieving better heart health. For instance, do you know that you can make life choices that will significantly benefit heart health? These life choices can start with what you eat and drink.

Keep reading to learn more about how what you drink may have a direct effect on your heart.

Soft Drinks

A sweet drink is a tasty treat, but there is a link between sugar and cardiovascular disease. This is because the high amount of sugar in soft drinks can make you gain weight. In fact, most regular soft drinks have 10 teaspoons of sugar in one can.

Depending on how much soda you drink, weight gain can turn into obesity. Obesity is linked to several heart disease risk factors, which include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure

Soft drinks may seem like a harmless treat but be careful. Limit them to no more than seven 8oz servings per week.

Fruit Juice

Fruit juice does provide more nutrition than soft drinks. Even so, it can have high sugar content too. For example, both fruit juice and cola contain about eight teaspoons of sugar per serving. At this level, the heart-related risks are the same.

If you are a fruit lover, you can still enjoy the taste without added sugar. Eating fresh fruit is a healthier choice for heart fitness. However, if you drink fruit juice, use the same restraint as you do with soft drinks.

Coffee

A hot cup of coffee in the morning can be the best part of the day. Coffee in itself does not pose a heart risk. Some findings, including a study by the American Heart Association publication Circulation Heart Failure, suggest that drinking coffee in moderation may even reduce heart attack risk.

This is not to suggest that you can drink coffee without restriction. More than five cups a day can raise cholesterol levels and lead to serious cardiovascular issues. More often, what is added to a cup of coffee is the culprit.

Coffeehouse-style beverages can be problematic if you drink them too often because your favorite delicious brew could be loaded with cream and sugar. A fat and sugar overload can raise blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

Embellishments in your coffee, like chocolate, raise the bar further. These concoctions add 50 or more grams of sugar and about 20g of fat per cup. They are also loaded with calories. Keep this in mind if you do choose to indulge.

Alcohol

Having a drink at the end of a hard day does not necessarily result in heart disease. A glass of wine or a cocktail could be the relaxation you need. In fact, moderate alcohol consumption may raise your good cholesterol slightly, and red wine contains antioxidants that protect the heart. But drinking alcohol in excess can create health issues such as:

• Irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart attack

This list represents potential health problems that may develop with alcohol abuse. Alcohol is not harmful if you exercise self-control. Additionally, people with health conditions such as liver disease may not be able to drink any form of alcohol. Consult your doctor to ensure you don’t have a condition that prohibits you from drinking.

Cheers to Your Health

This article is not intended to imply that you have to be thirsty to remain heart-healthy. On the contrary, hydration is a vital part of your heart health. Drink plenty of water whether you drink other beverages or not. Feel free to experiment with other heart-healthy beverages if you want more variety.

Try adding a few lemon slices or mint sprigs to your water for more flavors. Juice your favorite vegetables, make smoothies using oat or almond milk and add fruit low in sugar, like strawberries. If you look for ways to drink a toast to your heart health, you will find them.

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Everyone is born with a blood type, and there’s no way to change it. While we all know our blood type matters in blood transfusions, there are other ways it affects us. Your blood type can prevent you from catching diseases or can increase cancer risks.

Read on to find out more about what implications your blood type has for your health.

Certain Blood Types Affect Your Risks of Getting COVID

A recent study has discovered that blood type may affect a person’s chances of contracting COVID-19. Those with O-type blood may have a lower risk of testing positive for the disease, by around 12%. They also have a 13% lower chance of having severe COVID symptoms or dying from it.

Conversely, type A blood carriers have a higher risk of testing positive. This blood type seems to make it easier for the virus’ spike proteins to adhere to blood cells.

Cardiovascular Disease Is Linked to Blood Type

Having type O blood reduces a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease. AB, A, and B type blood all have a higher chance of developing heart disease instead. The culprit is the ABO gene, which only non-O-type blood carriers have.

The ABO gene makes blood cells stickier and more resistant to blood flow. There are higher chances of blood clot development, not only in veins but even in the lungs.

Cancer Risk Is Also Tied to Blood

People with the AB blood type have a higher chance of developing esophageal cancer, about 34% more than those with O-type blood. The study also found that the same blood type of AB increases stomach cancer risk by 44%, a disturbing statistic. People with type A blood have slightly lower chances at 37% higher than average.

You May Have a Higher Chance of Developing Dementia

Factor VII is a protein that helps blood clot. While it sounds harmless at first glance, elevated levels of Factor VII have been linked to increased dementia rates. People born with the AB blood type usually have more Factor VII than those of other blood types.

Thus, there’s a higher likelihood of these people developing dementia, a startling 82% increase in manifesting thinking and memory problems. These problems can lead to dementia later on.

Possible Increased Risk of Bleeding Disorders

Swedish researchers at the Karolinska Institute analyzed the health data of more than five million people in the country. They discovered that type A blood increases the likelihood of blood clots, but type O blood havers may develop bleeding disorders instead. The diseases in question are gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers.

That’s not all, as women who are type O blood carriers have been found more likely to develop pregnancy-induced high blood pressure.

Trouble Dealing With Stress

Our bodies produce cortisol when we’re stressed, which is why it’s called “the stress hormone.” While most blood types don’t affect the production rate of cortisol, type A blood does. Those with this blood type generally have increased cortisol levels.

This condition means that people with type A blood tend to struggle more against stress. However, it’s still possible to alleviate stress through healthy choices and other steps.

Certain Blood Types Promote the Cause of Pancreatic Cancer

Those who have non-O blood types are likelier to get pancreatic cancer than O-type blood carriers. The main reason is an increased rate of infection by a bacteria called H. Pylori. This microorganism grows in the gut, and they’re one culprit behind pancreatic cancer.

Type O Blood Reduces the Chances of Contracting Malaria

Malaria is a severe disease that can even be fatal when untreated. The cause is a parasite that spreads through mosquito bites, but those with type O blood can relax a bit. Compared to other blood types, the parasite has a more challenging time staying attached to O blood cells.

Knowing your blood type is essential, as it informs you what you’re at higher risk of contracting. Still, everyone should take steps towards living a healthy life regardless of the chances.

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Never skip breakfast; it’s the most important meal of the day. It kickstarts your metabolism and helps you to burn calories. Missing it will cause you to eat more at lunch and dinner, gaining weight in the long-term.

For years, conventional wisdom like this has been taken for granted. However, recent research shows that it’s not entirely accurate. Skipping breakfast can facilitate weight loss and eating breakfast can have the opposite effect.

This article will discuss the evidence that supports fasting in the morning and why breakfast is still so staunchly defended.

How Skipping Breakfast Can Support Weight Loss?

Many recent studies have indicated that holding out until lunchtime for your first meal of the day extends the overnight fast. Longer overnight fasting has been linked to weight loss and improved metabolism.

An overnight fast of at least 16 hours allows insulin levels and blood sugar to decrease, so stored fat can be used for energy. The body is unable to burn fat when already filled up with fuel. The belief that breakfast starts the metabolism isn’t based on reality, as your metabolism doesn’t shut down when you’re asleep.

Supporting Studies

Researchers in Melbourne, Australia, conducted randomized controlled trials (RCT) to study the effects eating breakfast had on weight change. Two evenly numbered groups of breakfast eaters and morning fasters had their daily calorie intake and weight recorded; these were the results:

• Seven studies looked specifically at weight change after seven weeks and found that the breakfast-eating group gained 1.2 pounds on average more than the other group. This was the case for both overweight and regular weight people.
• Ten studies focused on the effects of daily calorie intake for the breakfast group. After two weeks, they consumed 260 calories more than the non-breakfast participants.

Other studies include one conducted on a group of average-weight college students. They confirmed, like the RCT study, that you might consume fewer calories if you skip breakfast.

Can Breakfast Cause Weight Gain?

It depends on what you’re eating. The most popular morning food is breakfast cereal; in this case, the short answer is “absolutely.”

Most cereal options are loaded with sugar, which is a significant contributor to weight gain. Sugar is often listed as the second or third ingredient on cereal boxes, which indicates that the sugar content is pretty high.

Consumption of that amount of sugar in the morning not only causes weight gain but spikes your blood sugar. The crash that follows typically causes you to crave more food, preferably more sugar or carbs. That is why a lot of people have additional mid-morning snacks to hold them over until lunchtime. All this contributes to weight gain.

Those blood sugar spikes and sharp crashes also affect your memory, focus, and concentration. Plus, an increased risk of type 2 diabetes has been associated with eating excessive amounts of added sugars.

Another reason eating cereal for breakfast can contribute to weight gain is the absence of significant amounts of protein and fiber, which can also cause overeating later on.

Why Is It Still Believed That We Need to Have Breakfast?

Some studies have concluded that breakfast-eaters are healthier. However, it’s difficult to tell from these studies whether breakfast causes healthy habits or if people who eat breakfast have healthier lifestyles.

Other studies have promoted breakfast-eating for better memory and concentration or a decreased chance of diabetes and being overweight. But these studies aren’t the only reason we hold breakfast in such high esteem.

Breakfast Cereals Are a Big Money Maker

The other big reason for the ongoing belief in breakfast is that breakfast cereals are a billion-dollar industry. The only way to keep profits up is to make sure we, the consumer, believe that breakfast is necessary and continue to buy it. We are continuously bombarded with advertisements about how the latest cereal bar is even better than the last.

Skipping Breakfast Can Help You Lose Weight

Skipping breakfast can indeed help with weight loss. Multiple studies have debunked the idea that this will cause you to binge later. In fact, binging is more likely after eating cereals containing high sugar content. Skipping breakfast is completely fine and can even be replaced with a hot drink or glass of water, followed by a healthy lunch.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around six million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, and it’s the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. This disease is particularly tricky because the symptoms tend to get overlooked until they become apparent.

Researchers have begun studying which behavioral patterns could predict and point to dementia diagnosis. They discovered one particular behavior that can emerge up to six years before dementia is diagnosed.

Keep reading to learn more about this behavior.

Missed Financial Payments

JAMA Internal Medicine published a study that connects dementia with missed financial payments. Researchers analyzed more than 80,000 Medicare beneficiaries, their credit reports, and medical records. The results showed that those who developed Alzheimer’s disease later on, were likely to miss financial payments up to six years before their diagnosis.

Also, the numbers show that people that went on to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s were likely to develop subprime credit scores about 2.5 years before the diagnosis.

Lauren Nicholas, the leader of this study, explained how they got the inspiration for conducting it. Early symptoms of dementia can be hard to notice and are often dismissed as moments of confusion or disorientation. They are noticeable only when they get stronger and more frequent, and typically, family members identify the symptoms before the patients. Catastrophic financial events are often what lead families to believe their relative has dementia.

With the study, the authors hope to contribute to identifying those at risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

How Can Missed Financial Payments Be Related to Alzheimer’s?

As Alzheimer’s gets worse, patients experience memory loss, which can explain missed financial payments. Additionally, Alzheimer’s can change a person’s perception of risks. This means that patients don’t realize the gravity of their actions and the potential consequences.

Although financial troubles were related to Alzheimer’s before the pandemic, it’s believed that isolation enhanced the problem and affected risk perception. Plus, family members visit each other less frequently, which makes it harder to identify the symptoms.

A study shows that patients with Alzheimer’s were much more likely to lose large amounts of money leading up to diagnosis.

Deterioration of financial abilities can be identified well before other dementia symptoms appear. Although Alzheimer’s is currently incurable, it’s possible to slow down or delay the symptoms. That’s why it’s essential to pay attention to the early signs, especially if you’re at risk.

Other Early Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s are typically the hardest to identify. Here’s what you should pay attention to:

• Forgetting names, important dates, or events
• Misplacing items
• Having trouble with naming everyday objects
• Being unable to remember the right word
• Asking questions repetitively
• Being unable to solve simple problems, create schedules or long-term plans
• Displaying poor judgment
• Becoming aggressive
• Having difficulty falling asleep
• Showing increased apathy

Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s

Scientists still don’t fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s. But, they agree numerous risk factors can contribute to developing Alzheimer’s. Some factors can be changed; others can’t.

Risk Factors That Can’t Be Changed

These risk factors exist, and unfortunately, there’s no way we can mitigate them:

• Age – This is the most significant risk factor because Alzheimer’s mainly affects people who are 65 or older. After 65, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years.
• Gender – Research shows Alzheimer’s is much more common in women over 65 than men. This could be related to the fact that women live longer or the estrogen loss after menopause.
• Genetics – The relation between genetics and Alzheimer’s is still being researched. Some studies show people are more likely to develop it if a close family member has it.

Risk Factors That Can Be Changed

These factors can contribute to developing Alzheimer’s, and we can always change them:

• Lifestyle – Eating healthy, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
• Health problems – Numerous health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. To reduce it, you need to keep them under control.

Identify the Early Symptoms for the Best Outcome

If you’ve noticed you or your close ones struggle with making the right financial decisions or missing important payments, this could be a sign of Alzheimer’s. Discovering Alzheimer’s at an early stage can significantly slow down the symptoms, so monitoring changes in behavior is essential.

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