(NaturalHealth365) Viagra, along with other erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs, have been found to increase the risk of melanoma by 84%. This is according to a new study that found men who regularly use ‘performance enhancing’ drugs, like Viagra, are much more likely to develop melanoma.
Why risk your life? Especially when there are so many alternatives to Viagra . The most startling news of the study showed than men who only took Viagra once doubled their risk of this type skin cancer.
The deadly risks of male enhancement drugs
A large study in JAMA Internal Medicine – that followed nearly 26,000 men who had used Viagra at least once since the study began in 2000 – showed it increased their risk of melanoma.
One of the new study’s co-authors, Dr. Abrar Qureshi, who chairs the Dermatology Department at Brown Alpert Medical School, stated that Viagra may increase the risks of melanoma because it affects the same genetic pathway that allows the skin cancer to become more invasive.
It found that those men who used Viagra a number of times had about an 84 percent greater risk of developing melanoma than men who had not used the medication. Viagra was the only drug studied because at the time research began, it was the only approved erectile dysfunction medication.
Other erectile dysfunction drugs, such as Cialis and Levitra, work on the same biochemistry and may pose an even greater risk for melanoma because they last longer in the body.
How could any conscious, well-educated physician prescribe this lethal drug?
This study was initiated after prior studies showed that Viagra promoted melanin synthesis, which itself can promote melanoma development. In addition, published research has linked this drug and other like ones to promoting melanoma cell invasion.
That would make Viagra-related melanoma cancers even more dangerous. In fact, in the lab, Viagra can actually make melanoma more aggressive.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications increases the risk for erectile dysfunction. The most common ones are high blood pressure medication, diuretics, beta-blockers and calcium-channel blockers.
The list also includes heart and cholesterol medications , benign prostatic hyperplasia drugs, Propedia – which is used to treat male pattern baldness, antidepressants, antipsychotic medication, GERD medications – used to reduce stomach acid such as Zantac and Tagamet plus hormone drugs such as estrogens and corticosteroids.
Obviously, underlying emotional problems – which can lead to hormonal imbalances and a poor diet can be contributing factors as well.
Chronic health problems can cause ED
As just stated, depression and other mental health problems are a common cause of ED. In fact, many of the medications that treat depression will decrease libido even more and actually cause a greater sense of depression.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes damages the arteries that supply the penis with oxygen and nutrients.. Many of the medications that treat these chronic conditions also cause erectile dysfunction. It’s just a shame that uneducated, misinformed physicians don’t advise their patients about highly-effective, lifestyle decisions to replace toxic drug therapies.
A good nervous system is important for normal erections. The nervous system includes the nerves that travel throughout the body, especially to the penis. Naturally, chronic stress and a lack of essential nutrients can affect all branches of the nervous system.
How are you feeling? Hormones play an important role in erectile dysfunction. Balanced hormones levels are required for normal erections. Testosterone, estrogen and thyroid hormones play a key role in sexual function.
Obviously, obesity plays a role in ED as well. The extra fat cells in the abdomen of men convert testosterone to estrogen upsetting the normal balance of testosterone and estrogen. Moving away from processed (junk) food and increasing your consumption of superfoods like, cacoa, maca plus herbs like rhodiola and ashwagandha can dramatically improve your overall health and performance.
Diabetes, tobacco use, and alcohol can increase your risk of ED. A study done in 2007 found that persistent alcohol use induced ED. Seventy-two percent of men diagnosed with alcohol dependency syndrome were also diagnosed with sexual dysfunction – which included erectile dysfunction.
Natural remedies that won’t threaten your life
Lifestyle factors are nonetheless ignored even when it is scientifically known than erectile dysfunction is usually a byproduct of lifestyle. Anything from weight management to exercise can influence sexual performance. Let’s get real – a physically active male will usually have better blood flow – throughout their body.
What about vitamins and minerals?
Vitamin A is needed so the body can produce sex hormones. Vitamin C boosts testosterone, lowers cholesterol, and works to lower high blood pressure, Vitamin E increases circulation and B complex increases the levels of testosterone. In addition, The B vitamins keep the thyroid and nervous system functioning properly.
In terms of minerals, zinc is essential for the production of testosterone. In fact, a zinc deficiency is a known cause of impotency.
Selenium increases male potency and sex drive. Selenium deficiency can cause testis atrophy and decreases the glutathione peroxidase needed by the gland.
Calcium, but not in excess, is also an important nutrient for sexual functions. It keeps the link between the brain, hormonal glands, and their mechanical processes active. And, finally, magnesium acts as a calcium channel blocker and counteracts the negative effects of calcium in sustaining an erection.
How do amino acids improve sexual function?
An amino acid naturally present in the body, L-arginine helps make nitric oxide – which relaxes blood vessels to support a successful erection.
In 1999, researchers studied men with ED. Thirty-one percent of those taking 5 grams a day of L-arginine experienced significant improvements in sexual function.
A second study, published in 2003, showed that L-arginine (1.7 grams/day) combined with pycnogenol – a plant product from tree bark (40 mg, 2 to 3 times a day) – restored sexual ability to 80 percent of participants after two months, and to 92.5 percent after three months.
Let’s be honest. The surge of ED drugs is a result of treating erectile dysfunction as an ‘isolated’ condition. But, the mechanistic approach of modern medicine doesn’t address the true cause of any chronic health problem. A comprehensive intervention that involves hormone testing, dietary intervention and weight management will be the most effective path toward optimal health and vitality.
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About the author: Jonathan Landsman is the host of NaturalHealth365.com , the NaturalNews Talk Hour – a free, weekly health show and the NaturalNews Inner Circle – a monthly subscription to the brightest minds in natural health and healing.
Reaching hundreds of thousands of people, worldwide, as a personal health consultant, writer and radio talk show host – Jonathan has been educating the public on the health benefits of an organic (non-GMO) diet along with high-quality supplementation and healthy lifestyle habits including exercise and meditation.
References:
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