Fitness. All about fitness » side effects

Tag-Archive for ◊ side effects ◊

Monday, January 19th, 2009

Some people are just desperate to grow taller, have more toned physiques, and bigger muscles. Most of these people prefer to rely on things like exercise and a wide range of diet supplements, but there is a recent development that is gaining ground. In recent times, people have started to look into the use of more natural methods to relieve everything from chronic pain to depression, with the area of human growth being no exception. While there are numerous herbal remedies and treatments being touted as a good way for someone to grow taller and bigger the natural way, there is one other alternative. This alternative is the use of the natural human growth hormone (HGH) that the body produces, albeit introducing it in an artificial manner. HGH has been touted as an excellent supplement for people who want to grow taller or want to improve their muscle fitness. HGH are produced in the pituitary gland of any human body and are responsible for cell reproduction and growth in various areas of the body. HGH production in the body peaks around puberty, after which it enters a slow state of decline. This is the explanation as to why people seem to grow rapidly during the teen years, though other hormones also play a role. According to studies, directed and controlled distribution of the hormones can result in increased growth in those areas. HGH spray use is often cited as the most effective way to maintain or prolong a person’s growth spurt. The spray is also marketed as being an alternative to some types of cosmetic surgery, such as botox injections and face lifts. This is because HGH also has a variety of side effects that can slow down the aging process, but only if the HGH is used on a regular basis. Most testimonials state that people who use HGH also experience side effects that make them feel younger and more vigorous. Supposedly, the use of HGH also brings back the exuberance and stamina that people experienced during the peak HGH production period of the body. In simpler terms, regular use can make someone feel like a teenager all over again, albeit without the effects of the increased levels of testosterone or estrogen. However, there are side effects associated with prolonged use of HGH, as well as the possibility of an overdose. One of the rarer side effects caused by HGH is Creutzveldt Jacob Disease, which is a rare brain condition that has a high percentage of fatalities. While the disease rarely occurs during periods where HGH production is naturally high, studies have shown that artificial use of the compounds can cause the disease to take root. It has also been observed that this, along with other side effects, are more likely to appear if one uses the recombinant DNA variety of HGH. To put it simply, the HGH sprays that are chemically derived from natural growth hormones are more likely to have side effects than the ones that merely replicate the chemical composition and structure of those hormones. There are also numerous other side effects associated with the use HGH, though most of this information is compiled from consumer reports and experiences. Some have reported minor things, such as muscle spasms, in areas where the HGH use has been focused. Others have complained of cramps whenever exposed areas were physically exerted. Some have reported minor instances of sexual dysfunction after initial use of HGH, bringing about questions about possible effects on one’s sexual health. Finally, there have been reports that prolonged use of HGH can bring about aggressive tendencies similar to the ones caused by continued use of steroids.

Related posts

Friday, January 16th, 2009

Most people recognize something like lower back pain to be a sign of work-related stress. This is not something that most people would dispute, though it isn’t something that a number of them would pay that much attention to either. While stress relief methods like exercise and video gaming can go a long way in helping someone relieve the pain, there are other bits of advice one can listen to that can help out in the long run. Preventing back pain can go a long way in improving one’s overall mood and stress levels, though like many things in life, there are many ways to go about doing that. Treatment for back pain is a massive industry, eating up around $24 million every year. Practically the entire chiropractic “industry” is firmly grounded in treating problems such as back pain. Hollywood and the media frequently make references to it, either in the form of comic interpretations of the hazards of it or the occasional “public interest” segment on news shows. For the most part, these things focus on the triggers and the side effects of such pain, but very little is done to cover the ways to prevent or relieve the symptoms of it. Most people believe that simply maintaining good posture would be enough, but there are other things that need to be kept in mind. Aside from posture, things like aerobics and stretching are good for lower back pain relief. Things like regularly walking or jogging, swimming, and some exercises involved in weight training programs can all be of great help. The idea behind this is to improve the fitness of the muscles, which in turn can lessen the situations that cause pain. Boosting one’s strength can also help, which is why most doctors would recommend that a person perform exercises that strengthen the entirety of the body, rather than just work on any single area. A firm mattress is also essential to preventing or relieving back pain. The mattress used should be a comfortable one that will not place undue stress on the back muscles while sleeping. It should also be firm and sturdy, rather than overly soft. Firmer mattresses help in maintaining the natural shape of the spinal column and back muscles, which helps reduce problems. There are also some pillow than can help maintain the natural form of the back, though they often only work for the upper back and shoulder areas. Sleeping position also matters, with lying on one’s side being the most effective position for maintaining proper back posture. Obesity and poor health clearly have an appreciable effect on the back. As the primary support structure of the body, spinal muscles bear much of the pressure needed to keep the body upright. Poor health practices, excessive weight, and a compromised cardiovascular system can all have damaging effects on the back muscles and cause them to be more prone to weakness and pain. Other things, such as improper lifting technique, neglecting to warm up before engaging in strenuous physical activity, and smoking can all have side effects as well.

Related posts

Wednesday, December 24th, 2008

Breathing is part and parcel of the human condition. If you don’t breathe, you can’t really do much. The air around us, however, is not exactly as pure as it once was. Arguably, the air around us was never really that pure in the first place, but that’s delving a little too deep. In past ages, people sometimes feared drinking water during times of war because there was a very good chance it was poisoned by the enemy. An underhanded tactic, to be sure, but one that was used nonetheless. In the modern world, people may not be as paranoid about the air they breathe, but there is no denying that things like second-hand smoke and the possibility of airborne bacterial infection make breathing a hazardous thing. You’ve probably heard a horror story or two about the potential side effects of breathing in second-hand smoke. You’ve probably been told that, since there’s no filter to reduce the amount of toxins and carcinogens, you’re at greater risk than smokers if you allow yourself to be exposed regularly. Smokers have the filters on their cigars and cigarettes to reduce the damage, but people who stand there and take in the second-hand smoke don’t have that protection. The potential consequences of prolonged exposure consists of a list of respiratory disorders covering everything from minor fits of coughing to something as severe as lung cancer. Of course, it isn’t just the smoke from cigarettes and the like that you have to worry about. The modern atmosphere has, according to some estimates, more carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide than before. Some skeptics doubt the veracity of the claim that the air now is more toxic than at any other point in history, but that is mainly because there is a lack of evidence to prove for or against the theory. While radical, some people see the air quality of the typical urban community as being hazardous to a person’s health in the long-term, primarily due to the toxic components in it. Science also has an impressive list of all sorts of airborne pathogens, bacteria, and viruses that are floating around. While most of them are relatively minor and carry only a minimal risk of bacterial infection, others are not as benign in nature. However, it doesn’t take a deliberate terrorist attack for someone to contract an illness by just breathing in the pathogens. Things like the common cold can be contracted because the viral or bacterial infection is airborne. While the common cold is something that everyone has to put up with and is far from lethal, it can do enough damage to the body’s immune system that other bacteria can step in and cause more damage. For some cases, such as Legionnaire’s Disease, all it really needs is an opening to do the dirty work. According to some statistics, the amount of allergens in the air seems to be showing an increase over the past few decades. When allergen levels from 1968 were compared to levels in 1996 and 2006, there was a notable increasing trend in between. This problem can sometimes be more aggravated in well-developed urban environments, particularly in large-scale office buildings with internal climate control systems. Most office buildings also have centralized cooling systems that regulate the temperature of the entire building. The exhaust and intake ports of these systems can be perfect breeding grounds not only for various types of bacteria, but also a variety of allergens. As anyone who has an allergy understands, the intensity of the reactions can vary, but most of them inevitably cause discomfort and minor health concerns.

Related posts

Friday, December 19th, 2008

Some people drink alcohol occasionally or socially during special dinners or cocktails. Others use it to steady their nerves before making that very important speech or scheduled public appearance. Still, others who are suffering from a sleep disorder drink a generous amount of alcohol to get themselves that much-needed rest and sleep. So, who says that alcohol is bad? Even the Bible agrees with its medicinal properties as cited in the Old and New Testaments no less that 191 times. We all know that alcohol is a by-product of fruits, grains or vegetables through a process called fermentation. It makes use of yeast or bacteria to change the sugars in the food into alcohol which may come in different forms for purposes of cleaning, as antiseptic, and as a depressant or sedative. Studies show that moderate drinkers tend to live longer and are less likely to suffer heart stroke than those who either abstain or drink heavily. While it is true that moderate alcohol intake offers some benefits such as longevity and healthier life, too much consumption can offset all these potential benefits which could lead to serious health conditions such as liver disease, heart attack, pancreatitis, brain atrophy, or miscarriage, among others. These conflicting information should not confuse anyone. Indeed, for every benefit of alcohol consumption entails a counterpart risk one must take into consideration. Moderate alcohol drinking standard is about two drinks a day if you’re a male under 65 years old, or one drink a day if you’re over 65 regardless whether you’re a male or female. One drink is equivalent to 12 ounces (oz.) of beer, 5 oz. of wine, or 1.5 oz. of 80-proof distilled spirits. The older the person becomes, the slower the ability to break down alcohol. This is why adults become more intoxicated more quickly as well as more prone to alcohol’s harmful side effects. Certain health conditions can be made worse by drinking any amount of alcohol. Those who have history of a hemorrhagic stroke, liver disease, pancreatic disease and those with evidence of pre-cancerous stages in the esophagus, larynx, pharynx, or mouth must never take any alcohol. People with a family history of alcoholism are at higher risk of becoming alcoholics themselves. Most importantly, women must avoid alcohol drinks at all cost during pregnancy as this will put the unborn baby at health risks. Moreover, alcohol intake may interact with over-the-counter sleeping pills, antibiotics, antidepressants, pain relievers, diabetes medications, antihistamines, anticoagulants, anti-seizure medications and beta blockers among other many common prescription medications. Aspirin combined with alcohol increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding while alcohol’s effect on acetaminophen may cause some liver damage. The Food and Drug Administration requires all over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers to carry a warning label advising those who consume three or more alcohol drinks a day to consult with their physicians first before taking the drug. Drinking alcohol can help a person feel a little bit relaxed or anxious because alcohol is a depressant. It slows the function of the central nervous system and blocks some of the messages trying to get to the brain, affecting perception, emotion, movement, vision, hearing. Too much alcohol consumption will result in intoxication, making a person lose coordination of movement and affect even coherence of speech. They become disoriented and show changes in their usual behavioral. Depending on the individual’s tolerance level of alcohol, intoxication can make a person very friendly, talkative, aggressive or violent. It also slows down a person’s reflexes and reactions making driving a dangerous activity for someone who is intoxicated. There is extreme danger when large amounts of alcohol is consumed over a short period of time. When a person begins to vomit violently and experiences extreme sleepiness, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, alarmingly low blood sugar, and seizures — these can be signs of extreme intoxication. When the body has become poisoned by too much alcohol, even death may occur. Some people may not realize it but too much alcohol, like drug use, can develop into abuse and even addiction which may become a problem for them and those around them. Without you knowing it, you may have been influencing even the young people to use alcohol when they are not yet of age. In spite of it being illegal to purchase alcohol when a person is below 21 years old, still, teens can easily get access to it in different ways. To drink or not to drink alcohol is a question only you and your physician can answer. Very few health care professionals would advise non-drinkers to drink alcohol for the sake of a healthier condition. However, if you are a moderate drinker and manage to maintain great health, there is no pressure to stop but always remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!

Related posts

Sunday, December 14th, 2008

The US Food and Drug administration (FDA) recently required manufacturers of all medications belonging to the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors to revise their labels by adding a warning—these drugs may potentially cause sudden hearing loss. This decision comes after the FDA reviewed reports of 29 cases of sudden hearing loss after taking PDE5 inhibitors, some dating back from 1996. The FDA said they were prompted to search its Adverse Events Reporting System for cases of hearing loss with PDE5 inhibitors after reading an article about a man who experienced these symptoms after taking Viagra that was published in the April 2007 issue of a reputable medical journal. Among the medications affected by this warning are the popularly prescribed sexual impotence drugs VViagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) as well as others with similar ingredients, including a drug for pulmonary hypertension. Over the last few years, impotent men around the world have relied on some little blue pills to help them raise their staffs high and fight an enemy called sexual impotence. The condition, also known as erectile dysfunction (ED), commonly affects sexually mature males and is marked by the inability to obtain and/or retain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse. Sexual impotence can be caused by a number of factors such as smoking, alcohol abuse, pelvic trauma, hormonal deficiency, psychological problems, stress, or conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. After determining which of these factors is specifically causing the sexual impotence, the proper course of treatment will then be prescribed, which can range from oral prescriptions, direct injections to the penis, psychological counseling, mechanical sex aids or surgery. The most popular treatment for sexual impotence are phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, which are reliable, non-invasive and conveniently packaged in pill form. PDE5 inhibitors work by relaxing smooth muscle tissue in the blood vessels of the penis enabling their dilation and increasing blood supply to the corpus cavernosum, which helps enable men to obtain and retain an erection. But these pills are not without their complications. These medications are hazardous for patients taking nitrate-based drugs or alpha-blockers, because drug interaction with PDE5 inhibitors such as Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra can be fatal. Another drug interaction that interferes with the body’s absorption of these PDE5 drugs is the seemingly innocuous food item grapefruit juice. Commonly reported side effects while taking these medications can range from headache, flushing of the face and body, indigestion, runny nose, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, muscle pains and vision disturbances. Viagra has also been reported to cause permanently impaired vision or even blindness in some patients. According to the FDA, the sudden loss of hearing was mostly in one ear only, and may or may not be accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ears), vertigo and dizziness. Among the 29 reports of patients experiencing sudden hearing loss linked with PDE5 inhibitors, the loss was temporary in about one third of the cases. It has not been established if the hearing loss and accompanying symptoms are directly caused by the drugs or if the symptoms are caused by other drugs, underlying medical conditions, other risk factors for hearing loss, or a combination of these factors. And while the number of cases reported is said to be very small, the FDA insists that the changes be made to the labels accompanying these sexual impotence drugs and others with similar ingredients so that consumers may make a more informed choice when deciding to take them. There is also some concern that the sexual impotence drug-related hearing loss may be ignored by some patients, especially the elderly, who may dismiss the symptoms as merely part of the aging process. The FDA recommends that patients who experience sudden hearing loss after taking Cialis, Levitra, or Viagra should stop taking them immediately and seek medical advice.

Related posts