Viagra: Natural Alternatives (cont.)
Viagra: Natural Alternatives (cont.)
Moderator: Shouldn't someone consult with a physician before taking any of these remedies?
Dr. Kamhi: I think everyone should have their own personal physician. Most doctors, however, are not trained at all in the use of herbs medicinally So, you may want to seek out a doctor who IS trained in holistic medicine. A good place to check for that is if you have a naturopathic doctor that's an N.D. They study herbal medicine and, in particular, botanical pharmacology for many years, and are in an educated position to decide if an herbal remedy is right for you. There are many chiropractors and osteopaths and some MDs who have now trained themselves in the proper use of natural medicine. The American Holistic Medical Association has lists of doctors. Another source is ACAM (American College for Advancement in Medicine) which has lists of MDs who are training or trained in natural medicine. But you should certainly share with your doctor that you intend to use the natural remedies. Many do have side effects and if you get a rash, that can happen with anything, natural or not. Also, if you're already taking various kinds of drugs, it could interfere with the safety and effectiveness of an herbal remedy.
maggy29_WebMD: What about combinations of these herbs and/or amino acids?
Dr. Kamhi: Yes, as stated, in the health food store you'll find many products now available that combine several of the herbs we talked about and some others. As I mentioned briefly, ginseng is one, as well as the amino acid arginine. You may find products with these already mixed together for you.
maggy29_WebMD: Do you think combining the herbs adds to the positive effects of taking the herbs?
Dr. Kamhi: In many cases, yes, it will. Other people find that using them singularly works best. One that I've seen is a very good combination is damiana, kava kava and yohimbe. That seems to help many people and it is widely available in combinations. Or, you can get them each separately. You may want to also consider saw palmetto. Saw palmetto is a fruit from a plant that grows prolifically right here in the U.S. We talked about many other herbs, such as ginseng and yohimbe from Africa and Muira puama from Brazil and damiana from Mexico, but saw palmetto is a native herb right here in the U.S. and is a fruit that grows on a palm-like bush in Florida. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is excellent for prostate health. And, very often a congested prostate is part of the overall problem in sexual dysfunction. So that's one you might want to add to your overall wellness program
Moderator: What are the typical causes of erectile dysfunction?
Dr. Kamhi: The main cause, as we've stated, is interruption in circulation to the penis, because that's exactly how an erection happens, through an engorgement of blood in that area. Poor nutrition is the main cause. Things like caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and foods that are high in carbohydrates and the wrong kinds of fats. That's what causes it. It's not really a mystery. Now, of course, there are always psychological factors that may be part of it as well. If a man is in an unhappy relationship, that can cause it. Also, anxiety. Once a man begins to have the problem of erectile dysfunction, he will almost immediately will worry the next time he goes to have sex and this can interfere with an erection. So, that's where a psychological component comes in very strongly. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that men who eat red meat more than five times a week have a three times higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men who eat meat less than once a week. So, not only does the prostate become congested, but erectile dysfunction can also result
Moderator: Are they always related?
Dr. Kamhi: No, they're not necessarily always related. Men may experience erectile dysfunction even if they have a healthy prostate.
Moderator: What are some common ways that erectile dysfunction was treated prior to the introduction of cheap cialis?
Dr. Kamhi: There were other drugs that attempted to increase circulation but perhaps were not as effective. And I'm sure people heard of mechanical implants that were used and are still being used, various pumps and other apparatus that are surgically or externally used to pump the area. There are also penis rings that aid in keeping circulatory engorgement in place so an erection is effective. There were other drugs attempted, but none had as much success as cialis. There were also injections that people use directly in the penis. All of these are still being used.
Moderator: At what age are men likely to experience erectile dysfunction?
Dr. Kamhi: Well, it can happen at any age. However, it's certainly more prevalent as age increases, as are all kinds of degenerative illness specifically related to decreased circulation. So the incidence does increase with age. Also, testosterone levels decrease with age which can also add to the problem.
Moderator: Doctor, this has been most interesting and informative. As we near the end of our time, would you care to offer some final thoughts?
Dr. Kamhi: Again, erectile dysfunction can be corrected. That's the good news. And, the natural approach involves healthy habits that can not only solve the problem of erectile dysfunction, but increase overall levels of wellness, decrease obesity, decrease the chance of getting other kinds of degenerative illness and increase overall health and happiness.
Moderator: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kamhi. WebMD members, please join us every Friday at 9 pm EDT here in the Sexual Health Auditorium for our live weekly event.
Moderator: Shouldn't someone consult with a physician before taking any of these remedies?
Dr. Kamhi: I think everyone should have their own personal physician. Most doctors, however, are not trained at all in the use of herbs medicinally So, you may want to seek out a doctor who IS trained in holistic medicine. A good place to check for that is if you have a naturopathic doctor that's an N.D. They study herbal medicine and, in particular, botanical pharmacology for many years, and are in an educated position to decide if an herbal remedy is right for you. There are many chiropractors and osteopaths and some MDs who have now trained themselves in the proper use of natural medicine. The American Holistic Medical Association has lists of doctors. Another source is ACAM (American College for Advancement in Medicine) which has lists of MDs who are training or trained in natural medicine. But you should certainly share with your doctor that you intend to use the natural remedies. Many do have side effects and if you get a rash, that can happen with anything, natural or not. Also, if you're already taking various kinds of drugs, it could interfere with the safety and effectiveness of an herbal remedy.
maggy29_WebMD: What about combinations of these herbs and/or amino acids?
Dr. Kamhi: Yes, as stated, in the health food store you'll find many products now available that combine several of the herbs we talked about and some others. As I mentioned briefly, ginseng is one, as well as the amino acid arginine. You may find products with these already mixed together for you.
maggy29_WebMD: Do you think combining the herbs adds to the positive effects of taking the herbs?
Dr. Kamhi: In many cases, yes, it will. Other people find that using them singularly works best. One that I've seen is a very good combination is damiana, kava kava and yohimbe. That seems to help many people and it is widely available in combinations. Or, you can get them each separately. You may want to also consider saw palmetto. Saw palmetto is a fruit from a plant that grows prolifically right here in the U.S. We talked about many other herbs, such as ginseng and yohimbe from Africa and Muira puama from Brazil and damiana from Mexico, but saw palmetto is a native herb right here in the U.S. and is a fruit that grows on a palm-like bush in Florida. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is excellent for prostate health. And, very often a congested prostate is part of the overall problem in sexual dysfunction. So that's one you might want to add to your overall wellness program
Moderator: What are the typical causes of erectile dysfunction?
Dr. Kamhi: The main cause, as we've stated, is interruption in circulation to the penis, because that's exactly how an erection happens, through an engorgement of blood in that area. Poor nutrition is the main cause. Things like caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and foods that are high in carbohydrates and the wrong kinds of fats. That's what causes it. It's not really a mystery. Now, of course, there are always psychological factors that may be part of it as well. If a man is in an unhappy relationship, that can cause it. Also, anxiety. Once a man begins to have the problem of erectile dysfunction, he will almost immediately will worry the next time he goes to have sex and this can interfere with an erection. So, that's where a psychological component comes in very strongly. The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that men who eat red meat more than five times a week have a three times higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men who eat meat less than once a week. So, not only does the prostate become congested, but erectile dysfunction can also result
Moderator: Are they always related?
Dr. Kamhi: No, they're not necessarily always related. Men may experience erectile dysfunction even if they have a healthy prostate.
Moderator: What are some common ways that erectile dysfunction was treated prior to the introduction of cheap cialis?
Dr. Kamhi: There were other drugs that attempted to increase circulation but perhaps were not as effective. And I'm sure people heard of mechanical implants that were used and are still being used, various pumps and other apparatus that are surgically or externally used to pump the area. There are also penis rings that aid in keeping circulatory engorgement in place so an erection is effective. There were other drugs attempted, but none had as much success as cialis. There were also injections that people use directly in the penis. All of these are still being used.
Moderator: At what age are men likely to experience erectile dysfunction?
Dr. Kamhi: Well, it can happen at any age. However, it's certainly more prevalent as age increases, as are all kinds of degenerative illness specifically related to decreased circulation. So the incidence does increase with age. Also, testosterone levels decrease with age which can also add to the problem.
Moderator: Doctor, this has been most interesting and informative. As we near the end of our time, would you care to offer some final thoughts?
Dr. Kamhi: Again, erectile dysfunction can be corrected. That's the good news. And, the natural approach involves healthy habits that can not only solve the problem of erectile dysfunction, but increase overall levels of wellness, decrease obesity, decrease the chance of getting other kinds of degenerative illness and increase overall health and happiness.
Moderator: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kamhi. WebMD members, please join us every Friday at 9 pm EDT here in the Sexual Health Auditorium for our live weekly event.