Still the number in the United States for smokers is high ,slightly over 20%. Besides the obvious effect of smoking, there are some less intrusive health issues. It is now common knowledge that smokers use twice the amount of vitamin C then non smokers. It is said that each cigarette smoked burns up well over 2 mg of vitamin C. The tell tale sign of this very well be the discoloration of many smokers skin.

Smokers both heavy and light should consume up to 120 mg of quality vitamin C a day, which is twice the for non smokers. Deficiencies in beta carotene (U-A) folic acid and vitamin B12 may also occur in the bodies of smokers. In conclusion, light to heavy smokers are advised to take a good multivitamin/mineral supplement along with an extra supplement of vitamin C and E. Antioxidants could also aid in curbing the free radical damage caused by smoking.

It should be noted the smokers should not take Beta Carotene supplements as there may be a risk of increased chance of smoking related cancer. Our advice is to quit smoking, exercise, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and take supplements as directed. In our follow up article on smoking we will discuss the lower calcium levels in women that smoke and the risks, which include osteoporosis and early menopause.

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While the debate continues on what exactly in the extracts of Epimedium triggers an increase in libido or its other medicinal properties Horny Goat Weed has been labeled an Adaptogen by western medicine. Adaptogens is a term by western medicine that places many herbal supplements, like Horny Goat Weed, into one category referring to a hypothetical treatment or a general wellness for the body. One could easily describe Adaptogens as many herbals that cannot be proven by modern science at this time but there is too much clinical evidence to disprove them.

Since Horny Goat Weed is used primarily for improving sexual desire and performance its not hard to figure why so much attention to the hows and whys that it works. Some research suggests the extract of Epimedium dilates capillaries and blood vessels in the kidney and reproductive organ area while others report an increase of noradrenaline, serotonin, and dophamine levels in the blood. The dophamine levels in particular might explain sexual stimulation since it encourages leutenzing hormone (LH) release from the pituitary gland which in turn stimulates the production of testosterone from the testes.

Other research suggests Horny Goat Weed inhibits an enzyme known as acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Basically, by slowing or inhibiting (AChE) other higher levels of neurotransmitters associated with sexual arousal are allowed to take effect. This may be why Horny Goat Weed works for both men and women since it appears to effect neurotransmitters in the brain. With the suggestion of a chemical release in the blood that stimulates men, the research that points towards an increase in sexual arousal neurotransmitters, and an increase in blood flow in the pelvic region for both men and women, it just may be the combination of the Horny Goat Weed Adaptogen working synergistically.

As we all know not everything works for every body and this would probably be true with Horny Goat Weed. Most libido increasing supplements on the market today either include Horny Goat Weed or advertise Horny Goat Weed as the primary ingredient. Most often other natural or herbal ingredients known for their sexual properties are added. The reasoning here is not every body will positively react to the same level of Horny Goat Weed. Many of the other ingredients work synergistically with the Horny Goat Weed or I the individual reacts on a lower level the other ingredients with high sexual or libido properties will kick in sort to speak. If an individual is experiencing erectile dysfunction or from prescribed medications or low blood pressure it would be highly recommended to check with a doctor or other qualified medical professional before taking Horny Goat Weed since it may be considered a blood thinner. Otherwise there are no know side effects from Horny Goat Weed.

The Ginko biloba tree was popular and cultivated by Buddhist monks in mountain monasteries and temples most likely for the combination of its medicinal value and as an ornamental. It appears these Buddhist monks helped propagate the Gingko biloba tree by passing the seeds or seedling around to their wide spread brethren and eventually ending up in Japan around 1192AD. The first recorded reference of Gingko biloba was in the same century and treated as a precious gift, according to translations. The Gingko biloba was revered as if a prize according to poets who sang and wrote about it, giving us the impression that it was rather rare, at least in particular areas. Later, in other documentation of the same century, it appeared as if it grew plentiful. Prior to the 17th century the fossil records of the Ginkgo biloba were evident and numerous, since it populated a healthy chunk of the known world, but the tree itself was thought to be extinct. Luckily for us the Gingko biloba tree was discovered, or we should say re-discovered, in 1691 by a German named Engelbert Kaempher while in the mountains of Japan. The Gingko biloba tree seeds were taken to Europe in the early 1700’s and eventually made their way to America later in the century. It is reported that the Gingko biloba trees grown in Europe at that time were strictly males. It wasn?t until the early 1800’s that a female Gingko biloba tree was found in Geneva and the successful grafting completed at the Botanic Garden of Montpellier. Though that may seem of little importance now, by today?s standard, but it should be objectively viewed from a different view point, one of what was available at that time. At the time there was little modern medicine in comparison with today, and the Gingko biloba tree offered relief from numerous maladies of that era. A self pollinating, medicinal, Gingko biloba tree could be seen as a significant advancement for the availability of Gingko.

The commercial and medicinal component of the Ginko biloba tree are not the fruit itself but the seeds after they have been removed from the fleshy outer layer, and the fresh leaves after they have been dried. The leaf of the Gingko biloba is primarily used in western medicine and supplements whereas the seeds are used predominantly in Chinese and Japanese traditional medicines. The Chinese used the Gingko biloba nuts and seeds most commonly for respiratory ailments. Western cultures started using the nuts and seeds for the same ailments but a study and translation published early in the early in the 1900’s recommended Gingko biloba use for asthma, coughs, but added bladder and uterine irritabilities. The changeover from nuts and seeds to the leaves of the Gingko biloba originated in Europe and is considered a modern development, and debatably, an improvement.

The modern medical benefits of Gingko biloba is attributed primarily from two groups of active elements, Gingko flavone glycosides, and terpene lactones. These two elements usually constitute 24% of the Gingko extract, an industry standard, used in today?s supplements. The Gingko flavone glycosides are considered primarily responsible for the well known anti-oxidant activity. The Gingko flavone glycosides are also the reported the main element that mildly prohibits the aggregation, or buildup, of the sticky platelets in the blood stream. It is the Gingko flavone glycosides and the terpene lactones found in the leaf extract that has shown the ability to prevent circulatory diseases and has demonstrated benefits in patients with poor peripheral circulation in the arms and legs. This is accomplished by Gingko biloba regulating the elasticity and tone of the blood vessels thus increasing the efficiency of the circulatory system.

Besides the circulatory attributes of Gingko biloba to the body and extremities it also supports circulation to the brain and the nervous system. Combined with the anti-oxidant properties it is highly regarded to enhance cognitive (memory & thinking) performance in older adults. Though there is some debate on the benefits of Gingko biloba towards Alzheimerapos;s disease per se, there appears an overwhelming amount of clinical suggested potential for Gingko’s use. This in part is due to Gingko biloba demonstrating an ability to exert a type of protection action on brain and nerve cells. Again suggesting the enhancement or delay of cognitive decline. Due to the anti-oxidant action, new preliminary reports are suggesting a possible potential for benefiting those afflicted with Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) that affects 10 million Americans, and diabetic related retinopathy.

Gingko Biloba offers a relatively safe and moderately effective treatment inexpensively, but like any supplement it is highly recommended to seek professional medical advice for safety and effectiveness before starting. This is especially important if you plan to use Gingko biloba for memory loss or other brain or head conditions. Gingko biloba is available in pill form for the most part and some liquids are available. Since Gingko biloba has not been FDA approved and long term use has not been thoroughly tested it has been recommended that as a preventative herbal product Gingko biloba should not be used consecutively or daily for longer than three months. On occasion some side effects such as upset stomach, diarrhea, or headache have occurred. If these conditions persist discontinue and inform your medical professional promptly. It is rare and unlikely but some people are allergic to Gingko biloba and symptoms include itchy rash, minor swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. In the event that this occurs discontinue immediately and contact your medical professional.

Since Gingko biloba is considered a mild blood thinner is it not recommended for hemophiliacs and inform your medical professional before any surgery or dental work is performed. It may be recommended that you discontinue the use of Gingko biloba two weeks before surgery. Check with your medical professional. Pregnant or breast feeding women should delay taking Gingko biloba to avoid any potential risk to the child.

China’s insatiable appetite for Ginseng during the 1700’s and 1800’s kept prices high and made many people wealthy trading Ginseng plant roots when most of what the history books were talking lumber and steel. The Ginseng industry, if you want to call it that, did slowly fall prey to over-harvesting and the destruction of Ginsengs natural habitat due to coal mining and the lumber industry. The Korean Ginseng industry was suffering the same woes but their first attempts at commercial farming of Ginseng worked out better than the North American attempts. The Ginseng is very particular about its habitat and somewhat difficult to grow. During the early 1900s, both the Korean and North American industries were well into the beginning of commercial Ginseng production.

Panex Ginseng is the Chinese species while the North American species is referred to as Panex Quinuefolius and both fall into the Araliaceae family of perennials. The Chinese species of Ginseng grows larger than its North American cousin but the basic structure remains the same. The Chinese Ginseng usually produces pink flowers while the North American Ginseng usually produces a flower of yellow hue. Both species of the Ginseng produce a small cluster of red berries. The leaves of the Ginseng are digitate and long slim ovals; it vaguely resembles the human hand thus given the common name of five fingers. The Ginseng root is very slow growing, which is one of the main reasons for the over-harvesting. The Ginseng root or tuber averages 2 to 3 inches long and .5 to 1 inch thick with the Chinese species averaging slightly larger. The majority of the Ginseng root is basically shaped long and narrow, and heavily annulated with ringed growth much like the rings in a carrot. Depending on its immediate growing environment and soil nutrients, the Ginseng root color can range from pale yellow to a washed-out brown. The Ginseng tuber has the consistency of a turnip when cut open which yields a bitter-sweet licorice taste, with minimal scent but a slight aromatic effect. The Ginseng plant?s stem is a single stalk about a foot high producing three leaves per branch.

Contemporary scientific research has labeled the Ginseng plant as an adaptogen which are usually natural or organic substances that assist the body in various ways. Adaptogens like Ginseng when taken in moderation usually work without any harmful or aggravating side effects. Both Eastern and Western medicine recommend Ginseng for mild stomach problems and digestive afflictions that usually arise from mental stress or nervous exhaustion. Though not entirely recognized by Western medicine Ginseng is widely used to lower cholesterol, increase energy, increase endurance, reduce the effects of stress and help prevent infections. Ginseng is also recognized to be an effective anti-aging supplement and is reported to increase mental and physical stimulation. Western medicine is skeptical about some of the claims by the users of Ginseng but more and more research is providing positive answers. Currently the majority of Ginseng is sold in the Eastern countries with North America consuming about 20% of the available crop. Ginseng is available in many non-prescription forms of liquid extract, tablets or capsules, teas, even chewing gum, candy, and cigarettes.

The effects of Ginseng in the human body are a highly debated controversy. While some skeptics compare Ginseng to snake oil it’s becoming more difficult to disprove why mankind has been digesting it for over 5,000 years. Many popular energy drinks list Ginseng in their ingredients and those wishing to avoid caffeine may wish to substitute. Scientifically, we have been studying Ginseng for at least twenty years and as our technology and clinical trials advance so does the acceptance of “the wonder of the world” plant. In early studies Ginseng extract was found to inhibit tumor growth in the lungs of lab mice. Other tests stated a reduction of incidence in various cancers of the skin, stomach, kidneys, ovaries, cervix, and mammary glands. Recent research on humans claimed a whopping 70% reduction in the possibility of cancer when Ginseng is consumed. The same study indicated that with an increase of Ginseng consumed, the possibility of contracting cancer dropped further. That is a pretty bold statement and how exactly Ginseng accomplishes this was not stated. But, if Ginseng helps improve or stimulate the immune system and the white blood cells, or T-cells, increase then perhaps this is what the study used as a baseline. Other studies do indicate a more active immune system with Ginseng consumers and suggest a combination of effects that ease or relax the body while stimulating the immune system. This study suggested that certain immune factors were triggered by Ginseng in the bronchi of the lungs bringing about relief from certain lung ailments. During sickness many parts of the body often become inflamed or stressed, this is where the benefits of Ginseng appear to assist by reacting to the stress and stimulating the immune system.

Ginseng has been shown to normalize glucose levels after eating in diabetics but at this time should not be considered a cure and blood sugar should be monitored closely. The latest study indicated Ginseng could lower blood sugar by nearly 20%. When combined with Gingko Biloba, Ginseng has been used to treat impotence and is claimed to improve memory and brain capacity. Ginseng is also said to be one of the most effective anti- aging supplements available by helping to prevent the degeneration of the circulatory system, and increasing mental and physical stimulation. There is also been shown the possibility of treating hyperactive children and those with possible Attention Deficit Disorders.

Being strong proponents of Ginseng, the Chinese and Koreans have produced the largest number of medical research reports in regards to Ginseng. Though not entirely accepted by the West it is difficult to completely rebuke all the positive findings on Ginseng. A report in 2003 compared Ginseng to a popular stroke medicine named Duxil that has not been approved for stroke treatment in the United States. The clinical trial was done with patients who suffered brain damage from multiple small strokes. The report indicated that the patients who received Ginseng improved in all areas of brain function where those given Duxil showed only limited improvement and only in certain areas. It is believed that the Ginseng stimulates the brain chemical known as acetylcholine that involves memory, and much like the Duxil, Ginseng provided better oxygenation to the brain cells. Western doctors have shown some interest in the results but remain skeptical. This may be caused by the pharmaceutical companies strong hold over Western medicine.

One of the highly debated claims of Ginseng revolve around whether it is a physical performance enhancer, and the effects of daily use. Some claim that tests using Ginseng were designed to restore health and should be used for treatment only. With some data to back up this claim it does show a smaller increase in the various benefits of those who are healthy and take Ginseng daily. The largest, or most noticeable improvements or benefits of Ginseng come from those who are recovering from a certain illness or affliction. However, with prevention being the best medicine, the smaller benefits as an immune booster can certainly add up over the years. With the debate still raging over the performance enhancement benefits, this call may be for the individual to decide for themselves.

Aloe Vera is originally thought to be indigenous of the African continent from the Aloe family that contains over 400 species and is actually a member of the Lilly family. The Aloe Vera plant resembles a cactus in some respects from its thick outer skin and pointed leaves. The thick outer skin and pointed leaves of the Aloe Vera plant prevent dehydration during times of drought making survival during long, harsh dry seasons possible. The Aloe Vera plant is considered a succulent that has the ability to draw in large amounts of moisture at one time to take advantage of unpredictable or sparse rainfall much like the cactus. The adaptability of the Aloe Vera plant allows it to grow almost anywhere as long as it is not subjected to near freezing temperatures.

Though the first documented writing concerning the Aloe Vera plant are around 2000 years old, it was most certainly used prior to that. Large populations hearing about medicinal plants generated interest and demand for the Aloe Vera plant. No better way for communication and exposure of the medicinal Aloe Vera plant than traveling armies entering Africa. For treating wounds and exposure to the weather, it wouldnapos;t take long for the word of the Aloe Vera to spread. Cleopatra was reported to have used Aloe Vera to pamper her skin. The sap of the Aloe Vera plant, although bitter in taste, was used extensively as a laxative.

Jumping into the early 1900’s, Aloe Vera was sought commercially for the use in laxatives as the primary active ingredient. Though synthetic laxatives edged out the use of Aloe Vera in most laxatives, there is still a large market using Aloe Vera as a natural laxative. Later, in the 1930’s, scientific proof added more credence of the Aloe Vera plant?s ability to heal. These published reports surrounded the use of Aloe Vera for effective treatment of skin lesions created by x-ray exposure. Perhaps it’s a little scary to think about that much exposure to x-rays in those “primitive” days compared to today’s levels. Besides a host of skin products, Aloe Vera is used in many pharmaceutical products including one of the most popular anti-rheumatic products on the market. Aloe Vera is used in health drinks and has been used for relief for many gastro-intestinal problems such as peptic ulcers and gastritis. Ironic that these are purportedly the same pharmaceutical industries that usually scoff at traditional medicines, such as Aloe Vera, and appear to have attempted to restrict, eliminate, or disapprove many traditional supplements.

The Aloe Vera plant is one of the most popular houseplants available today, the most popular being the Aloe Barbadensis Miller. As a hardy succulent the Aloe Vera grows well indoors with very little care. It is usually suggested to replant the Aloe Vera in a larger pot after purchase since the commercial pots have a tendency to be too small, and it is best to use a high quality potting soil for best results. The Aloe Vera plant does not like to keep it’s feet wet, so do not over water; wait until it is good and dry before re-watering. Do no keep the Aloe Vera plant exposed to constant standing water in saucers beneath the plant. It can be drenched during the summer, but let it dry out thoroughly before watering. The Aloe Vera plant loves sunlight and needs plenty of direct exposure. And since the Aloe Vera plant grows wild it can be taken outside with little worry or maintenance. For those living in the southern part of the United States that do not receive frost, the Aloe Vera can be grown outside but is intolerant to a cold climate. During the winter months, reducing the amount of water and exposure near heating vents can dry the Aloe Vera plant out quickly. Regular light doses of an all-purpose fertilizer will work fine for the Aloe Vera plant.

The leaves of the Aloe Vera plant can be cut or broken off without damage or harm to the plant. The Aloe Vera sap can be squeezed out or the skin can be removed to reveal the leaf pulp or “gel”. The Aloe Vera “gel” or mucilaginous sap contains mainly water, and the leaf fibers that create the healing qualities that make this plant so special. Used externally, Aloe Vera accelerates healing to cuts and burns and brings relief to rashes, bug-bites, and poison oak, and poison ivy. For external use, Aloe Vera is best used straight from the plant without worry of over applying. For internal use, it is highly recommended to check with your medical professional or look for over-the-counter products that contain Aloe Vera. Much folk lore still exists concerning other benefits, including a colon-cleanser that Aloe Vera is said to heal, but these should be carefully considered before administering internally. If Aloe Vera is decided to be used internally, in the case of the cleansing of the colon, be sure to increase the body’s potassium intake since this type of procedure can strip the body of it.

The healing effects from Aloe Vera from a scientific viewpoint appear to be from the ability of the gel to better permeate or soak deep into the skin. There also appears to be stimulation to the skin to create more collagens thus hastening the repair. It is also thought that Aloe Vera relaxes the capillaries allowing better blood flow to the injured area thus permitting other healing agents to work. Sounds perfectly logical, but for anything worse than first degree burns it is highly recommended to use an anti-biotic cream first, then apply Aloe Vera after scabbing.

When shopping for a skin product containing Aloe Vera, it is highly recommended to choose the products with a high percentage of Aloe Vera extract. The key word here being “extract”, since the extracted gel has the “real” healing power. Ground-up stalks and leaf-skins contain little of the healing properties, but can be thrown into a product without some type of preservative since any organic product will spoil quickly. The type of preservatives in Aloe Vera skin products vary as well as the percentage so reading the ingredients label is very important especially since some individual could be sensitive or allergic to them.

Overall, Aloe Vera is a highly recommended skin-healing product found naturally that has been with us for centuries and can provide relief and accelerating the healing process. Scientific and clinical tests continue to explore the fascinating properties of the Aloe Vera plant and perhaps apply them to more serious skin conditions. Caffeine, for instance, has been suggested through clinical tests to hinder some benign types of skin cancers when used as an external cream. Quite possibly, we can hope for something equivalent or better from Aloe Vera.

Concerns arise when surgery, anesthesiology, and supplements combine. Its not bad news though, and the benefits of dietary supplements has shown to shorten recovery time and speed healing. Unless physician prescribed mega- dosing is involved it should not be enough of a concern that a medical alert bracelet needs to be worn but in the case of an emergency it is helpful to the doctors, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff to know which particular, and how much, supplements the patient is taking. The same can be said for many of the foods and spices we consume.

Though still not recognized by certain government or medical organizations for whatever the reasons or excuses, depending on your outlook, dietary supplements are recognized by conscientious doctors, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses. Their concern is the patients health and well being so the patient must help them.

Regardless of how minor the procedure may be it is best to keep your medical professional fully informed about your dietary supplement intake. Many complaints from the medical professionals viewpoint is in regards to this disclosure. For many reasons patients do not fully disclose what supplements they are taking, whether its pride, embarrassment, not remembering, or just not thinking that it is important, but it is. Even aspirin has interactions with other medications as does onions, garlic, ginger and even figs

By tracking or recording how much of which dietary supplements a patient takes and for how long is the best way to keep an accurate and easily available record. It wouldn?t hurt to also record any prescription medications either, though a patients doctor has these records there could be a delay in treatment while waiting for the information. In case of an emergency or accident on a weekend the patient may have the dietary supplement information readily available or since it has been written down it may be fresher in the patients mind. For most his will never be a concern, but prior to any surgical procedure, regardless of how minor full disclosure is best. Usually the patient will be asked numerous times by numerous medical professionals about dietary supplements prior to a procedure and will be recommended to abstain from them for three weeks to three days prior to the procedure,

Compiled below is the most common dietary supplements, food, and spices that may have an effect on some common medications used during a surgical, including anesthesiology, procedure and recovery. Be sure to discuss dietary supplements you’re taking your doctor prior to any procedure.

Possible increased risk of bleeding due to antiplatelet properties: Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo Biloba, Cayenne, Onion, Papain, Black Cohosh.

Skin reactions and Dermatopathy: Kava, St Johns Wort, Celery, Dill, Fennel, Parsley, and Figs.

Sedatives: Valerian Root may prolong the effects of pentobarbital, thiopental, and metoclopromide.

Absorption Inhibitor: Guar Gum may decrease the absorption of acetaminophen and penicillin.

Echinacea: Because it appears to demonstrate immune system stimulation it may counteract immunosuppressive drugs, slow post-op wound healing thus allow opportunistic infection, may cause anaphylaxis in atomic patients.

Ephedra ( MA Huang): Used for weight loss, increased energy, treating respiratory infections may cause vasoconstriction and vasospasms of coronary and cerebral arteries, ventricular arrhythmias, hypersensitivity myocarditis, tachyphylaxis from extreme long term use.

Prevention is the best medicine. The best defense is a good offense. Two more old clichés but if you are reading between the lines you know now is the time to start kicking your immune system into high gear. Chances are you will be exposed to the common Cold and various strains of the Flu, especially if you have kids in school. The strength of your immune system could easily determine whether or not you even feel the effects of an exposure or whether you end up in bed for a week, or worse.

Immune system support starts in your refrigerator with good ol´ orange juice, Vitamin C, and a healthy diet. Unfortunately, with the ever mutating strains of bacteria and viruses it might not be enough and that’s where a careful choice of supplements may be beneficial to keeping you on your feet.

The Flu shots, if available, are effective yet controversial, but have caused reactions and side effects in some, and are considered a crutch by others. Regardless of the varying opinions, a powerful, quick acting, immune system is still the best defense, and washing hands combined with the generous use of mild alcohol wipes is considered the best preventative.

Currently there is no vaccine available for SARS or Pneumonia and immune system support is usually whopping doses of antibiotics. Should someone become afflicted with either, a strong immune system will help them bounce back quicker. Though currently there has been no SARS outbreaks reported it is recommended to check before traveling abroad.

Hormones are much like chemical messengers that can trigger or stop various activities in other tissues or organs. DHEA can be easily converted into testosterone or estrogen and was first thought to be a left over byproduct during the production of other hormones. .

Originally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was not sure whether to allow DHEA on the market because not enough was known about the product. DHEA was marketed as a weight loss supplement available only by prescription then taken off the market. During the mid 90?s DHEA was reclassified as a dietary supplement thus being available for sale over the counter. The FDA?s concern centered around the possible side effects and unknown interactions within the body. .

Studies indicate that DHEA has a number of possibly beneficial interactions including the prevention or delay of cancer, hardening of the arteries, diabetes, and a decrease in the possibility of heart disease of 15% of that particular study group. Increases in lean body mass and immune system markers were also noted. Of these studies the age group of 50 to 65 year olds appeared to have a more immediate benefit with a drop in fat body mass and an increase in chemical markers indicating an immune system boost. Also a relaxed feeling of well being was noted that coincides with another study that successfully treated depression with DHEA. In these studies DHEA of the 50 to 65 year olds there was not a claim of increased libido as some advertisements claim, these claims attempt to connect the increase of testosterone with sex drive and may well show improvement in younger adults. Other benefits noted besides the loss of body fat was an increase in skin quality, a decrease in allergy reactions, reducing blood pressure, and slightly better regulation of blood sugars. Overall, DHEA should not be considered a fountain of youth discovery but has some indications of slowing the aging process. .

Currently, trials are in progress testing DHEA in its ability to boost the immune system and how it maintains the mental function in the 50 to 65 year old age group since an increase in mental clarity has been claimed. Of course with every thing good there are always certain risks. Because DHEA can be converted into testosterone it can cause an increase in facial and body hair in women and can trigger a stop in menstruation. It has been shown to decrease the good cholesterol HDL in women also. Pregnant or lactating women should not use DHEA. In men, an increased level in DHEA stimulated testosterone may trigger the growth of a small prostrate tumor that would normally remain dormant and may also cause an enlarged prostrate making urination difficult. Consulting a doctor or qualified medical professional is recommended especially if under the age of 40. .

With the increase in testosterone bodybuilders and athletes can show huge gains in muscle mass but this is where the FDA has some issues with DHEA. The potential for short and long term misuse, the nearly instantaneous advantage of muscle gains can be overwhelming and can easily result in disregarding common sense, could lead to unknown and disastrous problems later on. If DHEA is planned to be used by a bodybuilder or athlete, especially if under the age of 40, then supervision by a doctor or qualified health professional is highly recommended since higher levels of testosterone are already present, especially in those in their twenties. .

As a diet supplement DHEA has proven effective since it is a thermogenic substance causing a person to burn fat for energy rather than hold it in storage. DHEA also blocks an enzyme which is needed to produce fat tissue and stimulates another hormone function which sends signals indicating you are full and it is time to stop eating. Because of the testosterone increase and the undesirable effects on women DHEA is considered more male friendly than female. A simple and easy saliva test is available to monitor and regulate DHEA levels.