By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

Men today face an uncomfortable fate that seems to be happening at younger and younger ages—at alarming rates.

Men’s testosterone levels have been declining for several decades. The average modern man has testosterone levels far below levels from even 50 years ago and most likely drastically lower than men hundreds of years ago.

While it is somewhat normal for testosterone levels to decline with age, there has been a generational drop, with every generation, since the 70’s or before. On average, our Gen Z men and millennials have significantly lower levels of testosterone when compared to their fathers and grandfathers—and probably farther back in the family tree.

Measuring testosterone levels in men only dates to the mid 20th century, and obtaining accurate measurement of testosterone in blood has only been possible since the development of radio immunoassay techniques in the 1960’s, otherwise, we would most certainly see a serious decline in testosterone going back several generations.

Average total testosterone level of a 60-year-old man in the late 80’s was approximately 17.5nmol/L or 504.32ng/dL, according to this 2007 study. However, a 60-year-old man in 2002 had an approximate total testosterone level of 432.28ng/dL. And this is 2023, with testosterone levels dropping even further. Based on this, average testosterone levels in men are declining by approximately 10-15% every year, but could be as high as a 25% drop in testosterone.

Research carried out on Finnish and Danish populations are showing similar trends. More recently, another large-scale study of Israeli men has shown average testosterone levels dropping between 2006 and 2019, by more than 10% across every age category.

This Finnish study also shows free testosterone levels declining, combined with higher levels of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), a substance that binds up free testosterone, making it unusable in the body.

What is the Difference Between Free Testosterone and Bound Testosterone?

Total testosterone levels include both bound and unbound portions of testosterone. These are calculated in a simple blood test that measures testosterone levels.

Total testosterone levels have been a primary indicator of men’s health and fertility for many years. But when measuring testosterone, it’s important to look at both bound and unbound levels of this hormone.

Free testosterone is considered “unbound testosterone” and can attach to receptors on any cell in the body. Free testosterone can freely execute functions such as regulate metabolism and execute cellular functions.

There are proteins in the body called Sex Hormone Binding Globulins. SHBG is made mostly in your liver. It binds (attaches) to testosterone. SHBG controls the amount of sex hormones that are actively working in your body. When testosterone is bound to SHBG, the body cannot access or utilize testosterone that is bound. Body tissues can only use free testosterone.

For various reasons, SHBG levels can be overly high, causing more bound testosterone that cannot be utilized. So even if testosterone levels are normal, a man can have symptoms of low T, if there is too much SHBG attached to testosterone. High levels of SHBG combined with normal T levels, also contribute to the low testosterone epidemic.

However, the problem is not just bound or unbound testosterone levels in men. Sperm counts are dropping, along with other reproductive disorders, like ED, impotence, and testicular and prostate cancer.

Testosterone is an important hormone. Testosterone is not only considered a man’s sex hormone—the thing that makes a man a man—but testosterone also has to do with a man’s overall health and wellness. Testosterone helps with mood, motivation, drive, a sense of wellbeing, hair growth, bone density, weight management, muscle size, and more.

Why are testosterone levels falling?

That’s a complicated question. The truth is, it’s not entirely clear, but it most likely boils down to a combination of factors that exist in the modern world. These things were not present in earlier times—or at least not to the degree that they are now in modern industrialized societies. So, it’s no surprise testosterone levels seem to be plummeting overall.

High Levels of Xenoestrogens Everywhere

It becomes more and more difficult to avoid encountering hormone-disrupting chemicals in our food and water supply, personal care products, cookware, sunscreens, lawn care products, household cleaners, and even pharmaceutical products.

Many of these chemical-based endocrine disrupters are dangerous because they mimic estrogen in the body. These synthetic estrogen-like compounds are called ‘xenoestrogens’. Xenoestrogens attach to estrogen receptors and amplify harmful effects of estrogen, causing natural hormones to go askew.

Xenoestrogens can contribute to unnatural early puberty, hormone imbalances, reduced testosterone and fertility, reproductive problems, and a higher risk of certain types of cancers. Xenoestrogens are also responsible for weight gain, erectile dysfunction, and ‘man boobs’.

Xenoestrogens cause an unnatural increase in estrogen in men, block the natural production of testosterone, and lower sperm count and decrease fertility.

Obviously, xenoestrogens sound like something people should avoid at all costs. But how do we avoid them when they are everywhere? It may be difficult to totally avoid them, but there are definite ways to reduce exposure to xenoestrogens. Let’s look at where xenoestrogens are found:

Xenoestrogens can be found in pesticides, plastics, fuels, foods, preservatives, and drugs. Many xenoestrogens are present in processed, packaged foods and conventionally grown produce—as either preservatives or pesticides.

There are also xenoestrogens in conventional dairy, meat, and eggs. Commercial dairy and egg farmers often feed estrogenic chemicals to dairy cows and chickens because it will increase production of their milk or eggs. This makes conventional dairy, eggs, and meat major sources of xenoestrogens. Growth hormones given to commercial livestock have estrogen-like qualities as well.

Plastics contain a lot of xenoestrogens, particularly in softer plastics like water bottles, soft drink containers, and storage containers. Worst of all are the plastic food containers that are used to heat up leftovers in the microwave. Microwaving sends a large dose of the xenoestrogens from the plastic into food.

High Cortisol and Testosterone

Life has become very competitive and very stressful. Jobs, money, family, climate change, pandemics, wars, and on and on. More people than ever are dealing with unprecedented levels of chronic stress today. While you probably already know that stress can impact moods, sleep, and immune function—it also can affect your testosterone levels as well.

High stress levels cause higher cortisol levels. According to research from University of Texas at Austin, chronically elevated cortisol levels will lower testosterone, increase the occurrence of impotence, and lower libido by inhibiting testosterone production in men.

Stress and cortisol can come from physical stress like exercise, or mental and emotional stress. Male athletes who are training hard tend to have lowered levels of testosterone as well. Athletes who overtrain, and don’t take enough time off for their bodies to recover, tend to have lower levels of testosterone than average. Reductions in testosterone at the low end of ‘clinically normal’ is generally true particularly with excessive endurance training.

The problem with stress and testosterone is that it can turn into a vicious cycle. Low testosterone levels lead to more stress, which raises cortisol and causes testosterone levels to drop even lower.

Researchers are still learning more about the direct physiological connection between stress and low testosterone. In addition to the physical response other side effects of stress like poor sleep, and low energy also contribute to lower testosterone levels.

Excess Alcohol

Men’s bodies contain three glands responsible for production of testosterone in men: The hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary gland, and the testes. The hypothalamus releases a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which acts on the pituitary gland.

1. The pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
2. In response to circulating LH and FSH levels, your testes will begin to make more testosterone.

Alcohol disrupts testosterone production by interfering with the signals of all three glands. This results in the usual low testosterone symptoms: erectile dysfunction, infertility, and reduced male sexual characteristics. Alcohol also impairs the function of the testicular Sertoli cells that play an important role in sperm maturation.

Disruptions to these LH and FSH can lead a complete stoppage of sperm production. Studies have found that 50 percent of heavy drinkers had spermatogenic arrest compared to only 20 percent of men who were not heavy drinkers. They also found that men who drank heavily had significantly smaller testicles than men who don’t drink.

Alcohol is also a substance that can cause the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. When alcohol is consumed, alcohol stimulates an enzyme called aromatase, which initiates the process of converting testosterone into estrogen. So, testosterone levels decrease, and estrogen increases in response to drinking.

Overweight, Obesity and Testosterone

We all have body fat, but some of us have more than others. One of the biggest health issues in modern society is the prevalence of excess body fat and obesity. There are many reasons for this including, a poor diet high in carbohydrates and sugar, stress, lack of exercise, and sleep issues that can pile on the pounds.

Unfortunately, being a man and being overweight can cause free testosterone levels to drop drastically. There is a ton of evidence that shows obesity as being a primary factor in low testosterone levels. Obesity, in fact, is the number one most effective predictor of low testosterone in men—out of all possible risk factors.

The key reason is that fat cells contain aromatase. As with alcohol, aromatase converts testosterone and its ‘parent’ hormones into estrogen. What happens is this—when a man starts gaining extra fat, aromatase levels go up. This converts existing testosterone into estrogen. And by the way, abdominal fat contains the highest levels of aromatase.

Here’s an all-too-frequent-scenario of today’s modern man: Our modern guy is carrying around excess chronic stress from work, his home life, kids, and more. This causes him to have high cortisol levels which in turn begins to lower testosterone, and probably affects his sleep as well.

Cortisol also increases blood sugar and causes this guy to get the munchies and gain weight—especially around the midsection. Aromatase starts to increase.

To combat the excess stress, our guy goes out and throws back a couple pints every evening after work with his buddies, instead of heading to the gym to work out. The alcohol raises his cortisol levels and his aromatase levels. More testosterone is converted to estrogen and testosterone production also slows down. The excess alcohol, combined with the higher-than-normal cortisol levels begin to cause a ‘beer belly’ in our guy.

All these things increase aromatase, raising levels of estrogen, and lowering testosterone. Lower testosterone makes managing stress more difficult. In addition, low testosterone levels decrease muscle mass, instead of increasing it, meaning more body fat as well. Low T also means low motivation, so instead our guy feeling like he can ‘take on the world,’ he’d much rather sit on his couch with a cold one in his hand.

The result for our poor guy is a vicious cycle of low testosterone, high estrogen, low motivation, low energy, low libido, erectile dysfunction, ‘man boobs’, more body fat, loss of lean muscle tissue, along with irritability and depression. This is today’s man stuck in a downward spiral of stress, excess fat, and consuming too much alcohol and junk food. This happens every day, all the time, with too many men. No wonder average testosterone levels are way lower than the past!

Contrast that with a primitive man, who spent most of his day laboring or tracking animals. he was lean and muscular. Stress was short-lived, and not chronically present in his everyday life. Alcohol was not readily available, food was completely natural and void of excess sugars, and there were no processed vegetable oils and refined carbohydrates. And no xenoestrogens in his environment. This guy had plenty of testosterone, along with motivation, drive, high libido and energy.

How to Regain Control of Testosterone Levels

1. Cut out sugar, starches, carbs, and processed vegetable oils, and, if necessary, get a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to monitor blood sugar levels.
2. Eat REAL meat, especially grass-fed meat. Eat organic, grass fed dairy. Sorry vegans.
3. Cut way back on alcohol or quit all together. One drink per day should be maximum. Hint: sometimes it’s easier to quit totally then trying to reduce alcohol intake.
4. Remove or reduce xenoestrogens in your environment. Switch to natural, organic personal care products including shave cream, soaps, deodorant, shampoos, lotions, sunscreen, laundry soap, and cleaning products. Stop the cologne and body sprays. Avoid all plastic, especially if it is in contact with your food. Stop microwaving your food. Avoid other chemicals, solvents, and paints.
5. Get back to the gym! Lift heavy weights, sprint, and do intense exercise. Lifting weights and other intense exercise not only helps to increase testosterone levels but also burns fat, and increases lean muscle mass. Working out also decreases stress and cortisol.

As the article mentions testosterone is dropping at an alarming rate for men all over the world,  so if you’re a man over the age of 40, then pay attention…

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References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3880087/
Ori Hofmekler, “The Anti-Estrogenic Diet, How Estrogenic Foods and Chemicals Are Making You Fat and Sick”, North Atlantic Books, 2007.
Joseph Mercola, “12 Food Additives to Remove from Your Diet’, Mercola.com,
July 14, 2009
Elizabeth Smith, MD, “Xenoestrogens interfere with Normal Hormones.” Endo101.com
https://ltmensclinic.com/how-stressful-times-can-impact-your-testosterone/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3880087/
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-alcohol-affects-testosterone#effect-on-sperm
Fui MN, Dupuis P, Grossmann M. Lowered testosterone in male obesity: mechanisms, morbidity and management. Asian J Androl. 2014;16(2):223-231. doi:10.4103/1008-682X.122365
Corona G, Rastrelli G, Monami M, et al. Body weight loss reverts obesity-associated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Endocrinol. 2013;168(6):829-843. Published 2013 May 2. doi:10.1530/EJE-12-0955
Cabler S, Agarwal A, Flint M, du Plessis SS. Obesity: modern man’s fertility nemesis. Asian J Androl. 2010;12(4):480-489. doi:10.1038/aja.2010.38T
Saad F, Aversa A, Isidori AM, Gooren LJ. Testosterone as potential effective therapy in treatment of obesity in men with testosterone deficiency: a review. Curr Diabetes Rev. 2012;8(2):131-143. doi:10.2174/157339912799424573
Vingren JL, Kraemer WJ, Ratamess NA, Anderson JM, Volek JS, Maresh CM. Testosterone physiology in resistance exercise and training: the up-stream regulatory elements. Sports Med. 2010;40(12):1037-1053. doi:10.2165/11536910-000000000-00000
Grossmann M, Matsumoto AM. A Perspective on Middle-Aged and Older Men with Functional Hypogonadism: Focus on Holistic Management. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017;102(3):1067-1075. doi:10.1210/jc.2016-3580
https://www.everlywell.com/blog/testosterone/testosterone-weight-loss/
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/shbg-blood-test/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3955331/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323085#high-levels
https://www.medichecks.com/blogs/testosterone/why-do-gen-z-and-millennial-men-have-lower-testosterone

The post The Great Testosterone Reset appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day. 

By Krista Hillis, TheAlternativeDaily.com

Although conventional hair products offer scents that are “fresh” and floral, don’t let flashy packaging fool you. There are most certainly some great all-natural skin and hair products on the market, so do not discount all brands. However, when purchasing all-natural products, they can be rather costly.

On the other end of the spectrum, there’s the conventional products which fill our drugstores and department store shelves. They are often packed with ingredients that may be doing more harm than good. The sad truth is, a large variety of beauty products contain a long list of toxic additives, including known human carcinogens and endocrine disrupters. There has to be a better way, right?

Why you should make the switch to natural ingredients

Before we jump into the benefits of castor oil — a substance obtained from castor beans — it’s important to stress the fact that natural ingredients truly are superior. As stated by David Suzuki, researchers have reported that one in eight of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are “industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins and hormone disrupters. These products also include plasticizers, greasers and surfactants.”

As you can imagine, these not only harm the environment but your own personal health as well. Instead of exposing yourself to these synthetic ingredients, look to nature instead. There are so many oils and butters that are beneficial for both your skin and hair, especially when applied in their raw or natural state.

Oils, including olive, castor and coconut, are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This means that they not only moisturize, hydrate and replenish, but in terms of your skin, they will also offer anti-aging properties. From avocado to sweet almond, each oil offers their own unique benefits — but today, let’s focus on castor oil.

11 ways to use castor oil for better skin and hair

Although fairly common, castor oil is not generally as well known as say olive oil. High in vitamin E, minerals, proteins and even beneficial fatty acids, castor oil is great for both your skin and hair. If you have a bottle lying around your home, it’s time to put it to good use — here’s how.

Related: 9 Ways To Use Castor Oil (Some Are Strange)

1. Enhance the natural look of your hair

Castor oil can enhance the look and feel of your hair, making it look both thicker and richer. Locking in moisture, this oil is what’s known as a humectant, making each strand of hair look that much healthier. After you shower and towel dry your hair, apply a small amount of slightly warmed castor oil, working it into the strands of your hair.

2. Cleanse your skin

Whether you’d like to wash off makeup or benefit from a deep clean, castor oil can help cleanse your pores. In order to benefit from an effective deep cleanse, mix a small amount of castor oil with jojoba oil (1:1 ratio). Massage these oils into your face gently, covering the entire surface of your face. After 10 minutes, wash your face with a warm cloth. This steaming process will help remove excess oil, dirt and other pore-clogging material.

3. Target fungal skin conditions

Whether you’re suffering from athlete’s foot or ringworm, castor oil is rich in a biochemical known as undecylenic acid — which helps target fungal growth. It’s recommended that you mix castor or with coconut oil, applying it too problematic areas repeatedly until cured.

4. Reduce the appearance of stretch marks

There are a number of reasons why one may suffer from stretch marks, including the effects of puberty and pregnancy. Castor oil is high in what’s known as ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that helps target the appearance of stretch marks. Massage castor oil into the desired area and wrap with a cotton cloth, allowing the oil to penetrate the skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat on a regular basis for three to four weeks.

5. Fade scars

If you have scars from when you had chickenpox or acne,, castor oil can help you reduce their appearance. Due to its high fatty acid content, castor oil will penetrate through the epidermal layer, helping to heal the scar tissue by promoting new skin cell growth. Apply before bed, massaging the oil deep into the skin. Leave the oil on overnight and wash it off the next morning.

6. Treat acne

Speaking of scars from acne, why not treat acne before it has a chance to scar your skin? Once again, the fatty acid known as ricinoleic acid helps fight acne-causing bacteria. This is especially effective for cystic acne, which is generally more severe. Wash your face, then apply a few drops of castor oil, rubbing it into the affected area. Wash an hour later, or leave on overnight before rinsing.

7. Use as all-natural massage oil

Although you can treat many surface conditions with castor oil, the benefits are more than skin deep. When using as a massage oil, you can help enhance circulation and target sore, achy muscles and joints. Your scalp is also a great area to massage, helping target problematic dandruff. Just remember, this oil can stain your clothes. Wear old clothing after applying it to your body.

8. Balance scalp pH

Ricinoleic acid has been found to potentially help balance scalp pH, replenishing natural oils and promoting positive hair health. In turn, this can help undo some of the damage that has been caused by harsh hair products. When the pH of your scalp is either too alkaline or too acidic, this can lead to bacterial or fungal issues, an itching scalp and dandruff.

9. Supports hair growth

There have been many cases where individuals swear by castor oil for hair growth, helping to enhance the growth rate. When applied to the scalp, this oil penetrates deep into the pores of your hair follicles, providing nourishment. Work around three tablespoons of castor oil into your scalp. Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing it out with an all-natural shampoo.

10. Soothe bug bites and stings

When you want to soothe an insect bite or sting, castor oil can help reduce itching and encourage more rapid healing. Offering both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, castor oil will help soothe and heal when applied to itchy bites. Simply apply a small amount to the affected area and repeat throughout the day.

11. Combat lines and wrinkles

The fatty acids found in castor oil will penetrate deep into the skin, stimulating the production of elastin and collagen. It will also target dark bags and the appearance of crow’s feet. Since the skin around your eyes is so delicate, it’s more prone to damage. To apply, make sure you cleanse your skin, applying a small amount of castor oil around the edges of your eyes and forehead.

Castor oil is not only effective, it’s cost-effective. It helps you benefit from a wide range of uses with just one bottle. Whether you want to brighten the look of your hair or combat eczema, every home should have a bottle of castor oil in the medicine cabinet. It’s time to re-think not only what you put in your body, but what you put on your body as well.

If you found this article interesting, and want to learn more on how to remove wrinkles naturally, this Beverly Hills doctor explains a unique process with simple steps to follow to erase your wrinkles…from home. Its painless and can get rid of those deepest wrinkles, and the best thing, it only takes 20 seconds, click here to watch this amazing video…

Original article is found here.

The post 11 Ways Castor Oil Makes Your Hair And Skin Rock appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

We are all familiar with the warm healing light of the sun. Nothing feels better than those warm rays penetrating our skin. The sun contains a whole spectrum of light including the ultra violet light that gives us a suntan and at the other end of the spectrum, the warmth of infrared light that warms us up.

But what if you took just the red or near infrared light and concentrated that? You would end up with a healing beneficial light that is known for treating a variety of health issues including:

• Wound healing and soft tissue repair
• Collagen growth
• Hair growth
• Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
• Pain and inflammation for joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments
• Traumatic brain injury, spinal cord regeneration
• Increased circulation and formation of new capillaries

Red light therapy in various forms has been around for a while, but we are just now starting to see some new and beneficial applications of this healing light. There are many different types of red light therapy. While there’s a fair amount of evidence to show that RLT may be a promising treatment for certain conditions, there’s still a lot to learn about how it works, too.

Red light therapy is still somewhat controversial and is still under considerable scrutiny and study, but what is known is that there are no known adverse effects of this treatment. Try saying that about the majority of pharmaceutical treatments used for various health issues!

Red light therapy, according to the Healthline.com includes a variety of types of red light including:

• Photobiomodulation (PBM)
• Low level light therapy (LLLT)
• Biostimulation
• Photonic stimulation
• Low-power laser therapy (LPLT)

There are many different options for red light therapy treatments as well. Light is organized into wavelengths, and wavelengths make all the difference in terms of the energy delivered to the treatment site. There are two main factors to consider:

1. Light wavelength—Most devices deliver red light between 600-1000nm. Although there are plenty of studies that show benefits from all these wavelengths, the bulk of evidence shows 660-680nm is the most effective.

2. Energy delivered—Energy delivered to your cells is measured in Joules/cm2. Some credible research has shown 4-6 Joules/cm2, but up to 120 Joules/cm2 is used for deeper issues like arthritis.

How does this therapy work? Visible red light is capable of penetrating the skin to a depth of about 8 to 10 mm. Once absorbed, the light energy is converted to cellular energy, stimulating the body’s natural processes on a cellular level.

Red light actually can produce a chemical reaction in the cells of the body that affect the mitochondria, or powerhouses of the cells. The mitochondria contain the energy-producing adenosine triphosphate or ATP. Red light therapy is thought to increase the ATP production in the cells, which help the cells repair damage, function better, and offer up more energy.

The thing that makes red light therapy (RLT) different from other light therapies like laser therapy is that RLT works deep in the skin, without damaging the surface of the skin. Most laser treatments actually affect the surface layer of the skin.

Many studies have had promising results, but the benefits of red light therapy are still a source of controversy. While red light therapy has been approved by the FDA and its effectiveness is being extensively studied. Let’s take a look at some of the proven benefits of red light treatment.

Cancer Patients

Red light therapy helps to reduce the painful side effects of radiation and chemotherapy for cancer patients. Utilizing a type of red light called High Emissivity Aluminiferous Luminescent Substrate (HEALS) has been shown to stimulate cells to aid in healing processes.

One of the common and painful side effects of chemo and radiation is oral mucositis or inflammation of the mouth and gums. NASA tested the HEALS method on patients and concluded that 96 percent of the patients experienced some improvement as a result. This same type of treatment is now being used for treatment of slow-healing wounds, or infections, diabetic skin ulcers, and serious burns.

Wound Healing

Red light therapy has been shown to be very effective for wound healing, tissue repair and skin ulcers. Many laser treatments used intense pulsed light for skin rejuvenation, but this type of treatment actually causes controlled damage to the skin, in hopes it will heal better and stronger.

Red light therapy actually penetrates deep inside the skin to stimulate the regenerative process of healing by increased cell growth. RLT stimulates immune cells, causes beneficial inflammation, and stimulates certain healing elements in the skin to help repair and restore its health.

Stimulates Collagen and Hair Growth

One of the more popular treatments for RLT is its effect on reversing wrinkles. A study done in 2014 shows RLT’s effectiveness in promoting new collagen growth and rejuvenating skin. The subjects in the study reported improved skin tone, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, improved smoothness of skin texture. In addition, collagen density improved significantly, using an ultrasound to measure. Patients with rosacea and skin redness also reported improvements as well. RLT is also valuable as a treatment for acne, psoriasis, eczema and cold sores.

Red light therapy can actually stimulate follicle growth and help to reverse baldness or hair thinning. Only two drugs have been approved so far for hair loss, and the only other treatment is hair transplants. RLT has no known adverse side effects, and the red light stimulates the stem cells in the hair follicle, shifting them into a growth phase. This study done on male and female subjects showed a significant difference in the treated vs. untreated groups. The results showed low level laser treatments to be an effective option to treat male pattern baldness and alopecia.

Bone, Joint, Tendon and Ligament Health and Function

Sore achy joints benefit well from the stimulating healing power of red light therapy. Not only is RLT known for stimulating collagen production (cartilage, tendons and ligaments are made from this), but it also helps to REBUILD cartilage. A 2009 Cochrane review concluded that red light therapy (LLLT) “…could be considered for short-term treatment and relief of pain for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, particularly since it has few side effects.”

For those with other degenerative bone and joint issues, like regular osteoarthritis, or other musculoskeletal sprains, strains, and other disorders, this type of therapy can be very beneficial as well. Other studies showed a higher chance of significantly improved functional outcomes, including a better range of motion. Patients with knee osteoarthritis used red light therapy to reduce pain scores and increase microcirculation in the knee.

Literature reviews have concluded that red light therapy does reduce joint pain. even in chronic joint disorders. Red light exposure also increases blood flow to the skin and improves fracture healing time. The increased blood flow and the cellular rejuvenation that is thought to occur during this therapy are two of the important factors in improving the joints and tissues.

Decreasing some of the oxidative damage that occurs during repetitive motion, and hard use, while slowing down inflammation, are two of the primary reasons for treatment. Aging athletes could do well to start utilizing this type of treatment for their recovery, injuries, aches and pains.

Other potential areas of treatment for Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy also shows great promise in treating macular degeneration, a serious eye disease that can cause blindness and reduced area of vision. Applying the RLT to the eyes of seniors significantly improved vision after just two weeks of treatment.

Red light therapy has also been studied and has much promise for treatment of traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries. The red light stimulates blood flow and neuro-regeneration for these types of injuries. This study shows significant improvement and speed of healing in function from treatment of red light therapy.

Applying red light to the skin covering the thyroid gland in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis for ten sessions improved thyroid function.

And RLT has been also shown to be naturally energizing, while improving peoples’ moods by increasing self-confidence, positivity, passion, joyfulness, laughter, social awareness, conversation skills and sensory stimulation. While results vary from patient to patient, there’s reason to believe that LLLT has mental and emotional perks in addition to physical benefits.

While there is still some uncertainty and confusion surrounding red light treatments, much is needed to be studied. This type of treatment is showing great promise and I believe we have only scratched the surface of its healing ability at the molecular, cellular and tissue levels.

Mike’s Note:  The brand of red light that I personally started using about 8 months ago is called a Joovv light.  It was recommended to me by a few colleagues and really smart functional medicine doctors at the time.  I’ve been using it for the collagen stimulation and anti-aging benefits for my skin, as well as muscle recovery from workouts, and also testosterone production by shining it for 5-10 minutes a day on the testes.  The evidence that it works well for all of these uses, as well as wound healing and inflammation is pretty strong, so I feel really good about it using it almost daily.

Check out the Joovv lights here and how to get one (lowers inflammation in your body, fights skin aging, builds collagen, and even helps boost Testosterone too!)

References
https://www.healthline.com/health/red-light-therapy#summary
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065857/
https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/ben-recommends/gear/joovv-light/
https://draxe.com/red-light-therapy/
https://redlighttherapy.lighttherapyoptions.com/red-light-therapy/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3771552/
https://joovv.com/blogs/joovv-blog/surprising-impact-red-near-infrared-light-muscle-recovery-athletic-performance?utm_campaign=Launch+announcement+to+NEVER+purchased+%28Part+3%29.+%28KUGGRq%29&utm_medium=email&_ke=eyJrbF9lbWFpbCI6ICJtaWtlQGlyb2xsaWVtYXJrZXRpbmcuY29tIiwgImtsX2NvbXBhbnlfaWQiOiAiTHN4dTRlIn0%3D&utm_source=Has+NEVER+purchased

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Today’s blog is republished from my friends at Paleohacks, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day…

By: Megan Patiry

Peppermint oil has been used for thousands of years across ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome for its medicinal properties (1).

Now that research on peppermint if is well established, there has been a resurgence of its popularity in treating a variety of issues many of us experience every day.

Peppermint oil is an extremely versatile oil that offers countless benefits. Its main component, menthol, has been widely studied and found to help with the following issues:

• Digestion
• Bacterial infection
• Inflammation
• Fatigue
• Muscle soreness
• Congestion
• Allergies
• Headaches
• Bad breath

There are many other ways you can use peppermint oil, including using it as a natural bug repellent or as an easy way to freshen your breath (hello, DIY mints). Read on to discover the ways to use it to boost your health and lifestyle!

23 Natural Peppermint Oil Uses and Benefits

1. Boost Energy

Instead of reaching for energy drinks whenever you need a boost, give peppermint oil a try. Studies have shown it improves physical and mental energy levels and performance just five minutes after ingesting it (2).

To use: Inhale the scent of peppermint directly for a boost of energy and clarity, or put a few drops in your favorite diffuser to inhale the vapors throughout your day. Internally, add one drop to a large glass of water (yes, a little goes a long way!) and drink.

2. Get Rid of Dandruff

Peppermint oil possesses antifungal and antimicrobial properties that make it excellent for combating dandruff (3).

To use: Add 2 drops to your regular shampoo and concentrate on massaging your scalp as you shower.

3. Relieve Muscle Pain

Menthol, one of the main compounds in peppermint, has significant anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and painkilling effects. Studies have shown it can help reduce muscle soreness and lower inflammation, while also raising your pain threshold (4).

To use: Combine 1/4 cup coconut oil with 5 drops of peppermint oil, then rub on sore muscles.

4. Soothe Joint Pain

The anti-inflammatory and painkilling effects of menthol in peppermint can also be used to relieve joint pain when applied topically (5).

To use: Add 2 drops of peppermint oil to a small dollop of olive or coconut oil, rub together in your hands, then rub on sore joints.

5. Curb Cravings

Many people swear by peppermint oil as a natural way to ease cravings by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller faster.

To use: Place a few drops in a diffuser before mealtimes, or dilute a couple drops in a carrier oil like olive oil and rub it on your chest.

6. Reduce Allergies

Peppermint oil is also great for allergy symptoms such as drainage and coughing due to its ability to help expel mucus and phlegm (6).

To use: Diffuse the oil in a diffuser along with eucalyptus in your home to reduce allergy symptoms throughout the ‘day and night.

7. Cool Rashes + Itching

Studies have shown that peppermint oil’s cooling and anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe minor itches, from bug bites to poison ivy (7).

To use: Dilute 2 drops of peppermint oil in olive oil and rub on the affected area.

8. Repel Bugs

Essential oils have been utilized for thousands of years as natural insect repellents. Many of the volatile compounds in oils (such as peppermint) are overwhelming to insects like mosquitoes, making them the perfect natural option to keep bugs at bay.

To use: To repel pests from your body (like mosquitoes), dilute several drops in a carrier oil and rub all over exposed areas of your body. To repel bugs in your home, add peppermint oil to your floor cleaner or countertop cleaner.

9. Calm Acne

Peppermint oil contains several antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the amount of bacteria on your skin (8). Not to mention, the cooling menthol will also help to reduce inflammation from painful cystic acne.

To use: Mix a drop of peppermint oil with jojoba oil and dab on the affected area twice a day.

10. Relieve Headaches

Research shows that peppermint oil has a significant relaxing and pain-reducing effect on headaches. In one study, peppermint oil reduced sensitivity associated with headaches (9).

To use: Mix 2 drops of peppermint oil in a carrier oil and rub on your temples. If your headache feels more like a tension headache coming from your neck area, massage the oil on your shoulders and neck.

11. Promote Hair Growth

Studies show that massaging peppermint oil into your scalp can help promote hair growth and encourage hair to become thicker, even without participants changing their diets (10).

To use: Add a few drops of peppermint oil to your favorite shampoo and massage deeply into your scalp.

12. Relieve IBS + Bloating

Peppermint oil is one of the best natural treatments when it comes to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers believe its ability to relax the gastrointestinal wall, as well as cool inflammation, play a role in its effectiveness (11). Studies also show peppermint oil has a significant effect on abdominal pain and distension, as well as gas (12).

To use: You can either take peppermint oil in capsule form (follow the dosage instructions on the bottle) or rub a few drops mixed in a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil, on your abdomen.

13. Reduce Nausea

Peppermint oil may also be able to help quell bouts of nausea and vomiting. Studies on postoperative nausea show participants who were given peppermint oil experienced significantly lower levels of nausea (13).

To use: Take one or two capsules at the onset of symptoms.

14. Freshen Breath

Peppermint is an ingredient in many toothpastes and mouthwashes, and for good reason. Not only does peppermint smell wonderful, but it also has potent antibacterial properties that help freshen breath (14).

To use: Look for a toothpaste with pure peppermint oil as a main ingredient, or make your own breath spray by combining a couple drops with a cup of water in a spray bottle. You can even make your own homemade breath mints using peppermint and coconut oil!

15. Kill Toenail Fungus

Peppermint oil’s antimicrobial properties make it excellent for combating toenail fungus (15).

To use: Apply 4-5 drops directly on discolored nails daily.

16. Combat Bacterial Infections

Studies have shown peppermint oil to be effective against up to 22 strains of bacteria and fungi, making it an excellent choice to help fight infections (16).

To use: Follow the dosage recommendations on your peppermint oil in capsule form.

17. Help Fight Cancer

It turns out that the compound menthol present in peppermint oil can also inhibit cancer growth. Studies have shown it causes cancer cell death while also helping protect against radiation damage from chemotherapy (17).

18. Relieve Stress

Peppermint oil is popular in aromatherapy for its relaxing and refreshing effects. Studies show that it can be an effective treatment against nerve disorders and mental fatigue, making it an excellent option to help relieve excess stress (18).

To use: Inhale the scent of peppermint for a boost of energy and clarity, or put a few drops in your favorite diffuser to inhale the vapors throughout the day.

19. Boost Exercise Performance

Researchers have found that athletes supplementing with peppermint oil were able to significantly increase exercise performance parameters, including improving breathing capacity and increasing oxygen levels (19).

To use: Add 1-2 drops of peppermint oil to a large glass of water daily.

20. Soothe a Sore Throat

Menthol’s cooling properties can help soothe a painful and inflamed sore throat, while also combating any infection that may have caused it (20).

To use: Either gargle a mix of 2 drops of peppermint oil in water, or add a few drops to a pot with water and deeply inhale the steam.

21. Clear a Stuffy Nose

Peppermint oil can help treat many cold symptoms, such as mucus congestion, due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (21).

To use: Diffuse peppermint oil throughout your home when you have a cold to reduce bacteria in the air and help with a stuffy nose and congestion.

22. Relieve Sunburns

Peppermint oil’s cooling and anti-inflammatory properties also make it an excellent remedy for sunburn.

To use: Combine 2 drops of peppermint oil with a carrier oil (and even some aloe if you’d like) and rub on affected areas.

23. Sharpen Memory

Studies show that peppermint can help improve concentration and focus while also improving memory, making it a great option to help with the symptoms of ADHD (22).

To use: Dilute 2 drops in a carrier oil and rub on your chest before you start your day, or carry the oil with you and inhale it directly from the bottle when you need to focus.

As you can see, the uses of peppermint oil are virtually endless. With such a broad base of benefits, this is one oil you should have stocked in your kitchen at all times.

I would of never thought of those 23 clever alternative uses for peppermint oil, especially for fungus. Speaking of fungus, if you want to wipe out fungus completely and never have it return again, take a look at this fungus hack below…

Every nail and skin fungus sufferer must see THIS urgent video!

There’s a mind-bending solution that has been crushing every single lab test, leaving doctors speechless…

In fact, this totally surprising mix of ingredients is so powerful…

That taking just one tablespoon can make any infection vanish almost overnight…

While completely clearing your nails and skin…

And without you having to use any creams or antibiotics.

It’s all explained on this page:

1 Tablespoon Wipes Out Skin and Nail Fungus

(The original article source is here)

The post 23 Peppermint Oil Uses to Naturally Boost Your Health appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.