Masculine Factor

The masculine factor

Posted on 2 August 2017 - 10:46am

Jonathan Tan

FOR a man, testosterone levels are a major driving force in the overall quality of life.

They play a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues, such as the testis and prostate, as well as promote secondary sexual characteristics, such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair.

Incidentally, women do also produce testosterone, but in smaller quantities than men.

For athletes, increased testosterone levels help them perform better in their sport, which is why when an athlete is caught for doping, it is often for the use of anabolic steroids, which boost testosterone production in the body, and increase muscle mass and strength.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Olympic athletes in then-East Germany were subject to state-sanctioned doping.

While immediate physical changes were not obvious in male athletes, except for an increase in bulk, female athletes began developing masculine characteristics, such as increased facial and body hair.

All the athletes involved in the doping programme suffered from long-term physical and psychological damage as a result of doping.

Fortunately today, the risks of steroid abuse is well-known, and many prefer to stay fit naturally, without the use of drugs.

Maintaining healthy testosterone levels means getting adequate amounts of required daily activity, as well as vitamins, minerals, and nutrients through your diet. 

In addition to building strength, testosterone is involved in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Insufficient levels of testosterone in men may lead to abnormalities, including frailty and bone loss.

In other words, your testosterone levels are a solid biomarker for overall health. 

The problem is, modern society has developed in a way that has led to a complete downshift in our hormones.

And supplement companies are aware of this downward trend, and are marketing the solution in the form of testosterone booster supplements, which claim to use natural herbs to help increase testosterone.

But what actually does work to promote testosterone production in the body? Proteins.

Proteins have always been associated with muscle building, and that’s because proteins contain plenty of zinc and vitamin D.

To improve the testosterone levels through meat consumption, choose meats that are high in protein.

Chicken breast, at approximately 10g per ounce, offers a high protein content, while a pork chop averages 22g of protein.

Beef and fish weigh in at an average of 7g and 6.5g per ounce respectively, meaning an average steak or fillet contains between 22g and 25g of protein.

That, however, does not necessarily mean vegans eat less proteins. Meat proteins are just different from plant-based proteins.

Do note that increasing your ‘T levels’ even further through extra supplementation will not have a significant impact on your T-cells (white blood cells key to supporting the immune system). It just goes to waste.

To increase testosterone levels, you really need to make changes in your lifestyle. 

Here’s what you can do:

»Get in the range of sub -25% body fat
Excess body fat produces an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. Yes, estrogen, that girly hormone.

»Eat a varied, balanced diet
Ensure that you’re eating a balanced and diverse diet that provides your body with the essential macro- and micro- nutrients. Just eating one food group alone is not recommended.

For example, many have been subscribing to a protein diet. Too much protein in our system can harm our kidneys.

»Lift weights and get stronger
Exercise is a two-pronged tool. It helps regulate testosterone and manages stress.

»Sleep for seven to nine hours every single night 
Sleep is the building block of all things cellular. Your body builds and repairs when you’re sleeping. 

Any imbalance in these areas will decrease your testosterone levels. Fixing them will increase your testosterone levels naturally. 

I’m a firm believer that supplements should only be used for what they’re made for – to supplement your diet and lifestyle. However, many men approach supplements as the be-all-end-all. 

Our major focus should be on making simple diet and lifestyle changes to allow our body to function more optimally. 

Let’s be Fit!  

Money can buy happiness

August 1, 2017

IF YOU think money can't buy you happiness you might be spending it on the wrong things, with new research suggesting that buying yourself extra time can in fact lead to greater levels of life satisfaction.

Carried out by researchers from the University of British Columbia, Canada, and Harvard Business School, the US, the team surveyed 6,271 adults in the United States, Denmark, Canada and the Netherlands.

Participants were asked how much money they spent each month buying themselves free time, such as paying someone to carry out household chores like cleaning and cooking.

The researchers found that regardless of income, those who spent money on things that saved them time reported greater life satisfaction.

"People who hire a housecleaner or pay the kid next door to mow the lawn might feel like they're being lazy," said study lead author Ashley Whillans, assistant professor at Harvard Business School.

"But our results suggest that buying time has similar benefits for happiness as having more money."

"The benefits of buying time aren't just for wealthy people," added UBC psychology professor and the study's senior author Elizabeth Dunn.

"We thought the effects might only hold up for people with quite a bit of disposable indome, but to our surprise, we found the same effects across the income spectrum."

However, despite the benefit of time-saving purchases, researchers were surprised to find that very few people actually chose to spend their money in this way in their daily life.

"Lots of research has shown that people benefit from buying their way into pleasant experiences, but our research suggests people should also consider buying their way out of unpleasant experiences," said Dunn. - AFP-Relaxnews

Understanding Your SKIN

How to choose the right Derma Skincare

“Derma Skincare developed by dermatologists have gone through many clinical studies therefore the efficacy and safety of the products have been established.”

WITH increasing levels of stress in our daily lives, combined with adverse environmental factors, our skin is bound to deteriorate. It is therefore unsurprising that Derma Skincare products are becoming increasingly popular.

With the large selection of brands of skincare in the market, it is important to educate yourself to make the correct choice for yourself.

Associate Prof Dr Adrian Yong said: “The cosmeceutical market is mature throughout the world.However, not all brands available in the market have been dermatologically tested for efficacy and safety.”          

He added that Derma Skincare developed by dermatologists and chemists have gone through many clinical studies therefore the efficacy and safety of the products have been established.

He said that since dermatologists understand the difference between skin types and skin conditions hence they know the best ways to care for skin and manage its challenges such as acne, oil control and sensitive skin.

In conclusion, only after understanding your skin well, can you have a chance at choosing a skincare product that is suitable to solve your problem.

Here, Yong shares a few tips with theSun readers on how to choose the most suitable Derma Skincare products for your skin.

 OILY AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN

Myths Wash your face frequently using exfoliating facial cleanser. Try till Excessive washing using unsuitable products will further aggravate the skin. The symptoms of acne-prone skin include skin peeling, increased sebum secretion, bacterial growth and skin inflammation.

Solution; Choose Derma Skincare which contains four active ingredients such as L-camitine, decanediol, lactic acid and licochalcone extract. These ingredients can directly target the root cause of acne by reducing its sebum secretion, provide anti­bacterial effect and tighten pores.

Besides that, salicylic acid and mandelic acid can help remove

DRY SKIN

Myths: Choose a rich and thick face cream.

Truth: Skin pores can be clogged if you apply a thick cream onto dry and peeling skin. Dry skin indicates that sebum production is inadequate leading to the inability to retain moisture. The skin's protective layer is also weakened hence it is easily irritated and becomes red with rashes. This can cause the skin to feel tight or rough with poor elasticity, wrinkles and fine lines may occur.

Solution; Use products which contain hyaluronic acid and glycine-saponin which can lock-in moisture while increasing skin's natural moisturising factor.

SENSITIVE SKIN

Myths: Only use products that are made from natural ingredients.

Truth: The use of natural ingredients in skincare is not governed so it can be difficult to determine if the products touted as "natural" are authentic, pure, safe or efficient. What's more, many different things can trigger a reaction - from stress and sunlight to the weather and even the products we use because sensitive skin reacts to substances that may be perfectly fine for normal or non­sensitive skin.

Solution: Products with a mildly acidic pH level have been proven to strengthen skin’s defences by stimulating its natural protective enzymes. For example, Eucerin's pH5 shower gel and lotion can help stabilise skin's pH value while strengthening the skin barrier.

AGEING SKIN

Myths: Frequent use of skincare can slow down skin ageing.

Truths: Ageing skin is affected by genetics, hormonal changes, slower metabolism and blood circulation, with smoking, UV exposure and pollution adding to the problem This can lead to skin dryness and sensitivity, reduced elasticity, dullness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Solutions: To address this multitude of challenges requires using products containing a precise combination of proven ingredients, backed by clinical research, to help stimulate the natural processes of the skin, restoring radiance and improving skin texture. This includes supplying vital nutrients that support connective tissues and cell renewal, as well as ingredients that fight the effects of free radicals and UV exposure.