Health
Finasteride: Unexpected Heart Health Benefits Unveiled in Study
Finasteride, a drug widely recognized under the brand names Propecia and Proscar, has been a go-to treatment for male pattern baldness and enlarged prostate for countless men. However, recent research has unveiled some unexpected benefits of this medication.
A study conducted by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has linked this “miracle drug” to cholesterol-lowering effects and a decrease in heart disease risk. The research, published in the Journal of Lipid Research, revealed that men who used the drug had, on average, 30 points lower cholesterol levels than those who did not.
This data was originally gathered as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2009 and 2016. Further research involving mice showed that the use of the drug for 12 weeks, in conjunction with a high-fat, high-cholesterol “Western” diet, resulted in reduced cholesterol, slower plaque buildup in the arteries, and decreased liver inflammation, among other benefits.
“The most surprising finding was the human data,” said Jaume Amengual, lead study author and assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and the Division of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Illinois. “When we observed the association with finasteride and plasma lipids, we decided to do our mouse study.”
Finasteride works as a hair loss treatment by blocking a protein found in hair follicles. When treating an enlarged prostate, the drug inhibits the prostate gland that activates testosterone. Given that atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by cholesterol plaque buildup in the arteries, is most prevalent among men and has been linked to the male hormone testosterone, the researchers were prompted to investigate whether the medication could also reduce heart disease risk.
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, who was not involved in the study, explained the implications of finasteride. “It stops testosterone from turning into dihydrotestosterone and thereby stops hair loss and also shrinks the prostate by 25%,” he said. However, he cautioned that side effects can include depression, anxiety, and impotence.
Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert, also not involved in the study, provided his insights on the drug. “Finasteride in normal dosages — 1 to 5 mg daily, depending upon the indication — has intolerable side effects in many,” he said. “It can also strip a man of his energy, virility, libido, and motivation.”
The study did have some limitations, the researchers noted. Out of nearly 4,800 total participants, only 155 were finasteride users, all of whom were men over 50. The survey also did not determine the duration or amount of the doses. “We also did not examine the effects of finasteride in women or female mice,” Amengual said. “However, this drug is not prescribed for women, as it could be dangerous during pregnancy.”
Despite these limitations, the researchers are optimistic about the potential of finasteride in combating cardiovascular diseases. “There is still so much to discover on how finasteride works in our body,” Amengual noted. “But based on our findings, this drug could be another tool in the fight against cardiovascular diseases.”
In response to the drug being found to lower cholesterol and decrease heart disease risk, Siegel also called for more research. “Much larger studies are needed in humans to confirm these findings before you would ever consider using this drug for cardioprevention,” he said. “It may end up being useful for this purpose in the elderly, who are at higher risk of heart attacks and strokes, as an add-on statin therapy.”
Osborn also pointed out that the study was performed retrospectively, meaning there was no control group, and random effects unknown to the researchers could have influenced the results. “That said, the authors’ observations are interesting and demand further investigation,” Osborn stated. “After all, lipid-lowering agents are one of the mainstays of cardiovascular risk reduction — and most Americans die vascular deaths.”
Osborn cautioned that this study does not mean every male should start taking finasteride. Instead, he recommends regular exercise, increasing daily fiber intake to 25 grams, and taking high doses of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce cardiovascular risk. “For now, skip the finasteride as a lipid-lowering agent,” he advised. “As it stands now, the juice isn’t worth the squeeze.”
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As flu season approaches, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself from viral illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize that getting a flu shot annually is the most effective way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its complications. However, lifestyle factors like diet can significantly influence how effective your flu shot will be. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, a double board-certified physician, shares insights on which foods can boost or hinder your flu shot’s effectiveness. Here are the six best and worst foods to consider.
Fatty Fish
Eating fatty fish such as salmon and sardines can help fight inflammation due to their richness in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), specifically omega-3 fatty acids. A 2010 study highlights, “The anti-inflammatory effects of marine n-3 PUFAs [such as the omega-3s EPA, DHA, and DPA] suggest that they may be useful as therapeutic agents in disorders with an inflammatory component.” If seafood isn’t to your taste, consider chia seeds, olive oil, and avocados as alternative anti-inflammatory foods.
Processed Foods
Processed foods are high in sodium and refined carbohydrates, which can lead to inflammation. These are often found in fast food and pre-packaged items like chips, cookies, and frozen meals. Stanford warns that these foods “can make side effects worse after vaccinations,” making them a poor choice if you want to maximize your flu shot’s effectiveness.
Berries
Berries are packed with antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system. Stanford notes that their high antioxidant content makes them particularly beneficial during cold and flu season. Other antioxidant-rich foods like leafy greens, turmeric, and green tea can also enhance your flu shot’s effectiveness.
Foods High in Added Sugars
Foods loaded with added sugars can contribute to inflammation, potentially undermining the benefits of your flu shot. Sweet treats like ice cream, cake, and candy fall into this category. Instead, try satisfying your sweet tooth with natural sources of sugar, such as high-fiber fruits.
Alcohol
While there is no definitive data showing that drinking alcohol immediately before or after your flu shot compromises its effectiveness, frequent alcohol consumption can negatively impact your immune system. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) explains, “The immune system is made up of two parts: The innate immune system: this provides general immunity by responding to viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause disease [and] the adaptive immune system [which impacts] your immune memory.” Drinking affects both parts of the immune system, potentially reducing your body’s ability to respond to the flu shot.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
In addition to berries, other antioxidant-rich foods can also help increase your flu shot’s effectiveness. Leafy greens, turmeric, and green tea are excellent choices. These foods can boost your immune system, making it easier for your body to respond effectively to the flu vaccine.
Taking steps to enhance the effectiveness of your flu shot through diet can make a significant difference in your overall health during flu season. By incorporating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods while avoiding processed foods, added sugars, and excessive alcohol, you can give your immune system the support it needs.
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If you regularly use over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin, it’s important to be aware of potential risks. Recent research suggests that frequent use of these medications could increase the likelihood of developing tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ears.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine followed over 69,000 women for two decades. The findings revealed that those who frequently took nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen had nearly a 20 percent higher risk of experiencing tinnitus.
“Because over-the-counter analgesics are widely available without a prescription and perceived to be safe, frequent use of these medications is very common,” explains Sharon Curhan, M.D., the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School.
“Most people are not aware of the potential harm that these medications may cause and the possibility of adverse interactions with other medications, particularly when used frequently,” Curhan adds.
Many cold and sinus medications also include these painkillers, which can lead to unintentional overuse.
“It’s possible to take more of these medications than is intended or recognized,” Curhan notes.
Interestingly, the study found that frequent use of low-dose aspirin (100 mg or less) did not increase the risk of developing tinnitus. Curhan describes this as a “helpful finding,” especially for those who take low doses of aspirin to prevent cardiovascular issues and other conditions.
Moreover, women aged 60 and older who frequently took moderate doses of aspirin (325 mg or more) did not show an increased risk of tinnitus. However, the risk was higher among younger women. All participants in the study were initially between the ages of 31 and 48 and did not have tinnitus at the start.
Previous research has also indicated a connection between regular use of aspirin, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen and hearing loss in men. The new study emphasizes the need for further research on the relationship between pain medication and tinnitus in men and non-white women.
Understanding these risks can help you make more informed decisions about your health. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
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Suddenly finding yourself unable to sleep can be frustrating and perplexing. Insomnia can stem from various causes, and understanding these can help you regain restful nights.
Napping Habits
Many adults unintentionally fall asleep while watching TV or when not busy. According to Dr. Doghramji, “your brain sees it as sleep.” This often occurs between 2 and 3 in the afternoon, a natural energy dip time. This can make you less tired at bedtime, leading to insomnia. Instead of napping, consider scheduling an active task during this period to boost energy and improve sleep quality.
Nap Wisely
If a nap is unavoidable, Dr. Pelayo suggests keeping it under 40 minutes to avoid grogginess. It’s also beneficial to nap where you usually sleep to maintain a consistent sleep environment.
Bedtime Activities
Reading might seem like a relaxing pre-sleep activity, but Dr. Harris advises against doing it in bed.
“I prefer that the bed is only used for sleep and sex,” she says. Activities like puzzles or coloring can also make your brain associate the bed with wakefulness, affecting your ability to fall asleep.
Alcohol Consumption
A glass of wine might help you fall asleep initially, but it can cause fragmented sleep later. Research indicates that alcohol can lead to lighter sleep in the second half of the night, causing you to wake up around 3 a.m. To minimize this, limit alcohol intake to three hours before bedtime and drink moderately.
Medication Timing
Poor timing of medications can disrupt sleep. Diuretics for blood pressure can increase nighttime urination, and some antidepressants can be either energizing or sedating. Dr. Doghramji notes that taking more than one or two bathroom breaks at night is abnormal. Always consult your doctor before adjusting medication timings.
Managing Stress
Stress can make falling asleep difficult and lead to fragmented sleep. Dr. Pelayo suggests keeping stressors, like bills, out of the bedroom.
“Put it in a separate room so when you go to your room, it’s a different world,” he says. Journaling or making lists can help manage persistent thoughts.
Sleep Environment and Routine
Lying in bed trying to force sleep can backfire. Dr. Harris recommends getting up and doing something relaxing in a different room if you can’t sleep.
“Sleep will come when it comes. If not tonight, don’t sleep in to compensate — and you’ll likely sleep better the next night,” she says.
Sleep Disorders
Insomnia can be a symptom of over 80 sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. Older adults are particularly susceptible to REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), which can be an early warning sign of neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s. Non-sleep disorders, such as pain, arthritis, and PTSD, can also cause insomnia.
Exercise
Exercise can improve sleep quality, but working out too close to bedtime might be counterproductive. Aim to exercise at least two hours before bed to allow your body to wind down.
Treatment Options
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
CBT-I is often the first-line treatment for insomnia, addressing habits and thoughts that keep you awake. Medication can be an option but comes with side effects, especially for older adults. A newer category of medication, dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA), has shown promise for older adults with insomnia.
CBT-I can help retrain your thoughts to calm your mind. Dr. Doghramji suggests using CBT-I apps during the day to practice these skills.
When to Seek Help
If insomnia impacts your daytime function or persists despite self-help efforts, consult a doctor. Working with a sleep specialist can help identify the root causes and establish a personalized treatment plan.
“Modern sleep medicine has reached a point where most sleep disorder will improve when addressed correctly,” says Dr. Pelayo. “So you shouldn’t suffer with a sleep disorder anymore.”
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