Although age is often wisdom that we all want to feel young in mind and body. Search for maintaining physical and cognitive changes with aging in the bay associated created a huge industry, including hormone treatments that promise the skin and pink, cocktails intravenous vitamin for energy companies, and drugs to stimulate knowledge. ¶ While the prospect of slower clock is attractive, seems aging panacea nor are. Consumer Reports helps set common anti-aging practices perspective.
"Smart Drugs"
Proponents say the drug in some circles known as "smart" - only some prescription, other over the counter or online selling - can memory, concentration and attention to improve.
A group of these drugs, the so-called nootropics contains supplements that ingredients such as caffeine, fish oil, medicinal plants and piracetam, which is not approved in the United States, but will be in the UK for diseases prescribed movement.
The other main group of intelligent ADHD medications are prescription drug methylphenidate (Ritalin and generic) and amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall and generics); Drug modafinil narcolepsy and sleep apnea (Generic Provigil); and Alzheimer's drug donepezil (Aricept and generic).
Background: There is little evidence that nootropics improve cognition. And some may have side effects or interactions with drugs that cause you are taking. Also, what is on the label of a container may not match what's in it, when the award was supported by a group such as the United States Pharmacopeia checked.
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Is it legal for doctors prescribe smart drugs for off-label (not approved by the Food and Drug Administration). But do not improve cognition in all and could worsen in some cases, according to the American Academy of Neurology. And no long-term studies, as these drugs can affect healthy people, says Orly Avitzur, neurologist and medical adviser to Consumer Reports.
Testosterone Replacement
Ads trumpeting lethargy and loss of libido, may accompany the low levels of testosterone in men. Suggest A daily dose of the hormone, the ads will increase take "low T" your libido and help you get back even supplies your energy.
Background: testosterone treatments are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for hypogonadal men diagnosed only the inability to produce enough testosterone approved due to diseases of the testes, pituitary gland or brain. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the Executive Board of the Endocrine Society against them without a prescription of a confirmed defect.
This is because the therapy has risks. The FDA recently required prescription testosterone (including AndroGel, AVEED, Axiron, Fortesta and Testim) to carry a warning about the highest risk for heart attack and stroke. In June 2014, the Agency issued a warning about the risks of blood clots began requiring. Other studies have shown that treating the growth of existing prostate cancer to promote the risk of sleep apnea and enlarged prostate causes painful or swollen breasts to increase swollen feet and lower sperm count.
Human Growth Hormone
HGH promotes growth in children and adolescents, and helps tissues and organs. Some say that the injections can increase muscle mass, reduce body fat, helps skin elasticity and slow bone loss.
Background: The FDA approved HGH only three conditions for adults, caused by a lack of growth hormone by the pituitary gland damage. On the other, you are taking a risky proposition. HGH can carpal tunnel syndrome, swelling, joint pain, organ enlargement, and type 2 diabetes can cause also increase the risk of cancer. It is illegal for doctors to prescribe drugs - or sales - HGH for anti-aging effects. All services can be modest and temporary.
Bioidentical hormones
Prescription hormone therapy (HT) is generally considered a reasonable short-term solution for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. However, some people recommend long-term use of bioidentical hormones to help women made to feel younger, says Margery Gass, executive director of the North American Menopause Society. (She says that bioidentical hormones with the hormones your body produces are chemically identical. Compounds drugs are mixed in some pharmacies.) And some claim that bioidentical hormones are composed better than conventional hormone therapy because they are personalized.
Background: be bioidentical hormones not approved by the FDA (although some traditional hormone treatments are FDA approved bioidentical hormones), so there is no guarantee that safely contain levels of hormones. Compounds bioidentical hormones carry the same risks as conventional hormone therapy: an increased risk of blood clots, breast cancer, heart disease and stroke. And the risks increase with long-term use. Estriol, a form of estrogen is made in some formulations, but the safety and efficacy are not known.
Anti-Aging Products
A number of supplements are supposed to repel aspects of aging. Bestsellers include DHEA, modest increase in the theory that testosterone and estrogen; Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), similar to a vitamin that helps to provide energy to the cells substance; and the regulation of the sleep hormone melatonin. Proponents claim that high doses can relieve depression, sexual function, and much more improved.
Background: There is little evidence in the people who have the supplements anti-aging properties and can not be sure that what is stated on the label, which be in the container. As with all supplements, can the above mentioned with medications you take, and not go through the approval process required by the FDA for drugs. In addition, some supplements health hazards, especially in high doses, the developers recommend.
Infusions with vitamins / minerals
A fashion trend among celebrities, cocktails send these higher levels of nutrients than normal directly into the bloodstream.
Background: not to renew infusions of nutrients and life can actually harm. And they are expensive: Consumer Reports found practical price from $ 75 to $ 150 for one. Instead, stick to a balanced diet.
Copyright 2015 Consumers Union of United States Inc.
