Health Benefits of Ginseng to Treat Impotence and Depression Naturally: Optimum Dosage and Precautions of Ginseng Supplements

Ginseng is one of the most popular herbs which is added to different types of health drinks, energy tonics, fruit juices and vitamin supplements due to its potential benefits like enhancing energy levels and ability to fight stress. These health drinks are popular among teenagers, but often these drinks contain very little quantity of this wonder herb. Panax Ginseng is also referred to as the Asian Ginseng which has been used in Chinese medicines for over thousands of years for longitivity and to enhance quality of life. This Chinese Ginseng is different than American Ginseng (P.quinquefolius) and Siberian Ginseng (E. Senticosus), which has completely different effects on human health.

Ginseng has a great
influence on the

endocrine system

Ginseng Health Benefits: Prevents Cancer, Boosts Immunity and Treats Impotence 

The medicinal part of the Ginseng herb is its slow growing root which contains thirteen different ginsenosides, which are the active ingredients of the herb. In addition the herb contains panxans, which are substances believed to lower blood sugar levels and polysaccharides, which play a crucial role in boosting the immune response. The major health benefits of Ginseng herb include,

• A large scale study conducted in Korea found that the use of ginseng reduced the risk of developing cancer by half. Ginseng is considered to boost the production of “killer T cells”, which are the part of the cellular immunity of the body and play a crucial role in cancer prevention. Further, as this herb stimulates the immune system it also plays a protective role against common infections like flu.
• Ginseng plays a crucial role in regulating the production of stress hormones by support the endocrinal organs namely the pituitary gland and the adrenal glands. This enhances the ability of an individual to combat stress and also is effective in treating fatigue and feeling of tiredness.
• Ginseng has a direct action on smooth muscle tissue and hence is considered effective in management of erectile dysfunction and impotency in males. Some claims indicate that this herb increases testosterone and sperm production in the body and thereby enhances fertility in men. 

Optimum Dosage of Ginseng Supplement: Precautions while taking Ginseng Supplements

Though the use of the herb is rarely associated with side effects, there are certain factors that need to be taken into consideration while using this herb as a supplement,

• Though ginseng may be available in a variety of forms including powder, tincture, tablets and capsules, it is always recommended to consume standardized products that contain about 7% ginsenosides. Ginseng powder and tinctures are considered more potent than other forms of the herbal supplement
• Avoid ginseng when pregnant or when one suffers from uncontrolled hypertension. Ginseng also needs to be avoided in individuals with cardiac arrhythmias
• Ideal dose of ginseng herb ranges between 100 mg- 250 mg per day. However it can be increased to twice the dosage, especially in individuals recovering from a chronic illness or a major surgery.



Ginseng helps control
depression and impotence

• Side effects associated with ginseng include headaches, stomach upsets, insomnia and restlessness. In females ginseng is often associated with breast tenderness and irregular menstrual bleeding. 

Ginseng Supplements for Depression: Ginseng controls Blood Sugar Levels and Diabetes

In addition Ginseng Supplements play a crucial role in management of depression and diabetes,

• In a study conducted on individuals suffering from type 2 diabetes, it was observed that 200 mg of ginseng supplement each day helped lower the blood sugar levels considerably compared to those on placebo
• In another study it was observed that ginseng can stimulate the production of endorphins, which are ‘feel good’ hormones which play a crucial role in management of depression

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Magnesium for Health: Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms and Magnesium Supplements Precautions

An average human body contains only about twenty eight grams of Magnesium, but studies have indicated that it plays a crucial role in controlling over 300 different processes in the body. In a study conducted, on sixty hypertensive men and women, it was observed that magnesium helped reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Magnesium’s role in reducing the risk of heart attacks and stroke is also being explored.

Role of Magnesium: Common uses of Magnesium for Health

There are a wide range of functions that are performed by magnesium. These include

Magnesium benefits
the Gastro Intestinal
System

·      The trace mineral is responsible for the production of energy to perform various metabolic functions. Magnesium acts as a catalyst for various metabolic processes and aids in production of energy

·       Magnesium plays a crucial role in muscular relaxation and aids in management of cramps and spasms. It action on smooth muscle cells makes it effective supplement for the management of asthma  attacks caused due to obstruction of airway passages and lowering blood pressure, by causing relaxation of the arterial walls.

·      It also relieves the symptoms of fibromyalgia, due to its action on the nerve functions.

·      In association with calcium and potassium, magnesium is responsible to regularize heart rhythms and hence in used in the treatment of arrhythmia. 

·      Magnesium also acts as a mild diuretic and Epsom salts (Magnesium Sulphate) is used effectively to treat constipation.

·      Studies have shown that Magnesium helps enhance the production of Insulin and helps prevent the complications associated with diabetes.

As per various reports, Magnesium is also beneficial in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hypertensive Disorders, fibromyalgia, Premenstural syndrome, asthma and hay fever and multiple sclerosis. It is also considered beneficial in the treatment of diabetes, stones in the kidney and migraines.

Ideal Dose for Magnesium: Precautions while taking Magnesium Supplements

The Recommended Dietary Intake for Magnesium in Adults is 400 mg (Males) and about 300 mg (Females). The RDI increases during pregnancy and among adolescents. It increases gradually above the age of thirty years.

Magnesium should
be avoided in
Kidney Disorders

Some of the rich sources of Magnesium include whole grains, vegetables like green vegetables, squash and broccoli, seeds and nuts including almonds. Dairy products, chocolate and coffee are also good sources of magnesium. “Hard” water is also a good source as magnesium.  

Most magnesium supplements are manufactured in combination with calcium. They are available in the ratio of 2:1 or 3:1 which is considered ideal for the absorption of both these elements. However due to lack of research studies to support these evidence, the Food and Drug Administration of the United States is carefully reviewing these products. Magnesium supplements should be avoided by individuals with kidney disease.

Causes and Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

Invariably 75% of the population suffers from magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency presents when the intake is less than 85 mg intake of magnesium per day. The high risk population for development of magnesium deficiency includes,

• Alcoholics tend to have a poor diet and often magnesium deficiency is most common symptom
• Diabetes is associated with magnesium deficiency as magnesium tends to be excreted in urine
• Excessive vomiting and diarrhea is associated with excessive loss of magnesium which in turn results in magnesium deficiency. Taking diuretics can also result in magnesium deficiency

Symptoms associated with magnesium deficiency include fatigue and muscle weakness, hyper excitability, low levels of serum potassium and serum calcium which result in muscle twitching, tremors and muscle spasms.

Generalized symptoms include nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Often personality changes are also observed in individuals with magnesium deficiency.

Ensure that your diet is rich in magnesium and limit the intake of magnesium supplements.

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