Brawn boost Men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) might be interested in a recent study that suggests an extra dose of testosterone might be just what the doctor ordered…or will soon. Ask anyone who has a chronic condition, such as COPD, and they’ll tell you that the primary symptoms of the disease are only part of their challenge. The secondary impairments and disabilities that often occur can be just as difficult and potentially life-threatening as the primary condition. In the case of COPD, the breakdown of muscles and tissue, and an inability to do a reasonable amount of exercise or exertion adds insult to injury when it comes to the patient’s quality of life. But in a recent study, researchers found that a dose of testosterone for men with COPD resulted in increased body mass, weight gain, and increased strength and endurance. The benefits were seen whether the testosterone was accompanied by strength training or without, although those men who did strength train experienced greater results. No adverse effects were reported. Of course, this research was only done on men and females are twice as likely to be diagnosed with COPD as males. But the idea behind the study might spawn further inquiry that could benefit women as well. To date, treatment for COPD often focuses on the lung capacity. But testosterone replacement addresses a side effect of the disease more directly. But before you run to your doctor and request a testosterone boost, keep in mind this is just one preliminary study. Researchers feel they need further proof before making this a protocol for COPD treatment. However, it wouldn’t hurt to have your level of testosterone tested -- and if it is indeed low, work with a natural medicine physician to supplement with natural testosterone and see if you find an improvement. Cut Your Cold Q: A few years ago it seemed like zinc lozenges were all the rage for fighting colds, but I’m not hearing about it so much lately. Do you think taking zinc can help prevent a cold? JVW: There’s still no consensus as to whether or not zinc can actually prevent colds. However, the studies that show zinc pares down the length of a cold are impressive, down from eight days to five days in one study. Starting on zinc at the first sign of a cold seems to yield the best result. Also, although directions for zinc lozenges are to dissolve them under the tongue, I have advised that my patients gargle with them before swallowing and have found the results are even greater. This is because concentrations of zinc kill microorganisms by direct contact, so swishing and gargling some of the dissolved zinc, contacting as many mouth and throat surfaces as possible with the solution, is more a more effective form of delivery. What is…muscle wasting? Muscle wasting and muscle atrophy refer to a general weakening of the muscles, sometimes to a point of complete malfunction. Muscle wasting can occur in a number of diseases, including cancer, bacterial sepsis, AIDS, diabetes, and end-stage heart, kidney and obstructive pulmonary disease. Muscle wasting can cause generalized weakness and debilitation and, when respiratory muscles are involved, asphyxia and even death. The exact causes of muscle wasting are not clear in many cases. Certainly, lack of exercise and nutrient depletion are factors, and, in the case of COPD, lack of sufficient oxygen throughout the entire system. But the exact mechanisms that cause muscle wasting -- and the best way to treat the condition -- remain elusive to researchers and physicians alike. Yours in good health, Amanda Ross Managing Editor Nutrition & Healing Sources: Casaburi R, et al. “Effects of testosterone and resistance training in men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2004; 170(8): 870-878
Jagoe RT, Engelen MP. “Muscle wasting and changes in muscle protein metabolism in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” Eur Respir J Suppl 2003; 46: 52s-63s
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