Smoking cessation plus exercise can improve the male sexual function and also improve the urinary health of both males and females.

In a recently concluded study presented in the annual conference of the American Urological Association, researchers pointed to a vital link between smoking, exercise and urinary health.

The study involved two thousand individuals (males and females). The respondents were interviewed about their smoking habits and were also given questions regarding their urinary health.  It was found that individuals who smoked were three times more likely to urinate frequently.

Also, these individuals are also 2.7 times more prone to experience sudden urges to go to the bathroom to urinate.

In a related study performed by US researchers from South Carolina, it was found that men who exercised more had experienced improved sexual function.  The two studies, if taken together, point to an age-old medical adage: folks have to stop the smoking habit and begin a healthier habit – exercise!

More reasons to love exercise

Here are even more reasons to love exercise:

1. Exercise reduces the risk of mortality from chornic, degenerative health conditions.

2. Exercise reduces the chance of developing of type 2 or insulin-dependent diabetes.

3. Exercise can help control the blood pressure, even the blood pressure of people already have cardiovascular problems.

4. Exercise can help reduce the probability of developing one of the top killers worldwide: colon cancer.

5. Exercise helps improve your mood and also helps people ease out of anxiety and depression.

6. Exercise improves balance, coordination and also strengthens the bones and muscles, therey reducing the risk of fractures from falls.

7. Exercise is also an excellent means of losing weight.

8. Exercise make the body and mind more fit. If you are physically and mentally fit, you would be able to perform better at work or in school.

9. Exercise reduces the risk of stroke.

Exercise may also reduce the risk of breast cancer and loss of bone mass (osteoporosis) – two common problems of women over the age of 45.

Sources:
aolhealth.com
nutristrategy.com
www2.gsu.edu
medicinenet.com

Higher doses of cranberry can help treat UTI or urinary tract infections by helping remove the bacteria from the surface of the urinary tract tissue.

According to a study performed by researchers from Rutgers University,  72 mg of cranberry (Vaccinum macrocarpon) can help ward off and even treat urinary tract infections or UTIs.

The study directly supports an early health claim from France that states that at least 36 grams of fresh cranberries is effective against UTI because it prevented some of the Escherichia coli (E. Coli) bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract (in males and females).

According to lead researcher Amy Howell, there is still much more to explore in terms of determining the most effective dose to fight off urinary tract infections.  The study was performed in different countries, including Japan, Hungary and even in Spain. Howell reports that they are also trying to determine the link between the adhesion of the bacteria responsible for UTI and the origins of the respondents.

What the study does show presently is that as the cranberry dose increases, the more effective it becomes in fighting off the adhesion of the bacteria.  The study noted 50% less adhesion at eighteen milligrams and 100% less adhesion at seventy-two grams of cranberries.

Cranberry health benefits

In addition to its ability to fight off infections of the urinary tract, cranberry can also boost your health in other ways:

1. Drinking fresh cranberry juice or drinking cranberry supplements can help reduce the occurrence of cystitis in women.  Drink lots of water, too, because water has the ability of flushing out bacteria naturally.

2. Cranberries are packed with vital nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, fiber, fruit sugars, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin A, E, K and lutein. It’s nature’s power-packed fruit with all the nutrients you would need to stay healthy.

3. According to a study performed in Cornell University, cranberries have the ability to arrest the growth and maturation of breast cancer cells.

4. Cranberries can help reduce LDL or bad cholesterol.

5. Due to the fruit’s anti-bacterial activity, cranberry may also help prevent tooth decay.

6. Cranberry also strengthens the respiratory system.

7. The fruit may also help ward off stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylorii.

Sources:
nutraingredients.com
nutrition.about.com
nutrition.about.com
breastcancer.about.com
nutrasanus.com