What is NAD+ and what are the benefits of NAD supplements and NAD+

NAD+: is this new wonder supplement the secret to looking and feeling younger for longer?

May 23rd 2022 / Ingeborg Van Lotringen

This article is a repost which originally appeared on GET THE GLOSS

Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site’s editors, staff or members.

Our Takeaways:

· NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a naturally occurring cellular component.

· NAD+ is responsible for cellular repair as well as energy.

· Exercise and fasting can raise levels of NAD+ in the body.

MOVE OVER COLLAGEN THERE’S A NEW SUPPLEMENT WITH A GROWING FAN BASE PROMISING TO HOLD BACK THE YEARS. IS NAD MORE THAN A FAD? WE ASKED DOCTORS TO WEIGH IN 

Vitamin A, collagen powders, CBD… Not a month goes by when we hear about a new ‘wonder’ ingredient that is going to blitz our ailments and hold back the years. The latest contender is NAD+ (pronounced ‘N.A.D. plus’). Already crowding the shelves of health food stores in the US, where preventative medicine and supplements are an even bigger ‘thing’ than here (and a sign of what’s heading our way!), the energy-generating co-enzyme – a compound naturally found in the body – is beginning to make waves in the UK too.

The claim is that it may improve our health and, by extension, our skin, in a myriad of ways, from giving us more energy to reducing cravings to protecting against cell damage, and much more. It’s even touted as the ultimate anti-ageing pill for its ability to keep youthful energy levels topped up, with fans including biohacker Davinia Taylor. “It helps me get rid of brain fog and actually gives me a feeling of confidence. For me, it peps up my mood and changes my mental clarity, making me feel as if I’m 20,” she told us recently.

In the US, where it’s one of the fastest-growing and buzziest supplements, people have long stopped asking what is NAD+?. “They only want to know what the best supplement is,” says molecular biologist and UK supplement entrepreneur Dr Nichola Conlon. So will it prove to be the game-changer everyone’s looking for, putting a spring in our step, making us feel and look younger or even live longer?

The doctors we spoke to were open-minded. Cosmetic physician Dr David Jack, who has his own range of supplements says: “I’ve seen numerous studies in recent years showing benefits of NAD supplementation in modulating inflammation, metabolic decline and cellular and DNA repair,” he says. “Although the evidence is in its early stages, given the low chance of side-effects it may be a very useful supplement for patients either suffering from neurodegenerative conditions or as part of an anti-ageing supplement routine”.

Let’s investigate further…

What is NAD used for?

NAD+ (sometimes called NADH or NAD) stands for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a natural chemical found in every single cell in the body. Think of it like a battery. It plays a major role in generating cellular energy, as well as in the maintenance and repair of our cells, including our DNA. It’s thought to be involved in more than 500 different reactions that keep cells in good health. No biggie, then.

How does NAD+ work to help fight ageing?

If we have high levels of NAD+, it means we have lots of cellular energy – our cells function optimally and we feel more energetic and alert. It also means the body can repair itself quicker, which helps keep our organs, including our skin, in pristine working order. But just like collagen, our levels of NAD+ decline with age. It’s thought they halve every 20 years, from the day we’re born. With age, the body becomes less able to generate it, plus older and naturally more damaged cells use up NAD+ stores at a higher rate. A downward spiral of NAD+ correlates with the onset of many of the complaints associated with ageing including wrinkles, memory loss, heart problems, dementia, Parkinson’s, vision loss, and more. NAD+ decline is seen as one of the nine main hallmarks of ageing, according to Conlon.

How to increase NAD+ levels

You cannot stop the decline of your body’s ability to produce NAD+, but you can slow down the rate at which the body uses it up. Basically, the healthier you are and the less damage your cells sustain from things like disease, stress, unhealthy lifestyle choices and an unhealthy environment, the more NAD+ you have available for keeping your organs in ‘homeostasis’, i.e. strong, healthy and ‘young’ for their age. So: a good old healthy lifestyle with lots of stress management is, as per usual, the best way to keep this important powerhouse ticking over. Conlon adds that research has shown that the well-known positive benefits of exercise and fasting are down to the fact that they ignite the body’s production of NAD+. “They create an energy stress in the body, which responds by increasing NAD+ to switch on cellular maintenance and repair in order to overcome this temporary strain,” she says. “HIIT and resistance training have been found to be the most effective.”

But in the States, and increasingly over here, supplementing NAD+ is thought to be a way of off-setting its natural decline as well. “Multiple studies have demonstrated that NAD+ boosting strategies have benefits at cellular, animal and human level,” says Conlon. One study suggests that one of the ways NAD+ supplementation can do this is by activating the protection and stabilisation of telomeres, which helps prevent cell death and therefore the risk of long-term diseases setting in. Ultimately, says Conlon, “while I would stop short of saying NAD+ boosters help you live longer, it is clear they improve healthspan, which is the proportion of your life you spend in good health.”

But there is a caveat. There have been thousands of papers written on NAD+ supplementation in animals, and about 20 human studies, says Conlon. But at present, there is no conclusive, long-term proof that it can reverse or delay ageing, and it is important to keep in mind that we are talking about a nutritional supplement here, not medication. That doesn’t stop people from leaping on the chance to try it, of course, preferring to take their chances in the pursuit of a longer, healthier life.

NAD+ benefits

With most of the evidence circumstantial, anecdotal, or based on animal studies, below are some of the things that NAD+ supplementation may be good for. It is prescribed in America (and increasingly, here) by functional medicine practitioners and nutritionists to aid in the recovery of these, but again, not as medication.

NAD to improve sports performance

Due to its energy-boosting abilities (many users report an increase in energy, resilience and recovery) and positive impact on muscle function, NAD+ is popular with athletes and sports performance coaches, says Paul Leadon, co-founder of UK supplement company Hinnao Technology. It is also used (in the US at least) to help treat chronic fatigue syndrome. “I know people use it to support mitochondria (the batteries of cells) so it’s good for those with fatigue,” explains nutritional therapist Daniel O’Shaughnessy.

NAD for sleep issues, hangovers and long Covid

In one study, it was shown NAD+ seems to re-set our internal ‘body clock’. So NAD+ supplementation is sometimes used by people who want to treat jet lag and insomnia. And because it fortifies cells’ defence systems, it is used by some as a hangover cure to help protect the liver from the damage alcohol does. As O’Shaughnessy comments: “it’s used in addiction to support the withdrawal from alcohol and some drugs. It’s also being researched for long-Covid support.”

NAD+ and skin ageing

The world of aesthetics and ‘tweakments’ is keeping a beady eye on NAD as well. No wonder, as high levels of cellular energy mean that the body can more effectively prevent and clear up signs of skin ageing such as brown spots and fine lines. “Not only that, but the basic principle of ‘tweakments’ is that a level of controlled damage is inflicted on the skin, which then sets off a repairing, collagen-boosting mechanism in the skin,” says Conlon. “However, if the body is low on cellular energy, it has trouble performing this tissue repair and it won’t generate much additional collagen, leading to disappointing or even negative results. Boosting NAD+ reserves is thought to shore up this collagen supply and can therefore be the essential missing ‘prep’ step in skin rejuvenation procedures.”

NAD and symptoms of menopause

The booming menopause market is also ready to pounce. “We are super interested in the implications for menopause relief, and are chasing scientific data for this,” says Dr Conlon. “Menopause causes a huge increase in cellular ageing in a short space of time, turning off the energy and repair mechanisms that you so desperately need right at this time of life.” She says the company has lots of anecdotal feedback on NAD+ supplementation having a major impact on how women feel when they take it to offset menopausal symptoms.

“NAD+ is good at mopping up DNA damage and oxidative stress,” says O’Shaughnessy. “Supplementing it may also support memory and cognition.” That means it could help with the dreaded ‘brain fog’.

NAD and fatigue

Cosmetic physician Dr Sophie Shotter says that in her experience NAD+ works to treat tiredness, especially hormonally-related fatigue. “I definitely notice the difference when I supplement; for starters, I don’t get that mid-afternoon energy slump.”

NAD and preventing cravings

Apart from the aforementioned protective effect on the liver and delivering much-needed energy when you’ve been burning the candle at both ends NAD+ can, according to Dr Conlon, “help suppress the cravings that plague addicts of all kinds.” The theory is that this is because having enough NAD+ in your system stops the body ‘running on empty’ from substance abuse. As a result, it craves fewer ‘fresh hits’ of more stimulants.

Biohacker and author Davinia Taylor, a recovering alcoholic, recently told us that she noticed that effect after having a NAD+ IV drip. “It gets rid of any cravings. Think sugar, shopping…. I didn’t even fancy the chips I was trying to treat myself with,” she said. “It shuts down the body’s addictive mechanism and its need for a dopamine rush. It makes me feel not high, not buzzy, not wired like you would from Red Bull – but chipper. It’s like an alternative to hair of the dog that’s actually good for you, and an antidote to the fact that hangovers get worse with age. It’s an awake, clean energy that helps you deal with any stress better; that’s one of the things we get worse at as we get older, and when our hormones are on their way out. This is the ultimate energy shortcut that works for me.”

NAD supplements: what is the best way to take NAD+?

NAD IV drips

Taylor gets her drips from GP Dr Enayat of London biohacking health clinic Hum2n, who offers a ‘substance detox programme’ of five IV drips in one week, starting at £2795, and a three-drip anti-ageing protocol from £1295.
Beware, though: apart from the substantial financial investment, having these drips is also an investment in time, as they typically take three hours to infuse. Unless you take the ‘speedy’ half-hour option which, according to people we’ve spoken to has an unpleasant side effect of feeling temporary stomach and brain pressure as the active works its way into your system.

The payoff, says Leadon, who’s had NAD+ IV drips himself, is a sustained high and clarity of mind. “Drips are great to prepare for a major event or to aid recovery,” he says. “But my preference is always to supplement in a way that’s as close as possible to what the body does naturally. So a little-and-regular approach in the shape of daily oral supplementation is, in my opinion, the best way forward for sustained overall age prevention and support.” He considers the liposomal NAD+ supplement he’s about to launch, will be the next best thing (of course) to an IV drip.

NAD+ liposomal drops

Getting NAD+ into your cells is tricky. “NAD+ is a very large molecule that cannot just penetrate the skin or the mucus membranes in the mouth [ie taken under the tongue] to enter the bloodstream,” says Leadon. “And taken as a capsule, it won’t survive the gut intact.” To get around the issue, Leadon has created a nano-sized version of NAD+ and stabilised it in a ‘liposomal’ delivery system (protected in microscopic lipid bubbles). It’s been shown to go straight into the bloodstream when you place some drops of it under the tongue. “NAD+ is also very sensitive to heat damage so the drops may have to be kept in the fridge,” he says. Currently, the company is in the process of doing third party testing to back up its claims.

Supplements that help the body make NAD+

According to Conlon, getting NAD+ into the bloodstream doesn’t mean it actually gets into the body’s cells. “Right now, there’s very little proof that it can, apart from some indication that it can permeate some neuronal [brain and nervous system] cells. The exact same, by the way, goes for NAD+ IV drips,” she says.

This is why most NAD+ supplements provide not NAD+, but NAD+ precursors (since you ask – nicotinamide riboside or niagen tryptophan, or nicotinamide mononucleotide – NMN). Unlike the whole NAD+ molecule, these are readily absorbed into the system, and the body then converts them into NAD+.

But as far as Conlon is concerned, this is not enough. “Every cell in your body is like a small factory that needs power to function,” she says. “But with age, these ‘cell factories’ sustain major damage, which means the fuel you supply them with leaches away.” For her, it means that a good NAD+ supplement needs to provide a blend of nutrients that help repair and maintain your cells, alongside the fuel for making NAD+. Her Nuchido Time+ supplement is an example of this and has just been subjected to a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study to prove its claims. “We’ve tested the blood of human volunteers and we’ve seen an increase in NAD+ of 242 per cent in 16 days, on the basis of taking six capsules a day,” she says.

Can you take NAD when pregnant?

NAD+ is vital for normal organ development in babies but the advice is to, out of caution, hold off on taking NAD+ supplements in pregnancy. An Australian 2020 study on animals concluded that supplementing with precursor NMN improved the quality of ovarian cells in adult mammals but it’s not known what effect it had on their unborn young.

Are there any side effects of taking NAD+?

From the research so far (which has been done mostly on animals, with a few human studies), very few contra-indications have been flagged for taking supplements with NAD+ precursors, they seem to be very safe ingredients. In the human studies, 1000-2000mg of nicotinamide riboside (one popular precursor) a day had no harmful effects – and most supplements contain 250-300mg a day. However long-term effects in humans are still relatively unknown.

The verdict: is NAD+ the next big thing?

She would say so of course, but Conlon believes it is. “Whether it was Covid that inspired it or not, consumers in the UK have really embraced the idea of long-term preventative healthcare much more than they did before, and they’re looking for solutions that really hold water,” she says. “We’ve seen the popularity of collagen supplements, but the proof is dicey and few people are prepared to take the amount of collagen supplementation required to really see a difference.”

“While the research is growing, the possibilities are far-reaching because cellular energy is at the heart of longevity,” says Dr Conlon. For her, NAD+ supplementation is a way to stay mentally sharp and physically active for as long as possible throughout what are set to be longer lives than ever before.

Dr Sophie Shotter believes in NAD+ supplementation as well: “ I do recommend NAD supplements to patients, often those struggling with hormone-related energy levels,” she says. “But it’s important to note that we cannot supplement NAD directly,” she says. “I opt for NAD+ precursors, but I believe it’s also important to support our cellular ability to produce NAD+ as it decreases with age.”

Dr Shotter supplements patients as well as herself through IV drips with NADH “not a precursor but the ‘reduced’ version of NAD+; it easily converts into NAD+” she explains. She’s also a fan of the Nuchido Time+ supplement. “The fact that it has additional ingredients designed to boost both the cells’ ability to produce as well as recycle NAD+ is a real bonus,” she says. “With consistent use, I believe [supplements] can be very beneficial.”

But despite his strong interest in biohacking, this is one hack that nutritional therapist O’Shaughnessy isn’t getting behind just yet. He feels it’s expensive and certainly not a magic bullet. “NAD+ therapy should just be used as a tool,” he says. “If you’re suffering from fatigue, then it’s vital you consider the functional elements. These include being over-stressed, tackling vitamin and mineral deficiencies (particular in vegan diets which are often lacking iron, vitamin B12 and protein), digestive imbalances, sleep hygiene, food sensitivities, toxin overload, and more.” Taking NAD+ supplements, he says “will be a drop in the ocean if there are all sorts of imbalances in the body. The priority should be on addressing these.”

If you want to invest in an energy supplement, “a vitamin B complex is a cheap all-rounder,” he says. “Common sense says that we should function with optimal energy without the need for NAD+.” Try Healthspan High Strength Vitamin B Complex, £8.99.

Will studies prove him right or wrong? IS NAD+ a fad or the key to helping us age better? We’ll have to wait and see.

 

 

 

Collagen For Men: How To Decide If You Should Take It & Benefits

Collagen For Men: How To Decide If You Should Take It & Benefits

mbg Beauty Director- By Alexandra Engler

Expert review by Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN

September 21, 2021

This article is a repost which originally appeared on mbghealth

Edited for content.

Despite being on the market for some time now, collagen supplements still seem to garner many questions. How long does it take until you see results? (Answer: It depends!) How much should you take? (There’s no recommended dosage at this time, but we have some pretty good research to support a range of 10 to 20 grams a day.) Are collagen supplements vegan? (Hard no! You can find collagen-supporting supplements made from vegan ingredients but not collagen itself.) 

While those questions are pretty general, others come down to personal factors, such as age, sex, weight, activity level, and lifestyle habits—which brings us to the question at hand: What should men know about taking collagen supplements? Now, we bring this up because sex and hormones can influence what supplements you decide to take. For example, someone going through menopause will likely have a different routine than a 20-something cis male.

So is such the case for collagen? Here’s what we know. 

Should men take collagen supplements?

Most adults could benefit from collagen supplements—no matter their age or sex—as it’s very well tolerated, comes with minimal cautions, and boasts a host of universal benefits.* And did we mention: Hello, protein. So should men take it specifically? Well, if you’re a man and want to take it: By all means!

Really the only difference you may find for supplementation is protein dosage. Allow me to explain. Collagen is a type of protein (it’s an incomplete protein, but more on that in a second). For healthy adults, you need at least 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day for muscle mass maintenance. From there, protein needs increase based on activity levels: For highly active adults, you should consume 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. And collagen supplementation can help you achieve your daily protein intake, as it can act as a complementary source of amino acids. In fact, a 2019 study found that as much as 36% of daily protein could come from collagen peptides while simultaneously achieving daily essential amino acid requirements.*

And since, on average, men weigh more than women (and typically have more connective tissues, where collagen resides)—men may need a higher collagen dose. However, this is neither definitive nor true in every case; it should be evaluated on a person-by-person basis.

As mbg’s director of scientific affairs Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph.D., RDN, explains, “Every supplement ritual should be individualized, but some supplements get unfairly labeled as only relevant to women or men. That’s unfortunate since nutrition and bioactives are rarely binary. Saying collagen is only for women is like saying calcium is only for women. In reality, men have connective tissues—skin, bones, joints, muscles, tendons, vessels, etc.—that collagen is literally critical for, just like men have bones and require calcium.”*

5 benefits of collagen supplements for men.

Collagen benefits are systemic and universal.* When you ingest peptides, your body absorbs and distributes the amino acids where they are needed. So here are all the ways adding a supplement to your routine can help you: 

1. Skin

I think we can all move past the stereotype that men don’t care about their appearance and skin as they age. Collagen supplements can support the skin in a variety of ways, from firmness to hydration.* For example, one study found that they are able to support skin elasticity and dermal collagen density.* Another double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial found that participants’ moisture levels in the skin were seven times higher than those who did not take collagen supplements.* 

2. Hair

Hair thinning is a very common situation for most men, and one way you can help healthy hair naturally is by providing the body with all the needed building blocks for keratin, the protein that makes up hair. What are those building blocks? Amino acids, many of which are found in collagen peptides.* In fact, the main amino acid in keratin is proline—which is readily found in many collagen supplements.

3. Gut health

While this is a newer area of study for collagen supplements, research has found that levels of certain types of collagen are lower in individuals with digestive challenges.* And much of the benefits are due to collagen peptides’ specific amino acid makeup. For example, research has found that one of the main amino acids in collagen, L-glutamate, supports the intestine by neutralizing oxidative stress and acts as a major fuel source for the cells in the intestine.* The cells of our gut lining also use proline and glycine for energy, and these are two additional amino acids found in collagen.*

4. Muscle mass

Collagen is not technically a complete protein—meaning it does not contain all nine of the essential amino acids (it has eight of them)—but it still delivers plenty of amino acids that can contribute to muscle mass, when taken as part of a robust diet.* This is especially true when combined with the right fitness routines. In one small clinical study, men who took 15 grams of collagen daily while participating in an exercise program gained more muscle mass than those who only completed the exercise program.*

Ferira adds, “Men, muscles, and collagen is an emerging area of research I see gaining momentum. For example, in this compelling clinical trial, 15 grams of collagen peptides combined with resistance exercise training in young healthy men netted significant gains in lean mass (muscle) and muscle strength, more than just resistance training by itself. Not only that, but the researchers discovered that the men’s muscle protein was upregulated (i.e., those genes were cranked up), particularly the contractile fibers, which make your muscles work well and with speed.”*

5. Joints

Collagen type II is a common structural component of our joints. One randomized clinical trial found that people who took a type II collagen supplement for 180 days experienced improvements in their physical function and helped improve joint mobility and comfort.* 

Are there any side effects men should be worried about?

Anytime you start a new supplement, one of the first questions you should look into is if there are any cautions or side effects. Luckily for collagen, it’s a safe and widely tolerated protein: Collagen peptides are safe for consumption, and few side effects, complaints, or cautions are reported. They fall into the “benign” bucket. However, everyone is different, and everyone’s body reacts to products in unique ways. This is why some side effects are reported anecdotally. 

You can learn more about the common collagen side effects here, but as a brief overview:

  • Some brands can taste unpleasant due to the collagen itself or less-than-appetizing filler ingredients.  
  • Anecdotally, some individuals report bloating, stomach upset, and fullness.
  • We all have different sensitivities, so be careful to check where the ingredient is sourced and all other added ingredients in case you personally have an allergen. 
  • Vegans should avoid collagen, as collagen peptides are derived from animals (cows, fish, and chicken most often).

Conclusion

Not every supplement is right for every body or every need. But collagen tends to be a pretty safe bet for most, no matter your sex. Additionally, it has robust universal benefits!

*If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.

Male Enhancement Terms & Lingo

Male Enhancement Terms & Lingo

The following is a chapter taken from the book: The Ultimate Guide To Male Enhancement.

Sometimes when reading information about male enhancement, even if full words are used, it can be difficult to fully understand what the original author means. Some terms and lingo used in the male enhancement world may be unfamiliar to you. Use this list, if you come across something you’re unsure of the meaning.

●Adequate Rest– Obtaining adequate rest is one of the three principles in the “Circle of Gains” found in the penis enlargement book Exercising the Penis. Obtaining rest while penile exercising is important as it allows your penis time to heal and grow.

●Base– This refers to the base of the penis. Most often, the base refers to the first visible part of the penis near the pubic bone. For example, Encircle the base of your penis with an OK–grip. However, anatomically speaking, the base of the penis is at the foundation of the inner penis, which is inside the body and above the perineum.

●Body Clues– Paying attention to your “body clues” is one of the three principles in the “Circle of Gains” found in the book Exercising the Penis. Listening and following your body clues is absolutely vital to healthy and effective penile exercising and will help you avoid injury. This is also sometimes referred to as “body cues.”

●Bone–Pressed– To measure from pubic bone to the tip of the head, with the ruler pressed into the bone.

●Bulbocavernosus Muscle– This is one of the chief pelvic floor muscles; also known as the BC muscle or the bulbospongiosusmuscle. Along with assisting the process of erection, the bulbocavernosus muscle compresses the urethra, typically to empty it of residual semen or urine.

●Bulbospongiosus Muscle– This is another name for the bulbocavernosus muscle.

●Cementing– Involves weaning yourself off a penile exercising routine in an effort to make your penis enlargement gains permanent.

●Circle of Gains– This is a term coined in the penis enlargement book, Exercising The Penis. The Circle of Gains is made up of the three essential principles of penile exercising: Obtain Adequate Rest, Gradually Increase the Intensity, and Watch Your Body Clues.

●Collagen– Collagen is a protein that makes up the connective tissue within the penis.

●Conditioning– Conditioning is characterized by a penis that is highly adapted to penile exercising. Penis enlargement growth often slows down as result of being conditioned. Conditioning can often be undone by taking a long break to decondition the penis.

●Clamping Devices– These are penis enlargement devices that work by clamping off the base of the penis, restricting blood flow and causing the penis to expand outward.

●Corpora Cavernosa– These are the two top chambers of the penis; largely composed of collagen and smooth muscle. The corpora cavernosa hardens upon erection.

●Corpora Spongiosum– This is the bottom of the penis; it holds the urethra. It stays semi–soft upon erection.

●Darkening Effect– The darkening effect is also known as discoloration. Darkening is a fairly common side effect that involves the penis, or parts of the penis, becoming darker.

●Deconditioning– This is a break from penile exercising that reverses the effects of conditioning. An effective deconditioning break typically lasts six to twelve weeks.

●Discoloration– See darkening effect.

●Dry Jelq- This means to Jelq without lubrication.

●Ejaculate– Ejaculate happens when the body discharges semen.

●Engorged– Traditionally, engorged is used when something is filled full with something else. In the case of male enhancement, it typically refers to when the penis is filled with blood.

●Erect Exercises– Erect exercises are an intense form of penile exercising that involves the erect penis. These are not advised for at least six months of consistent exercising and definitely are not for beginners.

●Erectile Dysfunction– Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection.

●Erection Level– Erection level refers to how engorged your penis is. The erection levels run from 0 to 100 percent and together make up the erection gauge. The higher your erection level, the more erect you are.

●Fat Pad– The fat pad is the fat positioned in front of your pubic bone. The smaller your fat pad, the more visible penis you have.

●Flaccid– Flaccid is the state of the penis when it is not erect. The penis is soft with a zero percent erection level.

●Frenulum– The frenulum is the slender strip of skin on the underside of the penis that joins the shaft to the head.

●Glans– The glans is the head of the penis. It is the anatomical part of the penis where urine and semen are discharged.

●Gradually Increase Intensity– To gradually increase the intensity of a male enhancement exercise, you only increase it a small amount at a time. This can refer to the tightness of your grip, the pull of the stretch, the amount of vacuum in the pump, the stretch of the extender, or even the amount of weight being hung. The keyword here is gradual, as many men up the intensity way before their penis is ready, which can result in serious injury.

●Grower– A grower is a man whose flaccid penis is small and dramatically grows upon erection. A grower is the opposite of a shower.

●Intensity– Intensity is the amount of force used; it is a measure of the amount of strength you are using when penile exercising.

●Intensity Level– The intensity level helps you decipher how intense the exercise is. The higher the Intensity Level, the higher the intensity.

●Ischiocavernosus muscle– One of the chief pelvic floor muscles; also known as the IC muscle. The ischiocavernosus muscle contributes to erection by compressing the inner penis, which squeezes blood into the outer penis.

●Jelq– This is a penile exercise that involves milking the blood throughout your penis. The Jelq helps build penis length, girth and hardness.

●Jelq Device– A device that increases the intensity of your Jelqs.

●Kegel– (pronounced KAY–gul). Kegel is an exercise that uses the pelvic floor muscles. The Kegel has an array of benefits, particularly increased hardness.

●Manual Exercises– Manual exercises are penile exercises using only the hands, opposed to exercises that use a penis enlargement device.

●Mid–Shaft– This is the middle of your penis,halfway between your base and your glans.

●Natural Penis Enlargement– The enlargement of the penis through penile exercising.

●Nocturnal Erections –These are random erections that take place during your sleep, most often in the REM stage of sleep.

●Non–Bone Pressed– This means to barely press the ruler against the skin when measuring length; not pressing the ruler into the pubic bone.

●Overhand Grip– Overhand grip refers to the position of your grip, in which your fingers are facing the floor.

●Overtraining– Overtraining occurs when a man engages in penile exercises more than his penis can handle. Overtraining inhibits penis enlargement growth and leads to negative physiological indicators(such as weak erections).

●Penile– Of or relating to the penis.

●Penile Exercising– The act of exercising the penis.

●Penile Exerciser– A man who penile exercises

●Penis Enlargement– The enlargement of the penis. The most popular penis enlargement methods include penile exercising, the use of a device and surgery. Our penis enlargement guide shows how to use penile exercises as a way for enlargement.

●Penis Enlargement Device– A device designed to enlarge and exercise the penis.

●Perineum– (pronounced pear–uh–NEE–um) This is the region between the anus and testicles.

●Petechiae– The medical name for spots that form on the penis. The spots are typically red and are fairly common in the beginning. They often occur due to Jelqing.

●Peyronie’s Disease– Peyronie’s diseases is a curvature of the penis caused by plaque formation inside the tunica.

●Phallus– Of or relating to the penis.

●Pincher Grip– This is a grip that forms a “pinching” hand gesture; places less pressure on the underside and the head of the penis. It looks as if you are pinching the penis.

●Plateau– Plateaus happen when penis enlargement gains come to a halt.

●Point of No Return– This is the point in which semen starts moving through the urethra. Ejaculation is inevitable once you reach the point of no return.

●Post–micturition dribble: A condition in which urine consistently dribbles from the penis at the end of an urination session.

●Prostate –This refers to the prostate gland, which is an organ which encircles the urethra at the base of the bladder. The prostate gland controls the release of urine and secretes the alkaline fluid that holds semen upon ejaculation.

●Pubic Bone –The pubic bone is located directly above your penis, right below your abdomen.

●Pubococcygeus Muscle: (Pronounced PEW–bo–cox–uh–GEE–us) A hammock–like muscle that extends from thepubic bone to the tailbone. Both males and females have a “PC” muscle.

●Shock Routine –A shock routine is penile exercising for several hours in one day in an effort to jumpstart penis enlargement gains or break a plateau. Shock routines are too intense for beginners. After a shock routine, you take a break for at least several days and quite possibly a week or more.

●Shower –A shower is a man whose penis is typically highly engorged and good for show (in accordance to size). A shower has a flaccid penis that doesn’t grow much upon erection.

●Skeletal Muscles –Skeletal muscles are striated muscles that are usually voluntary (smooth muscle is typically involuntary). Skeletal muscles include the biceps, quadriceps, abdomens and other muscles. The pelvic floor muscles, located at the base of the inner penis, are skeletal muscles. You can strengthen these muscles and improve your sex life by using the Kegel.

●Shaft –The shaft is main body of the penis.

●Sporadic Exercising –Sporadic exercising is randomly exercising the penis; following no specific routine.

●Spotting –Spotting is a moderately common side effect in the beginning in which spots (often red) form on the penis.Medically, this is known as petechiae.

●Tunica –The tunica is a strong, tendon–like tissue that covers the corpus chambers within the penis.

●Urinary Incontinence –Urinary incontinence is a condition that involves the involuntary excretion of urine, often in relation to another underlying medical condition. Urinary incontinence is more common in women than in men.

●Urinate –To discharge urine; to go pee.

●Urethra –The urethra is a canal from which semen and urine discharge.

●Vasodilator –A drug or nerve that opens the blood vessels and increases blood flow.

●Warm up _Warm up is a method of heating the penis prior to penile exercising. A warm up increases probability of growth, decreases side effects and decreases chances of injury.

●Wet Jelq: To wet Jelq, Jelq with lubrication.

 

The Ultimate Guide To Male Enhancement

Shower vs grower: What is the difference and does it matter?

What is the difference between a ‘shower’ and a ‘grower’ and does it really matter?

Medically reviewed by Joseph Brito III, MD — Written by Beth Sissons on February 9, 2021

This article is a repost which originally appeared on MEDICALNEWSTODAY

Edited for content

How much a penis extends in length while erect varies from person to person. It may also change over time and with age. However, there is no evidence to suggest this affects an individual’s health or sex life.

A “shower” or “grower” refers to how much a penis expands in length when erect compared with its flaccid state.

This article explores the science behind the terms, how common they are, and whether being a shower or a grower has any significant impact on health and sex life.

Distinction between the two

According to the popular colloquialism, a shower is a person with a penis that does not expand relatively significantly in length when it becomes erect.

In contrast, a grower is a person with a penis that grows relatively significantly longer when erect.

What determines whether you’re a shower or grower

The erectile tissue of the penis comprises:

  • elastic fibers
  • collagen
  • smooth muscles
  • arteries and veins

All of these allow the penis to become erect.

However, with age, the penis can lose tissue elasticity, which may affect how it stretches.

People may also experience inflammation and less blood flow to the penis as they age, which can affect erection.

A 2018 study involving 274 males found that age played a role in whether participants were a grower or a shower.

The researchers defined a grower as having a flaccid to erect penile length increase of 4 centimeters (cm) or more, while an increase of less than 4 cm indicated that a person was a shower.

All of the participants had previously undergone penile duplex ultrasound (PDDU) for erectile dysfunction.

Researchers measured flaccid penile length and gave participants a vasodilation drug before measuring erect penile length.

Growers had an average length change of 5.3 cm, while showers had an average length change of 3.1 cm. The mean age of the growers was 47.5 years, compared with an average of 55.9 years in the showers.

The research also reported that 37% of males who fell into the grower category were single, compared with 23% in the showers category, although this may also relate to age.

Growers also had a lower dose of the vasodilation drug.

There were no differences in the showers or growers regarding:

  • race
  • smoking history
  • comorbidities
  • erectile function
  • flaccid penile length
  • penis firmness after vasodilation injection
  • PDDU results

The study notes that confirming these findings requires more research, including larger scale, multicultural, and multinational studies.

The research did find an age difference between growers and showers. According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, the way the penis changes as people age may account for this age differentiation.

Is one more common?

The 2018 study found that out of 274 participants, 73 males (26%) were growers, while 205 males (74%) were showers, according to the researchers’ criteria on flaccid to erect penis length.

This suggests that showers may be more common, but there is not enough evidence to reflect the whole population.

Further studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Which group are you?

People may be able to tell if they are a shower or grower without any tests.

If people have a penis that does not significantly change size between a flaccid and erect state, they may be a shower.

In contrast, if an individual’s penis size changes drastically between a flaccid and erect state, they may be a grower.

People can measure their penis when flaccid, from the base to the tip. They can then take the same measurement when their penis is erect.

If the difference between the two measurements is greater than 4 cm, people meet the definition of a grower.

However, if the difference is less than 4 cm, people meet the definition of a shower.

Can this change over time?

The 2018 study found that age was the main factor in whether people were a grower or a shower, which suggests that people may change between a grower and a shower as they age.

When people age, collagen and elastic fibers in the penis decrease, which may affect whether they are a shower or grower.

Other penis changes can also happen as people age. Testosterone levels start to decline after a person reaches 40 years of age, which can cause the penis to shrink slowly.

Health conditions that impair blood flow can also affect penis color and erection.

Does it impact overall erection size?

According to the Kinsey Institute, flaccid penis size is not a reliable indicator for its erect size.

Generally, shorter flaccid penile lengths enlarge by a greater percentage than longer flaccid penile lengths.

The 2018 study found that growers had a larger erect penis size, measuring 15.5 cm compared with 13.1 cm in the showers group.

Does it affect your sex life?

There is no research to suggest whether being a shower or a grower impacts a person’s sex life.

However, concerns about penis appearance may affect sexual activity.

A 2016 survey looked at genital dissatisfaction in 4,198 males aged 18–65 years and living in the United States.

Participants reported the lowest satisfaction with flaccid penile length, with 27% reporting dissatisfaction. Different demographics had no bearing on survey answers.

Those who reported dissatisfaction with their genitals reported less sexual activity, including less vaginal sex and less receptive oral sex.

If a person has concerns that their penis appearance is affecting their self-esteem, confidence, or sex life, people may find it helpful to talk with their partner or healthcare professional.

Summary

Being a shower or a grower refers to the change in penis length from a flaccid to erect state.

If people have a penis that increases significantly in length from a flaccid to erect state, they may be a grower. If there is no significant change, they may be a shower.

Some research suggests being a shower or a grower relates to age. Therefore a person’s category may change over time.

However, there is no evidence to suggest that being a shower or grower affects their health or sex life.

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