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Is Smoking Weed Shrinking Your Testicles?

7 min read | Author - The Backyard Vitality Team

If you’re male and you haven’t done this already, get to know your testes. All men should know how their testicles feel and report any changes to their physician. If you’re experiencing testicular atrophy (shrinking testicles) you’re probably a little frightened and wondering what the heck is happening. Let’s delve into possible reasons and solutions for shrinking testicles.

Get more sleep

Most understand the importance of a good night’s rest for overall health. But if your testicles are shrinking, it could be due to a lack of sleep. A study from the University of Southern Denmark found a link between the quality of sleep and testicle size. Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study that included 953 young Danish men from the general population. Researchers studied sleep schedules, interruptions in sleep, and sleep habits. The men’s testicles were also measured. Researchers also took sperm and assessed for sperm count and viability.

It turns out that sleep-deprived men actually have lower testosterone levels. They also have reduced sperm counts — not to mention, testicle shrinkage. In those men who suffered from insomnia, staying up late, or had inconsistent sleep throughout the night and woke up often, researchers found that sperm counts dropped by 29 percent. Additionally, sperm was more deformed and testicles were smaller.

Cool it on the booze

If you are a lover of beer, wine, or liquor and you’re noticing shrinkage “down under,” listen up! An animal and human study published in ScienceDirect found that chronic alcohol consumption caused changes to Leydig cell shape and function. These cells are located adjacent to the testicular seminiferous tubules (where sperm cells are produced). Alcohol causes the tubules to shrink. Additionally, the processes involving the way alcohol alters testicular energy metabolism and sperm cell mitochondria leads to cell death. Together, these processes eventually lead to testicular shrinkage in both animals and humans.

However, the study was primarily created to see if testicles could “bounce back” to their original size through alcohol abstinence. And the good news is, if you stop drinking, or even reduce your chronic intake of alcohol, your testicles will likely regain their full size.

Avoid aluminum

Aluminum can be found in common household items, like deodorant, and it contributes to testicles shrinking.

Aluminum can be found widely throughout our daily lives. In fact, it’s the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust. Aluminum is used to make food and beverage cans, pots and pans, airplanes, siding and roofing, foil, and a variety of consumer products such as:

Antacids and buffered aspirins
Astringents and cosmetics
Antiperspirants
Flour and baking powder
Coloring agents and anti-caking agents

Aluminum compounds can also be found in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, utensils, and food additives. So, this makes it difficult to avoid exposure. The problem is, overexposure to aluminum may contribute to a low sperm count and infertility in men, with a side effect of smaller testicles. A study published in the International Journal of Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology reviewed the toxic effect of aluminum exposure on the male reproductive system.

Researchers found a link between exposure and adverse effects on sperm motility, viability, and count, histology of testis and epididymis (duct behind the testis) as well as reproductive hormone levels. Exposure may also lead to oxidative stress in the testicles, causing cells to die and the testicles to shrink.

Limit your exposure to aluminum by choosing aluminum-free deodorants, personal care products, antacids, and buffered aspirin. In fact, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry antacids contain 300 to 600 milligrams of aluminum hydroxide (about 104 to 208 milligrams of aluminum) per tablet. And buffered aspirin may contain 10 to 20 milligrams of aluminum per tablet.

Protect your testicles

Just the mention of getting kicked in the gonads can cause a man to wince. That’s because testicles have the most pain receptors concentrated in any one area of a man’s body, with nerves extending to the ears, stomach, and groin. Because the testes are located within the scrotum, which hangs outside of the body, they’re not protected by muscles and bones, says the Cleveland Clinic. That means it’s easier for testes to be struck, hit, kicked, or crushed, which happens most often during contact sports.

In a study by the Department of Radiology at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the University of Cambridge, researchers found that trauma to the scrotum is not only a cause of testicular atrophy but may also affect testicular size months or years following an injury. Researchers performed clinical and sonographic examinations in 10 patients who had suffered blunt trauma to the testicles. A significant reduction in the volume of the injured testis was found in five out of 10 cases.

So, while most men don’t experience such trauma daily, athletes should make sure they are well-protected by wearing athletic cups during sports and even skateboarding.

Stop smoking weed

Smoking too much marijuana can contribute to testicles shrinking.

Although studies on weed and its effect on reproductive hormones have been conflicting, some studies suggest that chronic marijuana use may lead to lower testosterone levels and a reduction in testicular size. Apparently, shrinking testicles have been observed in rodents and dogs after being administered cannabis extract. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, THC (the main active compound in marijuana) is apparently to blame. But, the research is relatively outdated.

Nevertheless, although outdated, the study suggests that smoking weed lowers testosterone levels, either directly or through precursor hormones. Or, it causes testicular atrophy in animals. So, if you’ve noticed a difference in testicular size and you’re a chronic smoker, it’s best to try and stop.

Cool it on the soy

The benefits and dangers of soy may be up for debate. But one of the more disturbing claims is that soy “feminizes” men. While soy milk provides many potential health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease and protection from prostate cancer, some research suggests it may have negative side effects for men when consumed frequently. In fact, soy is even thought to shrink testicles and lower testosterone levels.

Soybeans are rich in phytoestrogens. The chemical structure of phytoestrogens is very similar to that of the human sex hormone estrogen. This similarity allows phytoestrogens to sometimes mimic or hinder the hormone with estrogen receptors.

A study from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey set out to determine if a commonly used soy protein supplement exhibits biological activity. Researchers studied healthy male volunteers, aged 18 years or older that were in good health. They consumed two scoops of pure soy protein powder daily for 28 days. It turns out soy protein powder actually decreased testosterone levels, thanks to the estrogen. This same estrogen may also cause testicular shrinkage. The good news is, when study participants discontinued the soy protein powder, testosterone levels increased within two weeks.

Stop using steroids

Steroids can have several harmful side effects, including shrinking of the testicles.

Testicular atrophy, or shrinking balls, are most commonly associated with steroid use. Anabolic steroids are synthetic types of the male sex hormone testosterone. Some common names for anabolic steroids are gear, juice, roids and stackers. A medical professional may prescribe steroids to treat hormonal issues, such as delayed puberty. They can also treat diseases that cause muscle loss, such as cancer and AIDS, suggests the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIH).

The problem begins when some athletes and bodybuilders abuse steroids to boost their performance or improve their physical appearance. With that may come more than you bargained for. According to the NIH, steroid use may also:

Decrease sperm count
Contribute to baldness
Encourage the development of breasts
Increase your risk for prostate cancer
And, you guessed it, shrink your testicles

When the brain senses that there are high levels of testosterone in the blood, it assumes the testosterone is coming from the testicle. So, the brain then shuts off the production of FSH, a hormone that stimulates the production of testosterone in the testicle. As a result, the testicles begin to shrink.

When to visit your doctor

More than likely there is a simple reason behind your shrinking testicles. However, if shrinkage is accompanied by pain or diminished libido, visit your doctor. You may also want your doctor to test your testosterone to estrogen levels. Take charge of your health. Shrinking testicles may seem scary and embarrassing. But, being proactive will help prevent any long-term complications.

-The Backyard Vitality Team

The Penny-Priced Roundup Alternative That’s Safer for Your Garden

3 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Roundup and other chemical herbicides have been the go-to solution for killing weeds in gardens, driveways, and farmlands for years. However, growing concerns over health risks, environmental damage, and soil degradation have led many to seek safer, natural alternatives.

The good news? You don’t need to spend big money on organic herbicides—there’s a penny-priced, safer alternative you might already have in your kitchen!

Surprising Pesto Ingredient Packs a Punch Against Inflammation

4 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

If you love pesto, you’re already on the path to better health, whether you realize it or not. Basil, the star ingredient in pesto, is more than just a fragrant herb that adds flavor to pasta and pizza. It’s a potent anti-inflammatory powerhouse packed with compounds that can help fight chronic diseases, ease joint pain, and support overall wellness.

Let’s dive into why basil is a natural anti-inflammatory champion, the science behind its benefits, and how you can incorporate more of this healing, easy-to-grow garden herb into your diet.

Camel milk is harder to curdle than cow milk

2 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

While camel milk is more resistant to curdling than cow milk, it can still curdle under certain conditions.

Camel milk has a different composition of proteins (caseins) than cow milk. These proteins are less likely to clump together and form curds when exposed to acid or heat. Camel milk is naturally more acidic than cow milk, which can help to prevent curdling. And the milk contains enzymes that can help to break down the proteins that cause curdling.

However, camel milk can still curdle if exposed to high heat, mixed with acidic ingredients such as lemon juice or vinegar, or contaminated with bacteria.

While traditional rennet (an enzyme used to make cheese) doesn’t work well with camel milk, alternative methods have been developed to produce camel milk cheese.

Camel milk has been a staple in nomadic cultures for centuries, and it’s gaining popularity worldwide. Here are some interesting facts about this unique beverage:

Low in fat: Compared to cow milk, camel milk is lower in fat, particularly saturated fat.
High in vitamins and minerals: It’s a good source of calcium, vitamin B1, iron, and potassium. It even has 3 times more vitamin C than cow milk!
Rich in disease-fighting compounds: Camel milk is packed with antioxidants and immunoglobulins, which may boost your immune system.
Easy to digest: It’s naturally low in lactose and has a different protein profile than cow milk, making it easier to digest for some people with dairy sensitivities.
Salty taste: Camel milk has a slightly salty taste, which varies depending on the camel’s diet and the season.
Sustainable source: Camels require less water and feed than cows, making them a more environmentally friendly option in arid regions.
Ancient tradition: Camel milk has been consumed for thousands of years by nomadic cultures in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Versatile uses: Besides drinking, camel milk can be used to make yogurt and even ice cream!

“She sells seashells by the seashore” was written about a female paleontologist from the 1800s.

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Mary Anning’s story is one of remarkable resilience and scientific contribution in the face of adversity. Born in 1799 in the coastal town of Lyme Regis, England, Mary Anning grew up poor and with limited formal education. However, she possessed a sharp mind and an innate curiosity about the natural world, fostered by her father who supplemented his income by finding and selling fossils.

Tragedy struck early in Mary’s life, first with the death of her father when she was just eleven, and then again when she was an infant. She miraculously survived a lightning strike that killed three women, an event that was said to have intensified her inquisitive nature. To support her family, Mary turned to the cliffs of Lyme Regis, diligently searching for fossils amidst perilous conditions.

Her persistence paid off. At the age of 12 she unearthed the first complete Ichthyosaur skeleton, a marine reptile that challenged contemporary scientific understanding. This discovery catapulted her into the world of paleontology, where she continued to make waves with further groundbreaking finds, including the first near-complete Plesiosaur skeletons and a pterosaur skeleton. These discoveries provided crucial evidence for the evolution of life and the existence of prehistoric creatures, shaping the burgeoning field of paleontology.

Despite her significant contributions, Mary faced an uphill battle as a woman in a male-dominated scientific community. She was often excluded from academic circles and rarely received full credit for her work. Nevertheless, her expertise was recognized by some prominent scientists, and in her later years, she was granted an annuity by the Geological Society of London, a rare honor for a woman at that time.

Bad Breath? Eat a Cucumber

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Cucumbers can effectively combat bad breath due to their high water content, crunchy texture, and fiber. These properties contribute to fresher breath in multiple ways.

Hydration: The high water content in cucumbers helps prevent dry mouth, a common contributor to bad breath.

Saliva production: Chewing cucumbers stimulates saliva production, which naturally rinses away bacteria and food debris.

Crunchy texture: The cucumber’s crunchiness acts as a gentle scrub, helping to remove plaque from teeth.

Several other foods can also help freshen your breath:

Crunchy fruits and vegetables: Apples, pears, celery, and carrots stimulate saliva production, similar to cucumbers.
Vitamin C-rich fruits: Berries, oranges, and melons are packed with vitamin C, which helps fight gum disease and bad breath.
Parsley: The oil in parsley leaves can mask unpleasant odors.
Yogurt: The good bacteria in yogurt can help balance the oral microbiome, reducing bad breath.

Drinking cucumber-infused water, herbal teas, or green tea can also contribute to fresher breath.

Are jellyfish immortal?

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

The Turritopsis dohrnii, also known as the immortal jellyfish, is a species of jellyfish that can potentially live forever due to its ability to reverse its life cycle.

Through a process called transdifferentiation, the immortal jellyfish can replenish its cells after sexual reproduction. This process allows adult cells to transform into other types of adult cells. When stressed, the jellyfish can revert to a polyp, which is a sexually immature stage of life. The polyp can then bud and produce new adult forms that are genetically identical to it.

The ability to repeat this cycle indefinitely makes the immortal jellyfish potentially biologically immortal. However, it is important to remember that it can still be killed by predators or other means.

The immortal jellyfish is relatively small, measuring approximately 4.5 millimeters wide and tall, and is found in temperate to tropic waters worldwide. Due to its reverse life cycle, it has been nicknamed the “Benjamin Button” jelly, as it is born old and dies young.

More creatures with no clear expiration date:

Hydras: Clone themselves instead of reproducing sexually.

Flatworms: Have a high capacity for regeneration due to their many pluripotent stem cells.

Ctenophores (comb jellies): Have large numbers of pluripotent stem cells that allow them to regenerate and rejuvenate.

Sponges: Have large numbers of pluripotent stem cells that allow them to regenerate and rejuvenate.

Can snails really sleep for three years?

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Snails typically sleep for 13 to 15 hours a day. However, they can hibernate in their shells for up to three years when the weather is too hot or cold.

This is not the same as sleeping. Hibernation is a state of inactivity and reduced metabolism that allows snails to conserve energy when conditions are unfavorable. Snails that are hibernating have a lower heart rate and may appear dead. To wake up a hibernating snail, you can warm its enclosure and add moisture.

Snails may also enter a state called estivation if their environment is too hot and dry. During estivation, snails may secrete a mucus coating to protect themselves from the heat.

As sleepy as snails can be, they are far from the sleep champs in the animal world. Some other sound sleepers include:

Sloths: Can sleep up to 20 hours a day in a zoo
Little brown bats: Can sleep up to 19 hours a day in captivity
European hedgehogs: Sleep for about 18 hours a day
Opossums: Sleep for 18 hours a day
Pythons: Can sleep up to 18 hours a day
Tigers: Sleep 15.8 hours a day
Giant armadillos: Sleep 18.1 hours a day

Kangaroos can grow until they die

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Kangaroos, particularly males, experience continuous growth throughout their lives, a phenomenon known as indeterminate growth. This growth is evident in their skeletal structure and teeth. The size a kangaroo can reach is influenced by environmental factors and food availability. Other indeterminate growers include most fish, amphibians, lizards, and snakes, and corals.

Kangaroos can grow to be 3 to 8 feet tall and weigh between 40 and 200 lbs. The red kangaroo is the largest species, with males reaching over 6 feet and weighing up to 200 lbs. The Eastern gray kangaroo, though slightly shorter, is the heaviest marsupial. Kangaroos are found in Australia and Tasmania and are the world’s largest marsupials. They live in various habitats and are herbivores with chambered stomachs, like cows.The extinct genus of giant short-faced kangaroos, Procoptodon, lived in Australia during the Pleistocene Epoch. The largest known kangaroo species that ever existed was P. goliah, standing approxim

Can Snakes Predict Earthquakes?

2 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Many animals, including snakes, sometimes exhibit unusual behaviors before an earthquake. For example, some reports claim that animals become agitated, restless, or try to flee the area before an earthquake. This could be due to heightened sensitivity to changes in their environment, such as shifts in air pressure, vibrations, or even the release of certain gases from the earth before an earthquake.

One of the most notable examples of unusual animal behavior occurred before the Tangshan earthquake in China in 1976, which killed over 240,000 people. In the days leading up to the earthquake, there were reports of animals, including snakes, acting strangely. Some people claimed that snakes were seen leaving their burrows or homes in unusual numbers. There were also reports of various animals becoming restless, fleeing, or behaving erratically before the quake struck.

In the days before the İzmit earthquake in Turkey in 1999, some locals reported that snakes and other animals in the region behaved differently, including increased aggression or movement. These reports were anecdotal, and no scientific studies have conclusively linked these behaviors to the impending earthquake.

Scientists theorize that animals have much more sensitive sensory perception than humans in some areas. Snakes, for example, are sensitive to vibrations through their bodies, especially through their bellies. It’s possible that they might sense minor seismic tremors or ground movements that humans cannot feel, and this could explain some of the observed behavior. There also are theories suggesting that changes in the Earth’s crust before an earthquake could lead to the release of gases like radon, which animals may be able to detect.

Despite anecdotal reports, there is no consistent pattern in animal behavior that can reliably predict an earthquake, however. Earthquakes are extremely complex phenomena, and their occurrence can be influenced by a wide variety of factors, making prediction difficult. No animal has been shown to be able to predict earthquakes with enough consistency to be used as a reliable method of forecasting.

This May Be the Oldest Health Profession

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

The earliest evidence of human dentistry dates back thousands of years, with signs of dental care found in ancient civilizations. One of the earliest forms of dentistry was dental drilling. The oldest known example of dental drilling comes from a Neolithic site in Pakistan (Mehrgarh), where a 9,000-year-old skeleton was found with holes drilled into the teeth. The drilling likely was done to treat cavities or abscesses, though the tools used were rudimentary (flint or other sharp materials).

The people of this era were known to have used early forms of toothpicks, made from materials such as bone or plant fibers, to clean their teeth. These findings suggest that people were aware of the need to maintain oral hygiene, even without modern tools.

The ancient Egyptians are known to have practiced rudimentary dentistry, including tooth extractions and treatments for tooth decay. Egyptian texts, such as the Ebers Papyrus (dating to around 1500 BCE), contain references to dental diseases and treatments, including remedies for toothaches and attempts to fill cavities.

The Indian physician Sushruta, often called the “father of surgery,” is believed to have written the Sushruta Samhita around 600 BCE, a medical text that included descriptions of dental care, including treatments for dental abscesses and extractions. He also wrote about dentures and tooth implants.

In ancient Greece, the famous physician Hippocrates (c. 460–c. 370 BCE) wrote about dental care in his medical texts. He described treatments for toothaches, loose teeth, and mouth infections. There are also references to the use of gold wire to stabilize loose teeth, an early form of dental braces.

Modern dentistry as we know it began to take shape in the 17th and 18th centuries with pioneers like Pierre Fauchard. However, dental care has evolved throughout history, with early practices reflecting a growing understanding of the importance of oral hygiene and treatment.