Ayurvedic viewpoint - Men's Health
Staying strong relies on having a sufficient nutritional balance to nourish all the organs in the body, having a stable metabolism and efficient removal of toxins to keep the body healthy and to help regulate mood. Dealing with stress, eating the right food, exercising regularly and enjoying life are the basics that lead to good health.
Typical signs of good health
A healthy appetite and a balanced desire for food without cravings
Appreciation of the flavour of food and feeling satisfied after eating
Good digestion without any signs of discomfort, belching or wind
Clear voice
Relief from any pain or discomfort
Proper functioning of the senses; hearing, feeling, seeing, tasting and smelling
Clear complexion
Appropriate length and quality of sleep; 6-8 hours/night
Regular elimination of stool, urine and sweat
Constant energy with good stamina & ability to exercise
Enthusiasm for life
Balanced emotions; neither too happy with success nor too sad in times of difficulty
Able to freely express emotions
Regularly compassionate, generous and calm
Ayurvedic viewpoint
Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India. It uses natural remedies to give optimum health. Men’s health is directly influenced by the quality of the reproductive tissue. This is the deepest level of nourishment in the body and it needs continual replenishment through dietary, herbal and emotional tonics. Too much heat can damage this fragile reproductive tissue and so anything that impinges on the liver, such as excess alcohol or spicy fried foods can deplete the inner core of men’s health.
The best way for men to maintain their health is to keep their digestive system functioning well, the liver clear of excessive toxins, the tissues in the body optimally nourished and to have a daily remedy to alleviate stress.
Treatment
There are some very effective natural treatments for regulating men’s health. Here are some of the recommendations that Ayurveda makes:
Use Ashwagandha Plus as a nourishing tonic to boost the reproductive system, balance energy and bring muscle tone and strength to your whole system. For any reproductive problems this formula is used to treat impotence and boost sperm quantity and quality.
Use Gokshura & Shatavari formula for treating prostate and urinary problems. All of the herbs in this formula help urinary function and clear toxins via the urinary system. It helps to reduce swellings in the prostate and correct problems with urinary flow.
Organic Aloe Vera Juice is used as a gentle cooling herb that can help clear inflammatory heat from the liver.
Organic Hemp Seed Oil is full of Omega 3-6-9 Essential Fatty Acids and is of great benefit for protecting the heart and sharpening the mind.
Protect Tea: A delicious blend of herbs including jasmine green tea, rosemary and cardamom full of anti-oxidants to protect the parts of you that other herb teas don’t reach.
Some Ayurvedic dietary suggestions
The diet will depend on the constitutional factors and so it is best to follow a specific diet for your needs. Some general advice is:
Eat only when hungry.
Follow the body and not the mind - listen to your body and what it needs.
Treat your digestion like a fire; stoke it with easy to assimilate light meals.
Eat to less than full capacity. It is recommended to eat until the stomach is 1/2 full with food,
1/4 full with liquid and to leave 1/4 empty for the digestive process to have some space.
Eat fruit, including juice away from other foods; leave a 2-4 hour gap.
Eat in a peaceful environment; not driving, hurrying or standing.
Eat warm and cooked food as this is easier to digest. Cold food, raw food, ice, cold water can weaken the digestive process.
Include lots of asparagus, beetroots, spinach, almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds, ghee, turmeric, ginger, rice, quinoa in your diet as these help to clean the liver.
Definitely reduce excess spicy fried foods, coffee and alcohol (as they create too much heat), sugar (can aggravate the digestive system), excess cold dairy (can cause mucus and congestion) as much as you can.
Lifestyle recommendations
Become involved with some form of self-nurturing, personal inspiration, creativity enhancing practice such as Yoga.
Have regular massage to help tone the skin, clear toxins and calm the nervous system.
Testimonial
“I have been in private practice for more than 44 years as a medical herbalist and have used both Western and Eastern natural medicine for my patients. In a high percentage of herbal formulas to treat impotence, low libido etc I have found that they do take considerable time to take effect. As I am now in my late 70s I am conscious of the fact that I need something to keep my vital organs in good shape for when the time is needed but I am very particular that what I should take should be well tried and tested. I have been taking Ashwagandha Plus for three months but I noticed an improvement after the first course of treatment so I now recommend them to my patients who also state they have made a difference to their lives. I personally also take them as generally I feel fitter and where I am normally susceptible to the common cold, I have managed to stay clear.”
G. Alexander, Medical Herbalist, Bolton
If you are taking medication seek the advice of your doctor.