Men's Health
Thanks to health magazines and general awareness campaigns, men are beginning to take better care of their health and are becoming aware of the importance of prevention in the maintenance of good health. This leaflet gives a brief description and some natural health suggestions for alleviating some of the most common male health conditions.
A
AGEING
From skin wrinkling to aching bones, we all experience getting older. Try Pycnogenol with Grape Seed to help avoid and reduce wrinkles and consider Glucosamine Chondroitin and Boswellia to help with joint pain and swelling. Make sure you take daily antioxidants for cell protection to live longer, better.
D
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Digestion, and indeed our overall health, depends on the ‘friendly bacteria’ in the intestinal tract, which counteract harmful micro-organisms and the diseases they promote. A healthy digestive system will allow absorption of all the important nutrients we need. Dysbiosis is the term scientists use to describe an imbalance in the gastrointestinal system where the beneficial bacteria are low in number and dangerous pathogens have increased. Dysbiosis is a cause or a co-factor in numerous conditions including acne, auto-immune illnesses, chronic fatigue syndrome, colitis, depression, digestive problems, gas and bloating, IBS, PMS and food allergies. Supplements of probiotics such as L.acidophilus, B.bifidum and L.bulgaricus populate the gut with beneficial bacteria and restore the balance. High quality probiotic supplements also include soluble fibre and a food source, such as FOS (fructooligosaccharides), the bacteria to thrive. This encourages the proper transfor portation and colonisation of the bacteria within the intestinal tract. FOS has the ability to stimulate the growth of these crucial bacteria, significantly enhancing the health of the GI tract and boosting overall wellness.
F
FERTILITY &
SEXUAL POTENCY
Infertility is described as the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of unprotected sex. In men, infertility is usually associated with a decrease in the number, quality, or movement of sperm. There are numerous possible causes for this. Some of the causes of infertility respond well to natural remedies, while others do not. Check with your doctor for a diagnosis before trying any self-help programme.
The mechanism for creating and maintaining an erection requires nitric acid and this is produced by a reaction involving the amino acid, Arginine. Arginine has also been shown to increase sperm count and quality. A lack of zinc can reduce testosterone and semen levels. Zinc supplements may increase testosterone levels and both sperm count and fertility. A good multivitamin will include copper, selenium and vitamin E all of which have been shown to help boost male fertility.
For centuries the herb Rhodiola Rosea has been prized for its virtues as a powerful stimulant and has been a major ingredient in many folk-lore love potions. Along with much anecdotal information research has shown that rhodiola can normalize prostate fluid and increase 17-ketosteroids in the urine (a key indicator of male hormone production) in men with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
H
HAIRLOSS
Male hairloss can be determined by heredity, hormones and ageing. A by-product of the hormone testosterone called dihydro-testosterone appears to be implicated in the majority of cases of MPB, although you should also investigate potential iron deficiency (anaemia), an underactive thyroid, fungal scalp infections or stress. Some prescribed medications can also lead to hair loss.
Prevention is most important. A good multivitamin will help boost your natural defences. If you spot more than 30 hairs in your sink, or on your pillow, act immediately to up your nutritional intake. It can be very difficult to act if you leave it too late.
The herb Saw Palmetto blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydro testosterone. Zinc can also be helpful in blocking this conversion. Pumpkin Seed Oil could prove helpful because it is rich in zinc and works well with Saw Palmetto in male health support.
HEART HEALTH
None of the following herbs, vitamins and minerals are "natural" substitutes for medical drugs that lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol or increase the heart's pumping ability. However, they can be used in conjunction with diet and lifestyle before serious circulatory disease develops and may help avoid or reduce the need for medication.
Co-enzyme Q10 is the nutrient used by the heart muscle for energy. CoQ10 has been shown to strengthen the heart muscle, relieve angina and also regulate blood pressure. Supplements can boost stores of CoQ10 lost due to ageing, stress and prescribed drugs.
Hawthorn berry has been dubbed ‘the tonic for four corners of the heart’ because of its influence on all aspects of heart health. Clinical trials in Europe have confirmed the effectiveness and safety of hawthorn extracts in early congestive heart failure, mild angina, arrhythmia and hypertension, as well as recovery from heart attacks. Hawthorn works by improving blood flow through the coronary arteries and increasing the efficiency of the heart's pumping activity. Additionally, it lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, is antiarrhythmic and promotes antioxidant actions by increasing blood flow in the peripheral blood vessels. Hawthorn's flavonoids protect small capillary vessels from free radical damage.
Vitamin E can help prevent excessive blood clotting, arterial damage and oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Vitamin E researchers have demonstrated that the risk of heart disease can be reduced by up to 40% by the use of vitamin E, and that sufferers of heart disease can cut the risk of heart attacks by up to 75%.
Potassium and magnesium are vital minerals for proper muscle contraction and are especially important for the heart. Deficiencies in magnesium have been shown to produce spasms of the coronary arteries. Magnesium is involved in regulating the proper contraction of the heart muscle and reducing the risk of excessive blood clotting. Flax oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These appear to block the action of cancer-promoting prostaglandins and may help to prevent heart disease by lowering cholesterol and triglycerides in people with elevated blood lipids. Natural blood thinners, omega-3s may prevent dangerous blood clots, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
P
PROSTATE
Prevention is the best cure. Up your intake of antioxidants through your diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and by adding a good quality antioxidant formula with generous amounts of selenium, vitamin C and vitamin E. Prostate health can be supported with the herb Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin Seed Oil and generous portions of the red foods including carrots, tomatoes and beetroot, all of which are rich in the protective carotenoid nutrients. Get plenty of exercise and eat at least five portions of organic fruit and veg daily.
S
STRESS & ENERGY Stress affects just about every system within the body. The natural human response to stress happens in three phases, alarm, resistance and exhaustion. These phases are all regulated by the adrenal glands and this is why it is important to support the adrenal system in times of stress. The herb Rhodiola is the king of all stress-busting herbs. It is classed as an adaptogen, a term which means that it encourages the body to adapt to damaging changes. When we are under stress, our immune system cannot perform at its best, healing and repair times increase dramatically. Rhodiola exerts a protective and stimulating effect on the immune system, allowing the body’s natural defences to do their job. A deficiency of the B-complex vitamins is often associated with anxiety and nervous disorders. Vitamins B and C play a vital role in the proper functioning of the adrenal glands. Exercise and relaxation therapies are also very effective.
U
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Cranberry extracts help prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract. Add the antibiotic herb Oregon Grape. Vitamin C with bioflavanoids and zinc to aid healing. Meanwhile avoid all sugar products and increase garlic, onions and water consumption. Always check with a doctor if symptoms persist.
W
WEIGHT CONTROL
Arginine / Ornithine are a duo of amino acids that can help transport fat cells to the liver where they are pooled, used for energy and metabolised. This has the benefit of using up the bodies own fat as a potent energy source and in the process actually dissolves your own body fat. Do not take if have cold sores, shingles / as arginine & ornithine feed the herpes virus. Co-enzyme Q10 is a natural enzyme present in all of us, but levels can reduce with a hectic lifestyle and getting older, hence we may feel more tired and have lower energy. A deficiency could decrease thermogenisis (heat production) and energy production. Co-Q10 literally helps you ‘burn’ more calories within the cell’s mitochondria. Co-Q10 is also an antioxidant, essential in heart health. Add MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) for maximum absorption of Co-Q10, MCTs are pre-digested fats from coconut oil and help the body to transport and utilise the Co-Q10. MCTs stimulate the cell to produce ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate, the energy chemical) and increase thermogenesis.
L-carnitine aids energy, endurance and stamina. Carnitine is very important for fat metabolism, especially in heart and muscle cells. Carnitine helps move fat that sits outside the cells into the cell’s mitochondria for burning into energy.
Fibre is very effective at taking out excess fats in the body, via the digestive tract, thereby preventing them entering the blood stream where they can get stored. Also a great way to feel full without having to take on board the calories, so it is ideal to supplement around 3pm to ease tummy rumbles. Take a fibre supplement that includes FOS. FOS – (fruit fibre) feeds the good bacteria in the gut, reducing bad bacteria.