This month we’re focusing on men’s health! In the shop we have some great products to support men’s overall health and wellbeing and this article will take a closer look at Male multi-vitamins and prostate health.
We also have our Registered Nutritional Therapists who are available to offer you advice instore, or in a consultation, about any of your health concerns, including:
- Prostate health
- Erectile dysfunction and low sex drive
- Low energy
- Low moods or mood swings
- Increased body fat and loss of muscle mass
We have two drop-in clinics available this month, you don’t need to book – Wednesday 13th June between 9am and 5pm, and Monday 18th June between 9:30am and 2:30pm. You can meet our registered Nutritional Therapists and have a FREE confidential and discreet chat with advice, for 15 minutes. Mini and Full consultations are also available but these need to be booked and are chargeable. Please contact us for further information if you’d like to know more.
Male Multi Vitamins:
Look for a multi-vitamin that is tailored specifically to men. Within a multi, look for a good range of vitamins and minerals, but in particular look for the following ingredients which are supportive of men’s health:
Good levels of Zinc – eg 17mg, as men need higher levels than women. Zinc is needed for healthy testosterone levels.
No iron or very low levels of iron – unless your diet is low in iron (some vegetarians and vegans may find this) in which case you may need more, but please don’t supplement extra iron without discussing this with your GP who can check your levels and monitor them.
Lycopene – this is an anti-oxidant and supports prostate health
Korean Ginseng – is an adaptogen, which means it supports the body’s response to stress. It also supports energy, stamina and mental performance
Grape Seed Extract – is an anti-oxidant and supports cardiovascular health
Pantothenic Acid (B5) – for stress support
Chromium – support blood sugar balancing and cravings
Specific support for Men’s Health:
The following nutrients can be taken for specific male health support. They can be taken in addition to a multi-vitamin containing the above, for a short period, or on their own.
Propionyl-L-Carnitine – supports sperm formation, and the quality and quantity of sperm. It also supports erectile function when combined with niacin and arginine
L-Arginine –helps blood flow, so supports erectile dysfunction
Zinc – to protect against testosterone decline and maintain healthy levels
Korean Ginseng – is an adaptogen, which means it supports the body’s response to stress. It also supports energy, stamina and mental performance.
Nettle root extract – supports prostate health.
Dietary and lifestyle support for men’s health:
- Reduce sugar and refined carbohydrates
- Reduce alcohol, caffeine and fizzy drinks
- Avoid artificial sweeteners
- Reduce stress
- Exercise regularly
- Include Omega 3 fats (eg salmon, sardines, mackerel, flax and chia seeds)
- Include plenty of berries, nuts and seeds and vegetables in the diet
Prostate Health
An enlarged prostate gland is commonly found in men over 50 years old. The condition is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) but is also known as Benign Prostate Enlargement (BPE). What causes this is not yet fully understood but it is believed to be linked to hormonal changes as men get older. You can see your GP about being tested for an enlarged prostate.
The following are signs that may indicate BPH:
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Increased urination at night
- Difficulty starting urination
- Inability to fully empty bladder
- Weak stream of urine or a stream that stops and starts
Nutrients to support Prostate:
In addition to nettle and lycopene (mentioned above), Saw Palmetto extract has also been shown to be supportive for prostate health when it comes to BPH.
It is a traditional herbal remedy, used for centuries to relieve urinary symptoms including those caused by an enlarged prostate.
When buying Saw Palmetto look for a product that uses the oily extract from the berries of the Saw Palmetto tree and that comes in gelatine capsules, not tablets.
Disclaimer:
This information is intended as a guide only and is not intended as medical advice. Please check with your medical or healthcare practitioner if you are on any medication before taking any of the products suggested here and speak to your GP for any medical diagnosis.
Sources:
1.A Vogel
2.BioCare
3.https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-enlargement/
4.www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia
I’m Alison and I’m a Nutritional Therapist. I love encouraging people to try healthy foods and to show them how simple, quick and easy it is to eat healthily. I’m a busy mum with 2 children, one of whom has a disability and special needs, so meals have to be easy! I love getting my veggie box each week, baking healthy treats and being out in the countryside.