Men's Health

Issues such as heart disease, arthritis, prostate cancer and other forms of cancer, sexual health and vigor all comprise the top concerns men face today. And, unfortunately, most are age related.

As a man ages he is subject to several conditions that can affect his mortality. The most common cause of morbidity in the aging man is cardiovascular disease, be it heart attack or stroke. (Please refer to the Cardiovascular Health concern section for further details).

The second leading cause of death is cancer. This may be due to the oxidative stress that our bodies are under, and the inability of our diets to provide us with enough antioxidants to combat these effects. In particular, prostate cancer seems to be on the rise. The cause of this is uncertain. Part of it may be related to improvements made in early diagnosis of the disease. There is a clear correlation with prostate cancer and aging.

Likewise, prostatic enlargement known as BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) also increases with advancing age. BPH has been reported in over 90% of men over the age of 85, although it is relatively uncommon before the age of 35. BPH is in large part related to hormonal changes that occur with aging which relates to male hormonal function (androgens). Significant BPH can lead to obstruction of urinary function and potential renal failure if untreated.

The risk and prevalence of osteoarthritis increase with age as well. Pain and swelling of the joints – due to the deterioration of cartilage between bones – occur, as well as decreased ease of mobility. Please refer to the Bone and Joint Health section for more information about osteoarthritis.

A well-balanced diet is essential for any active male. However, even with the most balanced food intake, strenuous exercise can often cause rapid use of nutrients; in these cases, vitamins, minerals and other supplements may be necessary to help improve performance.

It is vitally important to maintain adequate amounts of vitamins and antioxidants. B vitamins are important to decrease levels of homocysteine, which has been linked to heart attack and stroke. Antioxidants are important to combat the diseases of aging, to minimize oxidation of cholesterol (which can lead to heart attack) and to maintain proper immune function.

Nutrient Facts and Recommendations:

Amino Acids, the components of protein, appear to act as performance enhancers. In specific, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) appear to help reduce muscle loss and speed muscle build-up. Most active males receive enough amino acids in their regular diet; however, BCAA supplements may be helpful for those doing intense physical training.

Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E, are an important part of the body's defense against muscle damage from exercise. Strenuous exercise increases the body's production of free radicals, which, in turn, can cause muscle damage which manifests as swollen or painful muscles. While exercise increases the body's natural defense against free radicals, active men who are doing intense training may benefit from the addition of antioxidant supplements to their diets. Antioxidants also may slow the rate of joint deterioration in osteoarthritis patients. Vitamin E in particular has been shown to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis, as well as reduces the risk of prostate cancer by 32%.

Carnitine appears to decrease muscle soreness.

The omega-3 fatty acid DHA, which is found in Fish Oil, works well as an anti-inflammatory in the treatment of arthritis.

A study looked at levels of DHEA in men over the age of 60. It was found that those with erectile dysfunction (ED) had lower levels of DHEA then in those without ED. Supplementation with DHEA at a dose of 50 mg daily improved symptoms of ED in a small group of patients with this disorder.

Gamma Oryzanol, comprised of sterols and ferulic acid esters, appears to increase testosterone levels and the release of endorphins, as well as the growth of lean muscle tissue.

Glucosamine Sulfate contains components that aid the repair of joint cartilage. Patients who take a supplement of 500 mg three times daily may notice that their arthritic symptoms lessen.

Green tea extract and its components such as epigallocatechin gallate have been shown in some studies to inhibit tumor cell growth. It may have benefit against metastasis.

Ginkgo biloba appears to help increase arterial blood flow, and may have a beneficial effect on sexual function in men with impotence. One study in men with ED secondary to medication revealed a 76% improvement in sexual function. The dosage used in this study was 200 mg per day in divided doses.

HMB, part of the amino acid leucine, appears to also increase the growth of lean muscle tissue. Athletes using the supplement have shown more muscle gain than those not taking the supplement over a comparable time period under the same exercise regimen.

Horny Goat weed (Yin Yang Huo) is an herbal agent. It derived its name from the observation of when goats were grazing on this weed, they became sexually aroused. It has several uses in Traditional Chinese Medicine, including impotence, involuntary ejaculation, fatigue, cardiac disease polio and hepatitis. It contains a number of active constituents, and some of those appear to have both hormonal and blood vessel dilating properties. The usual recommended dosage is 0.5 to 1.5 mg per day of a formulation standardized to 5% icariin flavonoid. Animal studies have shown it to be basically safe. Some side effects may include dizziness, nausea, dry mouth and nosebleed.

Iron is critical when exercising, as it is necessary for the body's transferal of oxygen through the blood to muscles. Low iron levels can result in muscle soreness, fatigue, reduced endurance, and more injuries. If an iron deficiency is found, adding supplements to the diet will help increase performance ability.

L-Arginine: This amino acid is a precursor to nitric oxide (NO). High dose arginine (5 grams per day given for 6 weeks) has been shown to improve erection in men with ED. It is generally safe and well tolerated. Doses of 3 grams per day also seem to be beneficial. Arginine at doses of up to 3 grams three times daily has beneficial effects on cardiac blood vessel reactivity. It also may improve cardiac function in those with congestive heart failure. Therefore, it is much safer than Viagra for treating ED, especially in patients with a history of heart disease.

Lower fat diet, especially high in fruits and vegetables. Vegetables containing large amounts of Lycopene (see below) appear to be protective against prostate cancer and promote good general health.

Lycopene may offer significant benefit. Lycopene is found in high concentrations in tomato products, especially when processed. Men who ate at least 10 servings of tomato products per week were shown to have a 41% decrease in prostate cancer.

Magnesium is necessary for muscle contraction, heart rate regulation, and muscle growth. Strenuous exercise can rapidly deplete the body's stores of magnesium; supplements are often helpful.

Muira pauma Root - This is a shrub native to Brazil, and has a long history of use as an aphrodisiac. It reportedly improves libido as well as potency. An unpublished study from France reports that a daily dose of 1 to 1.5 grams of the extract, 62% of patients with loss of libido had significant improvement while 51% of patients with ED felt that Muira pauma was of benefit.

SAMe acts as an anti-inflammatory and pain relief agent, as well as promoting tissue healing in joints. Studies show that it can help increase the growth of healthy tissue, and that it reduces pain and swelling as well as medications such as ibuprofen.

Saw Palmetto, Pygeum, nettle and beta sitosterol are useful for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

Selenium, 200 micrograms per day, has been shown to lower prostate cancer risk by 60 % in some studies. Higher doses should be used under a doctor's supervision

Zinc is critical to prostate health, and adequate intake is essential for proper prostate health and immune system function.