Men's Health News and Information


Basic Supplements for Men

Better late than never…supplement manufactures are finally catering to men. Health food stores are devoting shelf space to the growing number of products; but be sure to expand your search, because great products for men don't always say, “For Men Only.”

For example, there are a great number of herbs that have specific health benefits for men, such as Saw Palmetto, Bromelain, Ginseng, Turmeric, Ginger, and Shiitake. Whether you are looking for prostate support, joint health, or stress relief, the herb shelf is loaded with excellent options.

Other general supplements that are ideal for men's health include Coenzyme Q10, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and multi-vitamin and minerals.

Adding these herbs and supplements to your diet will not only help you deal with everyday stresses, strengthen your heart, keep your joints limber, and decrease your chances of prostate cancer, but will also significantly improve your overall wellbeing.

Coenzyme Q-0 for heart health. Research has shown that CoQ10 strengthens the heart and improves cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality among American men, taking the life of one out of every five. This fact stresses the importance of taking care of your heart. Research has also shown the CoQ10 may lower blood pressure, improve circulation, stimulate immune function, oxygenate tissue, and provide anti-aging effects, in addition to protecting against diabetes, asthma, respiratory diseases, allergies, duodenal ulcers, and possibly even Alzheimer's disease.

Saw Palmetto and Lycopene for prostate support. By the time most men are in their 50's, they have some prostate enlargement or even more serious problems. Saw Palmetto, along with pygeum, contains natural ingredients that help reduce prostate inflammation. Saw Palmetto also helps men maintain their sexual vigor; it is often combined with Yohimbe, an herb used for erectile dysfunction and as an aphrodisiac. Lycopene, the red carotenoid found in tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, apricots, and pink guavas, is also believed to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In addition to Saw Palmetto and Lycopene, isoflavones, found in legumes such as soy beans, and Indol-3-Carbinol, found in cruciferous vegetables, help protect the prostate by their hormone-modulating effects.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint health. These two supplements are popular for overall joint health because they keep joint cartilage in tact and protect against the advancement of arthritis and inflammation. Joint supplements containing the enzyme bromelain plus such herbs as ashwaganda, boswellia, devil's claw, feverfew, turmeric, and yucca help relieve arthritis pain and reduce swelling and inflammation.

Adaptogens for Stress Relief. Adaptogen herbs such as Asian ginseng, American ginseng, suma, ashwaganda, astragalus, shizandra, and reishi, shiitake, and maitake mushrooms exert a normalizing influence on the body. They provide an antioxidant boost to the body, regulating blood pressure, increasing energy, and reducing anxiety; and improving immune function, muscle tone, mood, and concentration.

Resources:

-Taste for Life. "Top Supplements for Men." Puotinen, CJ. June 2004.

-Prescription for Herbal Healing. Balch, Phyllis A. New York. 2002.