Fitness

Men and Supplements: When Foods Aren't Enough

Why Are Supplements so Important For Men?
The saying "you are what you eat" holds true. Although studies show that certain supplements are vital to a man's optimal health and wellness, Ageology physicians will be the first to tell you that healthy nutrition starts with what men eat!

Unfortunately, today's food is often horribly nutrient-depleted. In other words, it's not as rich in vitamins and minerals as it once was--and in some cases it's actually toxic through exposure to pesticides. All of this makes supplementation more important than ever for men of all ages who want to prevent disease and premature aging.

In order to get all the proper nutrients men need to build healthy cells, it is vital to supplement even the healthiest diets with various vitamins and minerals designed for a man's physical chemistry. Ageology physicians have compiled a list of men's health supplements for those looking to maintain their health and vitality. Remember, good health supplements are "key components of your preventive care regimen."

"Vitamins are crucial in maximizing the number of years you can continue to enjoy good health and smart health supplements are key components to a preventive care regimen,"  Ageology Chief Medical Director Paul Savage.

Men's Multivitamins
Taking a men's multivitamin is one of, if not the most important choice men can make for natural health maintenance and preventative care. Multivitamins help fill in the nutritional gaps of a man's diet and gives the body healthy servings of natural nutrition that offer vitality. Multivitamins are also some of the most affordable vitamins available.

Looking for proof? A Harvard University study sums it up, "It appears prudent for all adults to take vitamin supplements." In this article, which examined the clinical applications of vitamins for the prevention of chronic diseases in adults, states that inadequate intake of several vitamins has been linked to the development of diseases including coronary heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.

Fish Oil (EPA/DHA): an Essential Supplement For Men
Fish oil, also known as Omega-3 fatty acid therapy, plays a key role in many anti-aging functions in men. For example, fish oil can help prevent common male diseases of the heart, as well as cancer, high blood pressure, joint problems, weight gain, and depression.

The problem is, most men are lacking Omega-3 fatty acids in their diets. The richest source of Omega-3 is fatty fish but men can also get these vital nutrients from eggs, flax and walnuts. Fish oil capsules are also an excellent source to supplement Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy living and disease prevention.

Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 may turn out to be a ray of hope for men with prostate cancer. Laboratory and population-based research suggest that adequate levels of vitamin D3 reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer and may help suppress the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells in men who have already developed the disease. A significant proportion of older men have suboptimal levels of vitamin D3, especially during the winter and spring months. The good news is, boosting vitamin D3 levels isn't difficult.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Coenzyme Q10 is a substance found naturally in a man's body and helps convert food into energy. CoQ10 is indeed a driving force to preventing disease. Found in almost every cell in a man's body, CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that combats heart-related conditions by improving energy production in cells.

Antioxidants combat particles in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Ageology physicians agree with scientists who believe free radicals contribute to the aging process in men, as well as a number of male health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants, such as CoQ10, can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

Turmeric
One of the biggest fears most men have about getting older is age-related cognitive decline, from memory loss to Alzheimer's Disease. Data indicates that deterioration of the biological framework that gives men the ability to think and reason begins as early as the mid-20s and includes a drop in regional brain volume. There are several supplements designed to help maintain a man's brainpower. Ageology physicians agree with experts that the secret to turmeric's benefits is the high concentration of curcuminoids, which possess powerful antioxidant capabilities.

Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto is used mainly for urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate gland, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. Saw Palmetto is also used for other conditions in men, such as decreased sex drive, hair loss, hormone imbalances, and prostate cancer.

Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is derived from the pine bark of a tree known as Pinus pinaster. Pycnogenol is used for treating various health problems in men, including circulation problems, allergies, asthma, ringing in the ears, high blood pressure, muscle soreness, pain, osteoarthritis, diabetes, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), erectile dysfunction (ED), and an eye disease called retinopathy. It is also used for preventing disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including stroke, heart disease, and varicose veins. Pycnogenol is used to slow the aging process in men, as well as maintain healthy skin, improve athletic endurance, and improve male fertility.

Remember, the healthiest nutritional choices are those made with the guidance of an expert. To obtain the safest and most effective use from vitamins and supplements, your Ageology physician can test your body's store of nutrients using the most advanced and scientific methods. Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider such as an Ageology physician.