Men-tionable Concerns
For too long men have been reluctant to talk about and seek early assistance for certain “male specific” health concerns. Finally, many men are emerging from their self-imposed tomb of awkward silence to seek help and solutions for these very personal problems — prostate enlargement, erectile dysfunction, low libido, infertility… Now, men too are discovering the abundance of nature's solutions.
Prostate Health
Keeping the prostate healthy helps keep ones virility intact. Without a healthy prostate, reproduction is impaired and sexual potency is diminished. The prostate is a reproductive gland that rests under the male bladder, surrounds the urethra and produces a large portion of the seminal fluid. At birth it is about the size of a pea and gradually enlarges to the size of a walnut by the age of 20. Then, at the age of 40, for unknown reasons, it commonly continues to enlarge. For millions of men the continued enlargement makes no difference. But for about 50% of men over 50, uncomfortable symptoms may appear: waking up at night to urinate, pressure, urgency or pain upon urination, reduced force of stream, dribbling, excessive frequency, bed wetting, blood in the urine, etc. Many of these symptoms are highly distressing and socially embarrassing; no wonder men choose to ignore these problems for months on end. Men as young as 20 may suffer from prostate trouble as well, but these are usually confined to infections (prostatitis).
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a non-cancerous form of prostate enlargement that usually occurs due to an increase in 5-alpha reductase (5AR), an enzyme responsible for converting the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It is thought that DHT, probably together with other hormones such as estradiol, stimulate prostate cells into unregulated growth.
Fortunately, there is no correlation between BPH and cancerous prostate growth, despite the symptom resemblance. Prostate cancer is slow growing and early detection is vital and curable in 90% of cases if confined to the prostate tissue. Most men will be glad to know that neither benign nor cancerous prostate enlargement are associated with sexual activity or lack of it — both diseases are found among celibates and dissolutes alike. A visit to a GP will help determine whether an enlarged prostate requires further investigation.
The medical treatment for BPH and prostate cancer usually involves the removal of the prostate or parts of it. Unfortunately, this may cause side effects including loss of libido, incontinence, impotence or bowel / urinary dysfunction. In Europe, however, over 90% of BPH patients are treated with plant derived medicinal products. Two of the primary plants used are Sabal (saw palmetto fruit) and Urtica (stinging nettle root). Sabal has been intensively studied over the last 20 years and overwhelming results have shown it to help reduce the binding of DHT to prostate tissue1. Urtica, on the other hand, inhibits the action of the aromatase enzyme on testosterone2 and helps improve urine flow and volume3. Nature's Way® Prostol® (scientifically known as PRO 160/120), a clinically studied product combining these two potent herbs, has been shown to reduce BPH symptoms as effectively as the commonly prescribed drug Finasteride (Proscar), without the associated side effects4.
Sub Fertility and Infertility
A fact of life is that men supply 50% of the genetic material for conception and this cannot be provided without the help of multiple, speedy “messengers” collectively known as sperm. Reproductive researchers worldwide agree that more than 40% of fertility problems nowadays are attributed to men and 90% of male infertility is attributed to poor sperm quality or quantity. Whilst these figures are astonishing, the number of theories as to the cause are also vast, including; late age of attempt to conceive, decreased circulation to genitals, radiation (i.e. carrying mobile phones in proximity to genitals), increased exposure to “environmental” oestrogens (PCB's, DDT, plastics, pesticides), and more. But while we may have only partial control over these hazards, other causes of male infertility such as nutritional deficiencies can be managed.
Research has shown that increased intake of certain nutrients may promote improved reproductive health. Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and green tea, for example, have been shown to protect sperm from oxidative damage and to aid healthy conception; B12 can help balance testosterone levels and sufficient mineral levels may reduce the detrimental effect of environmental pollutants. Even folic acid, the well known “women's preconception vitamin”, should really be relabeled as it has been shown to be just as important for increasing male sperm density. Radiance® Multi For Men is a synergistic, once-a-day, everyday, blend of vitamins, minerals and nutrients fine-tuned for male health. Together with a balanced diet and reduced exposure to environmental pollutants this may just be the overlooked key to enhancing fertility and feeling great. (For best results a minimum of three months use is required before conception).
Fitness down under
When Pfizer introduced Viagra in 1998, the mad rush for it rendered Viagra the most successful launch in the history of prescription medication. Only later did the side effects of the drug come to light including 69 deaths amongst users (although not determined if Viagra was the cause). The importance of male reproductive functionality has been appreciated throughout human history, and herbs have been revered in various cultures for their contribution to male zest. Panax Ginseng was used by American Indian tribes as an aphrodisiac in love potions, and was later clinically shown to help enhance the normal production of testosterone and decrease prostate weight; the unique Muira puama herb, a traditional Brazilian genital stimulant, was used to decrease erectile failure; Maca, the South American herb grown in the heights of the Peruvian Andes, has been consumed for centuries for its toning and nourishing effect on the reproductive glands; Horny goat weed, a traditional Chinese sexual enhancer that is said to decelerate aging and improve the quality of ones sex life. These international herbs have been put together into a natural, non habit-forming formula, Radiance® Man Power, to tone and nourish the reproductive organs thereby helping enhance sexual ability and performance.
Manly Minerals
There are a number of minerals that can be linked to male health. Not by chance do nutritionists say zest and zing with zinc: the prostate has the highest concentration of zinc in the body. Zinc has been shown to inhibit the activity of 5AR enzyme5 and increase sperm count6. Selenium, another mineral that concentrates in the testes, can help prevent cancer, prostate enlargement and infertility. Considering the low concentration of these minerals in our soil and reduced absorption with age, there may be an increased need for New Zealand men to supplement these minerals.
The link between menopause in women and osteoporosis has been highly stressed, but little has been mentioned regarding falling testosterone levels and osteoporosis in males. Minerals such as magnesium, calcium and boron should not be overlooked by men looking to keep healthy, fit and mobile. Radiance® Mineral Power combines 14 essential minerals including zinc, calcium, magnesium, boron and selenium to help maintain those manly traits, strong bones and prostate health.
Improved health and vitality are within reach for men too. By maintaining a good diet, active, smoke-free, low alcohol lifestyle and trying some of nature's non-invasive offerings men can feel healthier and more virile at any age.
1. Br J Clin Pharm, 1984, 18;461-2
2. Planta Med, 1995, 61;31-2
3. Urologe, 1995, 24:49-51
4. Urologe Ausgabe A, 1997;36:327-33
5. J steroid biochem, 1984;20:651-5
6. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2006;110(2):97-106
(Originally published in Health & Herbs magazine Vol. 17 Issue 2)