Men's Health
Men's Health: Balancing Vanity and Vitality
As is evident in the articles and advertisements featured in any men's magazine, sports and sexual performance top the list of men's health concerns. But as a growing number of men are discovering, the magnitude of these performance issues extends far beyond the bedroom and the playing field. Maintaining a strong, healthy physique serves a higher purpose than vanity -- it also serves as the front line of defense against illness and chronic disease.
With more than 10 million American men reportedly experiencing impotency issues or general sexual function problems, it is easy to see why the sexual product category enjoys such a large sales volume. Add to that the fact that a mere 5 percent of those suffering from sexual-related problems discuss those concerns with a doctor, and you have an even greater need for over-the-counter products. Although experts advise consumers to seek physician support during supplementation, men often attempt to overcome their sexual performance discreetly with a combination of powders, pills, tinctures and teas.
Such vitality treatments often feature a combination of herbs, vitamins and hormones. A popular ingredient in men's' potency formulas is muira puama, an herb noted for it's ability to increase libido. Hormones like DHEA, which are thought to assist problems associated with impotency, are also a common addition to sexual performance products. In most multiple formulations, these sex-specific ingredients are supported by a host of vitamins and minerals. Zinc is a popular choice as it helps increase sperm activity, while Vitamin E, copper and tree peony work to increase circulation, which may help those suffering erectile dysfunction.
Due to their energizing and hormone-related properties, many of the ingredients mentioned above also are components of sports-related products. DHEA, for example, is often utilized for its ability to boost testosterone levels. Androstenedione is currently enjoying a wave of market attention thanks to the tacit endorsement of St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire. Despite the controversy surrounding this supplement, sales have increased nearly five-fold since the beginning of the home run race.
More commonly, however, men interested in boosting their strength and overall sports performance turn to time-tested amino acids, protein mixtures and multivitamin supplements. As of late, this list has expanded to include creatine, a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps refuel adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides energy to the muscles.
Despite the increasing popularity of each of these categories, men and manufacturers alike are beginning to recognize the many other areas of concern to the male population. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), for example affects upward of 90 percent of men from middle age through their senior years. Not to be confused with prostate cancer, BPH is the enlargement of the prostate gland that increasingly pinches the urethra and disrupts urine flow. Many men afflicted with BPH experience symptoms such as painful urination, inability to control frequency especially overnight (nocturia), delay in urination and post-urination residue.
The berries of the saw palmetto plant have been used for hundreds of years in the South Atlantic region for relief of symptoms related to and caused by BPH. Used in Europe since the interaction between Native American Indians and Spanish explorers in Florida, saw palmetto is just now enjoying the recognition it deserves for its ability to reduce symptoms of BPH.
Heart Disease is yet another area of constant concern. Men are 2.5 times more likely than women to suffer from heart attacks, making antioxidants all the more critical to a daily nutrient regimen. Vitamins E and C and lycopene are all invaluable in the war against heart disease and heart attacks. The value of these nutrients lies in their ability to prevent free radicals from damaging healthy cells.
One of the best defenses against heart disease is also instrumental in protecting against cancer. Researchers have suggested that vitamin E is at its best when combined with beta carotene and selenium. While it is not a magic bullet or a cure-all. Vitamin E's work in battling free radicals may slow the process of aging as well as help in the prevention of serious diseases.
A variety of other nutrients are also celebrated for their beneficial effects on the general well being of men. Often considered a woman's supplement, calcium is similarly important to the prevention of bone loss and the control of cholesterol levels in men. Copper is another potent nutrient that controls cholesterol by helping to maintain a high level of high density lipoproteins (HDL), the "good" cholesterol, while keeping low density lipoproteins (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, as low as possible.
As awareness of the complexity of men's health issues increases, countless other nutrients are sure to enter the mainstream of dietary supplement sales. Beyond the male quest for strength and sexual vitality lies a desire for general good health and a longer life, and through proper nutrition and supplementation both vanity and vitality can be satisfied.
As is evident in the articles and advertisements featured in any men's magazine, sports and sexual performance top the list of men's health concerns. But as a growing number of men are discovering, the magnitude of these performance issues extends far beyond the bedroom and the playing field. Maintaining a strong, healthy physique serves a higher purpose than vanity -- it also serves as the front line of defense against illness and chronic disease.
With more than 10 million American men reportedly experiencing impotency issues or general sexual function problems, it is easy to see why the sexual product category enjoys such a large sales volume. Add to that the fact that a mere 5 percent of those suffering from sexual-related problems discuss those concerns with a doctor, and you have an even greater need for over-the-counter products. Although experts advise consumers to seek physician support during supplementation, men often attempt to overcome their sexual performance discreetly with a combination of powders, pills, tinctures and teas.
Such vitality treatments often feature a combination of herbs, vitamins and hormones. A popular ingredient in men's' potency formulas is muira puama, an herb noted for it's ability to increase libido. Hormones like DHEA, which are thought to assist problems associated with impotency, are also a common addition to sexual performance products. In most multiple formulations, these sex-specific ingredients are supported by a host of vitamins and minerals. Zinc is a popular choice as it helps increase sperm activity, while Vitamin E, copper and tree peony work to increase circulation, which may help those suffering erectile dysfunction.
Due to their energizing and hormone-related properties, many of the ingredients mentioned above also are components of sports-related products. DHEA, for example, is often utilized for its ability to boost testosterone levels. Androstenedione is currently enjoying a wave of market attention thanks to the tacit endorsement of St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire. Despite the controversy surrounding this supplement, sales have increased nearly five-fold since the beginning of the home run race.
More commonly, however, men interested in boosting their strength and overall sports performance turn to time-tested amino acids, protein mixtures and multivitamin supplements. As of late, this list has expanded to include creatine, a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps refuel adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides energy to the muscles.
Despite the increasing popularity of each of these categories, men and manufacturers alike are beginning to recognize the many other areas of concern to the male population. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), for example affects upward of 90 percent of men from middle age through their senior years. Not to be confused with prostate cancer, BPH is the enlargement of the prostate gland that increasingly pinches the urethra and disrupts urine flow. Many men afflicted with BPH experience symptoms such as painful urination, inability to control frequency especially overnight (nocturia), delay in urination and post-urination residue.
The berries of the saw palmetto plant have been used for hundreds of years in the South Atlantic region for relief of symptoms related to and caused by BPH. Used in Europe since the interaction between Native American Indians and Spanish explorers in Florida, saw palmetto is just now enjoying the recognition it deserves for its ability to reduce symptoms of BPH.
Heart Disease is yet another area of constant concern. Men are 2.5 times more likely than women to suffer from heart attacks, making antioxidants all the more critical to a daily nutrient regimen. Vitamins E and C and lycopene are all invaluable in the war against heart disease and heart attacks. The value of these nutrients lies in their ability to prevent free radicals from damaging healthy cells.
One of the best defenses against heart disease is also instrumental in protecting against cancer. Researchers have suggested that vitamin E is at its best when combined with beta carotene and selenium. While it is not a magic bullet or a cure-all. Vitamin E's work in battling free radicals may slow the process of aging as well as help in the prevention of serious diseases.
A variety of other nutrients are also celebrated for their beneficial effects on the general well being of men. Often considered a woman's supplement, calcium is similarly important to the prevention of bone loss and the control of cholesterol levels in men. Copper is another potent nutrient that controls cholesterol by helping to maintain a high level of high density lipoproteins (HDL), the "good" cholesterol, while keeping low density lipoproteins (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, as low as possible.
As awareness of the complexity of men's health issues increases, countless other nutrients are sure to enter the mainstream of dietary supplement sales. Beyond the male quest for strength and sexual vitality lies a desire for general good health and a longer life, and through proper nutrition and supplementation both vanity and vitality can be satisfied.
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