November is Canadian Men’s Health Month. In support of this initiative, Nancy’s Nifty Nook wants to promote the importance of early intervention and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Though a man’s reproductive system is not as complex as a female’s, its problems are just as real. Nancy’s Nifty Nook owner Nancy Young says, “A man’s traditional role has changed over the years and so has their concerns. Now more than ever, many men suffer from fertility issues and erectile dysfunction.”
At Nancy’s Nifty Nook, there are many supplements available specifically aimed at men’s health. Nancy is ready to answer your questions and show you all the products the she recommends to support overall health.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Prostate Gland Enlargement)
Many men suffer from prostate gland conditions. The prostate gland is located just below the bladder in men and surrounds the top portion of the tube that drains urine from the bladder (urethra). The prostate's primary function is to produce the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm (seminal fluid).
Male customers come to Nancy complaining of frequent urination, too many nighttime visits to the washroom and increased urgency but decreased force. In this case, she always recommends saw palmetto, which is a type of palm tree that grows in the warm climate of the southeast cost of the United States.
In 95% of urinary problems, saw palmetto helped without the side effects that come from chemical drugs. As well, saw palmetto has been found to be more effective than drugs such as Flomax – it is also faster acting and much safer. Nancy recommends vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc, which can be taken in pill format or eating a good handful of pepitas every day – pepitas are the inside of the pumpkin seed. Pumpkin seed oil can also help as do essential fatty acids, which also help with cholesterol problems.
Nancy mentions, “My own dad suffered from an enlarged prostate. After taking saw palmetto and the pumpkin seeds for three months, his scheduled surgery was cancelled as he was back to normal and never had any more problems!”
Nettle root also reduces nighttime visits to the washroom by almost half and it improves urinary frequency and flow in over 90% of men. In many cases, nettle root helps to shrink the prostate gland.
Other products that may help are licorice, which should not be taken by those with high blood pressure, aged garlic extract and lycopene that can be found in cooked tomato products, grapefruit and guava.
Hair loss
Hair loss in men is quite common, with 80% of North American men affected. Chemotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, antibiotics, blood thinners, antidepressants; heart, cholesterol, ulcer and arthritis drugs can all cause hair loss.
In addition to stress or hypothyroidism, which can both cause hair loss, deficiency in several nutrients including zinc, Vitamin A, and iron can also cause hair loss. Gluten intolerance, without showing any other symptoms, can also lead to hair loss.
Nancy recommends taking 1000 to 1500 mg of vitamin C and 400 IUs of vitamin E along with saw palmetto. A high fat, high protein diet can also cause hair loss as it affects the kidneys.
Male impotence
Male impotence can be caused by many factors including smoking, alcohol, prescription drugs, especially blood pressure lowering drugs that can cause the shrinking of the testes and decreased testosterone production. Anti-depressants also cause a lack of sexual desire or response. Again, vitamin E and zinc are important to treat this condition. Adopting a vegetarian diet, implementing stress reduction methods and adding exercise into the daily routine can also help. Gingko biloba has shown to increase the circulation to the extremities, including blood flow to the penis.
Nancy also points out that Korean, Siberian or Asian Ginseng have also shown to improve erectile dysfunction.
Male infertility
Compared to what they were in the 1940s, sperm count and quality are plummeting. This is a result of obesity, hot tubs, saunas, vigorous exercise, tight fitting clothes and chemicals in pesticide. Nancy says vitamin C and zinc are important. Zine helps to promote testosterone production, sperm formation and sperm mobility. Vitamin E (tocopherols) is known as the sex vitamin or the anti-sterility vitamin. Ashwagandha root has also shown to improve sperm count, mobility and testosterone levels. On the dietary front, eating nuts, seeds, fibre and taking a good essential fatty acid is recommended.
Gout
At Nancy’s Nifty Nook, many male customers come in to treat gout, one of the biggest problems faced by men. Gout is a type of arthritis caused by excessive uric acid build up, which causes sharp crystals to form and inflammation and damage in the joints and other tissues.
As a preventative measure, Nancy recommends drinking half a cup of unsweetened tart cherry juice daily. Eating fresh cherries, strawberries, pomegranate and other berries may help as well. Vitamin C, folic acid with B12, devil’s claw, nettle, celery seed and juice, quercetin, bromelain, dandelion and burdock have also been proven to help treat gout. It is important to remember that everyone’s bodies are unique so what helps one person may not necessarily help another person.
Bell Lifestyle has a great product called Gout Relief and it comes with a 100% guarantee. In conjunction with cherry juice, this product has helped many of Nancy’s customers.
Have questions? Drop by Nancy’s Nifty Nook located at 152 Holland Street E. in Bradford or call 905-775-7874.