Impotence and infertility are joined at the hip. The natural ED aid L-carnitine has demonstrated prowess in improving male fertility, especially in the area of sperm health and function.38 Both L-carnitine and acetyl carnitine are highly concentrated in the epididymis and figure prominently in sperm metabolism and maturation, as well as sperm motility and overall quality.39,40,41 In fact, science shows infertile men have significantly lower seminal carnitine levels than do fertile men,42 and carnitine is more active than testosterone in boosting nocturnal penile tumescence (swelling) and International Index of Erectile Function scores.43Maca also offers sperm health benefits, as research shows the botanical remedy can increase testosterone, improve sperm production and motility, limit spermatogenic disruption and stimulate spermatogenesis.44,45,46,47 In fact, between 48 g/d and 90 g/d of maca extract has boosted spermatogenesis in animal models.48 Basic nutritional support can also help address sperm function. A Dutch trial found combined zinc sulfate and folic acid treatment in both subfertile and fertile men resulted in increased total normal sperm count.49 Combining ForcesNHANES III showed men take dietary supplements less often and in lesser quantities than do women.50 This correlates with surveys finding men visit the doctor’s office less often than do women. The key to improving men’s health, then, may well be in streamlining the supplements men need. Men’s multivitamin formulas go a long way to this end, delivering a power-packed punch in a small number of daily pills or potions. Fortunately, there are a number of ingredients that address multiple areas of men’s health. Sexual health aids arginine, carnitine, lycopene, soy and garlic all have researched benefits to vascular health, including lipid integrity, cholesterol management and blood pressure regulation.51,52,53,54,55 Similarly multifaceted in men, chromium can boost fat metabolism and muscle activity at the genetic level,56 while it also has many positive benefits for diabetics. Study results for chromium in various forms include enhanced efficiency of insulin use, improved fasting and postprandial glucose levels, and controlled markers of glucose control.57,58,59 Another common men’s formula nutrient, folic acid is not only useful in sperm health, but it also lowers risk and incidence of heart attack and stroke,60 possibly reducing the risk of stroke by 20 percent in male smokers.61 Folate’s health benefits are tied to its ability, to lower homocysteine, a mechanism central to the nutrients ability to reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease.62Omega-3 fatty acids, including fish oil, also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, due to both lipid protective and antioxidative properties, which are also indicated in fish oil’s benefits to heart health and diabetes management. Studies show omega-3s inhibit lipid peroxidation, lower total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and triglycerides, and decrease adiposity in diabetes.63,64,65 Further, fish oil might help manage depression, a risk factor in suicide. The other major category for men’s health is antioxidants. Vitamin C can help ameliorate diabetes by affecting lipids and glucose,66 suppress melanoma,67 predict stroke risk,68 reduce cognitive impairment69 and strengthen the immune system.70 Similarly, vitamin E may protect against lipid peroxidation in the cardiovascular system and brain, a crucial mechanism in Alzheimer’s pathology.71,72 In fact, vitamin E was found to reduce heart attack, stroke and death in heart disease patients, including those with diabetes.73 The antioxidant vitamin also boosts the immune system and helps protect against oxidative damage to the kidneys, especially from metallic toxicity.74,75 Flavonoids have many benefits to offer men, as evidenced by quercetin’s effect on prostate health. Catechins from tea can decrease risk of prostate cancer and even reduce the incidence and size of chemically-induced tumors;76,77 inhibit cholesterol oxidation and lower blood pressure;78,79 and play a protect role against prostatitis, diabetes and both kidney and Alzheimer’s diseases.80,81,82,83 The aforementioned Pycnogenol is a flavonoid extract that not only addresses ED problems, but also reduces the risk and mechanisms of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and male infertility.84,85,86,87,88 Flavonoids are especially rich in colorful fruits and berries, including pomegranate. Apart from its work on ED, pomegranate helps modify heart disease factors, including hyperlipidemia;89 support weight management;90 and inhibit prostate cancer.91 The plight of men’s health need not be one of ignorance and disease. A group of multi-talented natural compounds can help address men’s primary health concerns, from sexual function to degenerative diseases. Editor's Note: The full list of references starts on the following page.
|
Email this article
Add a comment
Printer version
Order reprints
RSS Feed
Bookmark article