The Essentials About Male Health

The Essentials About Male Health

·

Did you know prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer for males in the UK? 
If you weren't aware, then you need to be. It's a slow-growing cancer, and sometimes the symptoms can start off unnoticed.

With it mainly occurring in males aged 40 and older, there are preventative measures you can take to change your lifestyle to prevent it from occurring and staying on top of your hormones.
If you're a male concerned about your well-being, dive in with us today as we uncover everything you need to know about your health. 

Prostate health explained

The prostate is a small gland crucial to the reproductive system. It's situated just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, surrounding the urethra (a tube that carries urine).
This tube also secretes a prostatic fluid (a major component of semen), helping support ejaculation. In other words, your prostate directly contributes to your urinary function and sexual health. As a male, there are risks of certain conditions which can impact the health of your prostate, such as:

  • Prostate cancer: One of the most common cancers for males, arising when cells in your prostate grow out of control. Risk factors are often age and family (if hereditary).
  • Prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):  An enlargement of your prostate (non-cancerous). It tends to occur more as you age, causing problems with urination. 
  • Prostatitis: An acute or chronic inflammation of the prostate gland causing painful urination and discomfort. 

These are just a few conditions linked to prostate health that can exist. You must attend regular health check-ups to prevent them, as symptoms often go unnoticed. Eating a fibre-filled diet, fewer inflammatory foods, and staying hydrated can encourage good urinary health. 

 

Hormonal health can also influence prostate and overall health as a male. Hormones are chemical messengers that transmit information to tissues and organs through the bloodstream.
Your endocrine glands make them, and there are over 50 of them! The truth is that your hormones are imperative to different areas of your health. They keep you functioning. While are over 50 circulating in your body, it would take days for us to write about them. 

To help you understand the key players, here are male hormones that are important for male health:

  • Testosterone: The main male sex hormone, responsible for libido, muscle mass, male attributes, and moods. It typically declines as you get older, contributing to fatigue, reduced libido, and changes in mood. 
  • Cortisol: A  hormone that regulates your body's ability to stress. Cortisol helps regulate your metabolism and immune response. 
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): This hormone is produced by your pituitary gland and stimulates testosterone production in your testes.
  • Oestradiol: A form of estrogen (female sex hormone) that helps regulate libido, erectile function and sperm production.
  • Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH): A hormone secreted by your pituitary gland in your brain stimulating your thyroid gland to secrete thyroxine and triiodothyronine (hormones). These hormones are crucial to help regulate your body's metabolism and testosterone production. 
  • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Secreted by your pituitary gland, FSH supports sperm production and maintenance.  

Note: Your hormonal health can often be influenced by your lifestyle choices and behaviours. Good sleep and staying on top of your stress levels are essential for healthy hormone levels. Similarly, regularly exercising and eating a nutritious diet can be beneficial. 

Male health products to consider

While you can make many changes to your routine and focus on smarter choices, there are other measures you can take to support your health as a male. One of these is adding supplements into your routine, which can provide you with steady support if you forget to engage in healthy behaviours, i.e., consistently getting your 5 a day. To get you started, here are 4 products we recommend: 

Pygeum Africanum
Have you heard of Pygeum Africanum before? It's a tree native to different parts of Africa, and its bark is used for medicinal purposes. Pygeum Africanum is beneficial for male health as it can help increase prostate secretion and the amount of seminal fluid you have. It also can relieve painful urination, may reduce prostate enlargement, and prevent hair loss. Our 10:1 extract is high strength, comes in a 1600 mg dose, and is easy to swallow. You only need to take it once a day. 

Manganese
One trace mineral you may want to increase your consumption of is manganese. Your body often needs small amounts of manganese, which can help reduce inflammation, help regulate blood sugar, and support bone health. While you can get manganese from various foods such as nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables, it's not always possible. To support your health, you might want to try our Manganese 6 mg supplement. It's vegetarian, easy to swallow, and you only need to take one a day. 

Apigenin 
Mainly found in plants and an active ingredient in chamomile tea, Apigenin is a flavonoid high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Apigenin can support male health as it can help with cardiovascular support, reduce anxiety, and has anticancer properties. For males, it can also support the reduction of stress and anxiety, as well as relaxation and sleep quality. If you're interested in these benefits, we have Apigenin 100mg capsules at Herb-ology that may be worth trying.  They're highly nutritious, vegan and easy to add into your everyday routine. 

Saw Palmetto 
Saw palmetto is a palm tree native to the Southeastern part of the USA that is known for its medicinal benefits. One of the main benefits for males is that it may help improve urinary tract function and prostate health. If you're interested in these benefits, try our Saw Palmetto 4000 mg capsules or our 3000mg capsules with zinc. They're vegan and natural and can put you on a better path to health.

Final thoughts

Overall, as a male, you must stay on top of your prostate and hormonal health. Due to age and lifestyle factors, these areas of your health are more at risk as you get older. To stay on top of these aspects of your health, it's best to attend screenings, have healthcare checkups, eat a nutritious diet, and take supplements whenever possible.

Curious to know how to optimise your health even more? Learn how to be more mindful this year ahead.