Heart health, prostate health, hair loss—these are some of the wellness issues that men care about. Don’t let early signs of distress go unnoticed. There’s a lot you can do to maximize good health. 

Take Heart
Women, on average, live five years longer than men. Part of the reason is that they are more likely to follow preventive health measures than men. The good news is that men can easily improve their health, especially the condition of their hearts, with just a few lifestyle changes. Exercise, a proper diet, and a variety of supplements can go a long way toward warding off heart disease.

What You Can Do

 

• Vitamin E may delay cardiovascular disease (CVD) by prohibiting the formation of blood clots that could lead to a heart attack and by preventing damage to HDL (healthy) cholesterol while hindering the formation of LDL (lousy) cholesterol. A new study finds that this antioxidant also delays Alzheimer’s disease.
• B vitamins are helpful for lowering elevated homo-cysteine levels, which are risk factors for CVD. Studies show that vitamin B6, in particular, may help prevent hardening of the arteries, and low levels of this vitamin may increase the risk of heart attack.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a vitamin-like substance found in all parts of the body, protects the heart. Many experts believe CoQ10 deficiencies and heart failure go hand in hand. For those taking statin drugs (which are used to lower cholesterol levels), it is especially important to talk to your practitioner about supplementing with this antioxidant.
• Garlic, ginger, and fiber are dietary musts for good heart health. Garlic has beneficial effects on blood pressure and cholesterol. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory that makes blood “slippery,” preventing clotting that could lead to a heart attack. And a high-fiber diet helps prevent CVD.
• Magnesium, along with sodium, potassium, and calcium, appears to affect the muscle tone of the blood vessels. This may explain why magnesium supplementation has been shown to help control CVD.

Prostate Concerns

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH, is a condition that generally affects men over age 50. It is estimated that more than half of all men over 60 have an enlarged prostate, and BPH is by far the most common prostate problem.

The prostate is a small gland positioned just beneath the bladder. The enlargement of this gland presses on the urethra and may cause difficult, frequent, sudden, or painful urination. BPH symptoms (weak urine stream and awakening at night with an urge to urinate) don’t usually indicate anything serious, but they can be uncomfortable.

The reason men develop BPH is still unknown, although changes in male sex hormones may be contributing factors. Although BPH doesn’t necessarily lead to prostate cancer—which is most common in men over the age of 65—it can make a tumor harder to spot.
 

What You Can Do

Eating a high-fiber diet low in saturated fat and exercising regularly can slow prostate cancer cell growth by up to 30 percent, according to UCLA researchers. Also remember the following:

• Carotenoid-rich foods like tomatoes, pumpkins, spinach, watermelons, and citrus fruits have been shown to lower the risk for prostate cancer.
• Flaxseed and fish oils are wise dietary additions. These essential fatty acids help to suppress a specific acid that promotes inflammation, and they guard against prostate cell growth.

Male-Pattern Baldness

While not a life-threatening concern, hair loss can be a significant quality-of-life issue for many men. Poor circulation, illness, sudden weight loss, poor diet, vitamin deficiencies, and stress can promote hair loss, in addition to hereditary factors.

• Essential fatty acids, which prevent dry, brittle hair, may be helpful.
• Vitamin E improves circulation to the scalp, improving the health and growth of hair.
• Soy may also help curb hair loss, and eggs, fish, and garlic are believed to be beneficial for hair growth. Garlic is an anti-inflammatory herb that can also be taken in supplement form.

Joint Health

From their early 20s on, men need to think about joint health. Glucosamine and chondroitin may protect the joints from athletic wear and tear. These supplements help keep joint cartilage intact and protect against the advancement of arthritis and inflammation.

Insurance Policy

Don’t forget to take a multivitamin/mineral supplement. Multis guard against nutritional deficiencies and a range of illnesses that result from not getting enough nutrients.