While the nutrition from the food we eat and the vitamins we take are equal for both men and women as far as national guidelines, we often think that is all that both sexes need. Actually, because men frequently exercise strenuously, and they have to deal with erectile dysfunction and other reproductive organ issues, there are specific minerals, vitamins, and other supplements they should take to meet the body’s needs aside from a healthy diet and a multi-vitamin.
Vitamins – Men need vitamin C for more than general health. Vitamin C is very important for prostate health, and it is many times used to treat prostate infections. It is also said to protect from prostate cancer, which is a huge concern of men 50 and older. Vitamin B6 also plays a big part in men’s health by helping proteins to metabolize, so it is very important for men who are very active. Vitamins A, C, and E will help to detoxify the body by removing free radicals, which will also protect their body from cancers.
Minerals – Zinc is used by the prostate gland more than other organs in a man’s body. Zinc deficiency is one of the first clues that there may be an issue with the prostate gland. Men with enlarged prostates can often use zinc as a form of treatment. At one point in time, doctors prescribed pumpkin seeds as a treatment, which proved effective due to their high zinc content. Iron is not a mineral that men need to worry about like women are told to watch. Because iron is not excreted from the body, there is a chance of overdosing on iron, as men do not need iron like a pre-menopausal woman would. Calcium is also a mineral that men should be careful with. Calcium, at a minimum, is fine. Be careful not to overdo in taking calcium, because too much in men can increase cancer risk.
Other Supplements – Other supplements men will want to pay attention to are Lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, that will also reduce cancer risk. Soy products that contain the amino acid L-arginine, which supports nitric oxide production that helps with erectile dysfunction. Saw Palmetto is another rarely talked about supplement for men. The extract from Saw Palmetto has been proven to shrink an enlarged prostate just as well as synthetic treatments without he harmful side effects. Doctors also suggest that men who work out vigorously on a regular basis also include the amino acid L-glutamine, because this amino acid depletes up to 40 percent during a strenuous workout.
Tweet This Post