Naturopathic advice for men's health & vitality

As Father’s Day approaches and with the stressful year that 2020 has been, we felt to share some tips on supporting men’s health and vitality.

Men generally need more calories than women, therefore require higher amounts of macronutrients including:

• Healthy fats - especially omega 3 fatty acids from fatty fish, olive and flaxseed oils, nuts and seeds (e.g. walnuts, chai seeds) and avocados. Fish oil supplements provide good amounts of the omega 3 fatty acids EPA & DHA, while algae and phytoplankton are vegan alternatives
• Carbohydrates including plenty of fibre from fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains
• Protein to provide the amino acids that are the building blocks in the body for production and regeneration of tissues including muscle

Other important nutrients to facilitate healthy energy production, nervous system, digestion, immune and sexual function for men include the B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins C, D & E and selenium.

Another nutrient important for men is Lycopene, a carotenoid with strong antioxidant powers and protective against cardiovascular disease and cancer and especially good for supporting prostate health.

Lycopene is obtained from red fruits and vegetables including tomatoes (especially cooked or tomato paste or sauce), red capsicum or peppers, pomegranate, guava, watermelon, persimmon, pink grapefruit, red papaya, red cabbage, carrots, mango and also in asparagus and parsley.

For a quick intake of these key nutrients, we have Men’s Multi vitamin, mineral and herb combination supplements available in store, as well as dried herbs, powders, and herbal extracts to make up individualised herbal tonics - what a perfect gift idea for dad!

Herbs that are great for male health and vitality include Korean ginseng, Tribulus, Saw Palmetto, Damiana, Cordyceps, Maca, Withania (Ashwaganda), Maritime Pine Bark, Hawthorn, Nettle root, Horny Goat Weed, Green Tea and Turmeric.

We also stock Superfeast, Life Cykel and Evolution Botanicals brands that have Cordyceps and other medicinal mushroom and tonic blends perfect for men’s health. A new product recently added from Evolution Botanicals is called Shilajit, which is a Himilayan sourced mineral rich complex containing fulvic and humic acids.

These unique naturally occurring compounds enhance mitochondrial function and energy production in the form of ATP, which is the fuel for most of the body’s physiological functions.

Fulvic acid facilitates the transport of minerals and elements into cells, is immune-modulating, antioxidant and studies also show that it increases testosterone levels and fertility. Shilijat has been revered as a panacea in Ayurvedic medicine for around 3000 years!

Take care and Happy Father’s Day to all our dear dads from our wonderful in-store Naturopaths!

Free naturopathic consults are available in our Byron Bay store from 9-5pm Mon-Sat and Mullumbimby store from 9-5:30 Mon-Fri & 8:30am – 3:00pm Sat.