Nutritional Supplements
Let’s face it, most men don’t focus on their health. If you’re trying to make a healthy change, going to your local supermarket or natural foods market can be confusing with immune boosters, belly blasters, and heart-protecting pills stocked on every shelf.
First, investigate the supplements’ actual health benefits, as well as their relevance to the most common health problems men encounter, such as heart disease, prostate cancer and diabetes. It certainly is important to discuss any supplements with a physician acquainted with your health history and specific health needs.
Nutritional Supplements For Men
The thing is to help those on a tight budget choose which supplements to buy. If money is no object, then go for it knock yourself out and use them all as directed. Because in the end, as far as we’re concerned, you cant ever have too much muscle. To help you get started, here’s a list of most important supplements for improving your overall health.
Omega-3-Fatty Acids
Studies continue to show us that men need Omega-3’s for a healthy heart and brain. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential in cellular function and also protect the arteries from plaque buildup. They’re most commonly found in fatty fish, however it can be challenging to get enough through diet alone. Search for an Omega-3-Fatty Acid supplement that contains EPA and DHA. These are two essential Omega-3 fatty acids most often derived from fish sources. Plant sources like algae only provide DHA. 1,000mg-2,000mg daily is recommended, with a minimum of 500mg of DHA and EPA.
Glutamine
Men approach their workouts seriously and like to lift heavy. But with time, the intensity associated with heavy-lifting can wear on the nervous and immune systems. This can make you nauseated and affect your post-workout recovery. Foods like beef, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, dairy products, wheat, cabbage, and beans all contain glutamine, although not enough to overcome the amount of strain placed on muscles by lifting. Glutamine supplementation is essential for weightlifters, but not due to what it does during the workout. Consider it this way: You can’t become stronger if you do not recover!
Vitamin D
Vitamin D has long been known to play a vital role in calcium absorption and bone health, but continued studies have shown us that it has a multitude of other disease fighting properties. One recent study demonstrated that individuals with pancreatic and colorectal cancer put together to have extremely low levels of Vitamin D. Studies have also linked adequate levels of Vitamin D to being protective against heart attacks and strokes. 1,000 IU daily is adequate to get these health benefits.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is crucial to immune function and is an important antioxidant. Vitamin C is necessary for that synthesis and maintenance of collagen, the main protein found in connective tissue. Dietary sources of C include citrus fruits, berries, green and leafy vegetables, tomatoes, and green peppers. It can be difficult to acquire adequate levels through food sources alone because Vitamin C is responsive to light, air and heat; certain conditions, such as smoking and stress, boost the need for Vitamin C.
Chromium
Chromium is a type of metal known being an essential trace element because a really small amount of it is important for human health. One of the biggest health concerns facing men may be the onset of Type 2 diabetes, so any supplement that will help beat back the threat of the disease has a definite put on this list. Chromium supplements help normalize blood sugar levels, while chromium deficiency can cause glucose intolerance leading to Type 2 diabetes. The NIH also acknowledges that taking chromium may lower insulin levels. This might help improve the function of insulin in people with Type 2 diabetes, though this ought to be coordinated carefully with a physician.
Lycopene
This antioxidant plays a significant role in cancer protection. One study demonstrated that elevated blood lycopene levels were correlated to lower prostate cancer risks amongst over 400 men within the study. Lycopene is easily absorbed through food sources (tomatoes) and supplements, and in men is kept in the prostate gland. This also plays a role in its’ cancer fighting abilities.
Nutritional Supplements for Men
Beta Carotene
This powerful antioxidant lends carrots their deep orange color, and also the body turns it into Vitamin A. Vitamin A enhances the health of the skin’s epithelial tissue and it is essential for the production of mucous membranes and the respiratory system. This vitamin is also an important component for that production and activity of certain types of white blood cells. Research has shown that maintaining high levels of Vitamin A enhances many immune system processes.
