HEALTH NEWS

by Lynne Gully

                 July 2007

MEN’S PROBLEMS

In the previous two Newsletters I have given advice on women’s problems and, as promised, this month’s Newsletter is all about men’s problems.

Prostate Problems

Several problems can occur with the prostate gland, the most common being an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH). An estimated 50% of 50-year-old men and 75% of 70-year-old men suffer from an enlarged prostate. Symptoms include frequent and increased urination (especially at night), lessening of the force of flow and an accompanying burning sensation. If left unchecked, benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause serious problems over time including urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones or incontinence. It’s important to take care of your prostate and to address any problems as early as possible. Traditional treatments for prostate issues include the surgical removal of all or part of the prostate. While most men experience a relief of symptoms, it may leave them impotent.

An enlarged prostate can be linked to hormone imbalances, including oestrogen dominance and testosterone deficiency. These can leave the prostate inflamed. An enlarged prostate has also been linked to exposure to oestrogen-like chemicals such as those in some pesticides and plastics.

So, what can you do?

• Try to eat organic whenever possible, and avoid plastic packaging, microwaving in plastic dishes and allowing Clingfilm to touch the surface of stored foods.
• Natural plant substances found in lentils and soya can help counteract these oestrogen-like chemicals, so be sure to include things like tofu and soya milk in your diet.
• Go for a sensible overall diet, avoiding meat and milk because of their hormone content.
• Keep saturated fats, sugars and processed foods very low.
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables which are high in the antioxidant vitamins A and C such as sweet potatoes, carrots, watercress, broccoli, melon, pumpkin, tomatoes, cabbage, courgettes, apricots, cauliflower, lemons, mangoes, peppers, strawberries, oranges, grapefruit and kiwi fruit.
• The prostate gland requires 10 times more zinc than any other organ in the body so an enlarged prostate may very well be the result of a zinc deficiency. Research reported in a government medical journal stated zinc supplementation was effective in reducing prostate enlargement and also helped many of the painful symptoms associated with this problem. Another study, published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry, confirmed zinc supplementation prevented prostate swelling. Men who have prostate problems, or men who would like to prevent them, should consider taking zinc supplements (15mg a day). The addition of vitamin B6 helps ensure the prostate will get the zinc it needs. Furthermore, zinc is similar to the male sex hormone testosterone, and has been shown to improve potency and sex drive in men with less than optimum levels of zinc. Stock No: 1601.
• A great combination for prostate issues is Nature’s Sunshine’s Saw Palmetto & Pygeum Combination. This formula is considered particularly beneficial for men over 40 or for any men experiencing swelling, pain, difficulty urinating or those that need nutritional support for the prostate. Saw Palmetto extract has shown remarkable results in the treatment of BPH, alleviating the pain and inflammation associated with this condition. In fact, Saw Palmetto extract has shown nearly a 90% success-rate in clinical trials, typically within a 4- to 6-week period. Pygeum, native to Africa, is medicinally valued for its bark, which contains various substances shown to relieve inflammation, pain and swelling of the prostate gland. Stock No: 3141.
• Supplementation with antioxidants (vitamins A, C, E and selenium) such as those found in Defence Maintenance (Stock No: 1654) or Super Antioxidant (Stock No: 1825) will help to protect these sensitive tissues from oxidative damage and regulate hormonal imbalance.
• Essential fatty acids from Omega 3 fish oil (Stock No: 1609) or Flax Seed Oil (Stock No: 1770) act as a natural anti-inflammatory.

If you want copies of any previous newsletters you can visit my website at www.optimumhealth.co.uk

Contact Lynne at lynne.gully@optimumhealth.co.uk or tel: 0030 28920 42356
 

Important Information for Athletes, Cyclists and Gym Enthusiasts

You often see people jogging along the streets, cycling to work or at weekends, or working out in the gyms. These people consider themselves to be fit. Many of them are. But are they healthy? 

Many people join a gym because they are overweight. You see them puffing away on a treadmill or exercise bike, red in the face and sweating heavily. While exercise is good for you, it does put increased pressure on the heart, joints and nervous system as well as producing more free radicals that need to be quenched by antioxidants.

You occasionally hear of an athlete or a fit person suddenly dropping dead or having a heart attack. Again, they may be fit, but are they healthy?

I know that many of the professional fitness organizations promote the use of supplements to ensure optimal health.

Here are my supplement suggestions for a fit and healthy life.

Multi Vitamins and Minerals – a high-potency multiple vitamin and mineral formula is essential as many nutrients are lost during exercise. Mega Chel is a mega-nutrient supplement containing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and herbs designed to improve circulation, help clear arteries, reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and provide essential nutrients for joint and bone health. Stock No: 1821.

Consider taking the Antioxidant Arsenal, which contains the vitamins A, C and E together with the minerals zinc and selenium, as these are powerful antioxidants that reduce free radical damage and boost your immune system. Stock No: 4033.

Glucosamine occurs naturally in the body to stimulate the production of connective tissue in the joints. Production of glucosamine slows with age, leaving cartilage unable to retain water and function as a shock absorber. Studies show that glucosamine supplementation improves joint mobility and helps the growth of new cartilage. Most glucosamine supplements use glucosamine sulphate. Nature’s Sunshine uses glucosamine hydrochloride as it has a 99% purity compared to only 74% in glucosamine sulphate and the level of activity is 50% more. Stock No: 932

Omega-3 fish oil capsules - these ‘good’ fats are essential for joint and heart health. Stock No: 1609.

Folic Acid Plus – A lack of folic acid has been linked to heart attacks and angina. Each tablet contains 400mcg of folic acid, 120mg of Vitamin C and Bee Pollen. Stock No: 1585.

Heart Health

Heart disease has become the leading cause of death in Europe. Major cardiovascular disorders include angina, heart attack, hardening of the arteries, thrombosis, stroke, high blood pressure, heart failure, embolism and coronary artery disease.

It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle to help reduce your risk of developing a cardiovascular disorder. This includes taking regular exercise, eating a low fat diet, not smoking, managing stress and supplementing your diet.

Mega Chel is a “mega-nutrient” supplement designed to aid the cardiovascular system. It contains a full range of vitamins and minerals together with herbs known to help the circulatory system. It contains no artificial colours, preservatives, starches, sugars or yeast. Stock No: 1821.

CoQ10

Since its discovery in 1957, CoQ10 has been shown in studies to be clinically effective for coronary artery disease, arrhythmia (abnormal heart beats), angina, high blood pressure and particularly congestive heart failure. Research has consistently shown a strong correlation between the severity of heart failure and low levels of CoQ10. Unfortunately, your body’s production of CoQ10 begins to decline around age twenty, often leaving you seriously deficient by middle age.

CoQ10 is manufactured by the body on its own. However, ageing and stress deplete CoQ10. Not surprisingly, most people over 50, and also those with heart disease, cancer, gum disease, or obesity, have low levels of CoQ10. With supplementation, individuals with these types of condition have found increased energy, faster rates of healing, improved immunity to disease, stronger heart function, and blood pressure normalization.

Numerous physicians recommend supplementing with CoQ10. Millions of people all over the world take CoQ10 supplements to prevent not only heart disease and high blood pressure, but also to prevent weakened immune systems and even ageing.

In terms of improving heart disease, a 6-year study of people with cardiomyopathy showed a 75% survival rate among those taking CoQ10, compared with only a 25% survival rate of individuals using conventional therapy.

Individuals with a form of heart disease are often low in CoQ10 and require more of it to strengthen heart muscle tissue and prevent congestive heart failure.

CoQ10 Plus provides 10mg of CoQ10, along with the beneficial minerals – magnesium, copper, zinc and iron in a base of capsicum fruit and hawthorn berries.

Capsicum increases circulation and cardiovascular activity, lowers blood pressure and helps prevent heart attacks and stroke, while Hawthorn is a heart tonic. Stock No: 1796.

CoQ10-30 provides 30mg of CoQ10 with magnesium, copper and zinc in a base of capsicum fruit and ginkgo leaves. Ginkgo enhances blood flow to the heart muscle, which may help prevent heart attacks by lowering the risk of internal blood clots that are responsible. Stock No: 4089.