Many of us know a man who would rather do almost anything else than go to the doctor. In fact, a survey by the Cleveland Clinic found that only half of the 1,174 adult men surveyed said they get annual checkup and 72 percent of men would rather do household chores than see their doctor. Additionally, half of the men surveyed agree that their health just isn’t something they talk about. So, let’s change that by bringing awareness to some of the most common concerns and conditions that impact men as they age.
Cardiovascular health and metabolic syndrome:
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. These conditions include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, low HDL levels (the “good” cholesterol), high blood sugar levels, and excess body fat around the waist. There are many factors that contribute to metabolic syndrome, including obesity, insulin resistance, sedentary lifestyle, lack of sleep, poor diet (especially high in processed foods like refined carbohydrates and sugar), and age. For men, another important factor may be low testosterone levels. Testosterone levels begin to decline around the age of 40 and it’s estimated that about 4 in 10 men over the age of 45 have low testosterone. Low testosterone has been linked to metabolic syndrome.
Often times conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol have no symptoms. This is all the more reason to visit your doctor for an annual physical. They can check your blood pressure in office and order blood work. A lipid panel provides information about total cholesterol as well as a breakdown including LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels. Fasting blood sugar and insulin levels can also be checked as well as both free and total testosterone levels.
Prostate:
All men are at risk for prostate problems, but this risk increases with age. One of the most common conditions associated with the prostate is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate. A man’s chance of having BPH goes up with age. About 1 in 2 men aged 51-60 experience this, while 80% of those 80+ are afflicted. Common symptoms of BPH include: frequent or urgent need to urinate, increased frequency or urination at night, weak urine stream or stream that stops and starts, dribbling at the end of urination, and inability to completely empty the bladder.
Another concern associated with prostate health for men is prostate cancer. This is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Like BPH, the risk of prostate cancer increases with age. Sometimes men experience the same symptoms associated with BPH, but other times there are no symptoms. A blood test called PSA (or prostate specific antigen) is a common screening test to help diagnose this condition.
Libido and erectile dysfunction:
Libido:
A man’s sex drive will wax and wane throughout life, but low libido becomes more common with age. On average, the condition affects 20 to 25 percent of men, with greater percentages in males over age 55. There are many potential causes of low libido. Common causes include: lack of exercise, depression, stress, relationship troubles, prescription medications, and low testosterone levels.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED):
Erection trouble from time to time is not necessarily a concern, but if it is an ongoing issue, there may be an indication of a more serious underlying health condition. Low testosterone, stress, and prescription medication side effects are potential factors, but more common and serious causes include diabetes and heart disease, including atherosclerosis, or clogged arteries.
Loss of muscle mass:
Some loss of muscle mass or sarcopenia, is considered a normal condition associated with age. Other factors can increase this loss, including lack of physical activity, malnutrition, certain autoimmune diseases, and low testosterone levels.
Fatigue:
Let’s face it, lack of energy or fatigue, is one of the most common health concerns and tends to become more common with age. There is a long list of potential culprits, with some of the most common being: a poor diet and nutritional deficiencies, lack of exercise, insomnia and sleep apnea, depression, thyroid disorders, heart disease, diabetes, and low testosterone levels.
Now that we’ve discussed the most common concerns men experience with age, let’s talk about how to prevent or improve these concerns with key lifestyle changes and targeted supplements.
Solutions:
Diet:
Nutrition remains the cornerstone of good health and plays a role in almost all conditions discussed above. An anti-inflammatory diet, like the Mediterranean diet, helps to reduce the risk of various chronic illnesses, including metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. This is a heavily plant-based diet that limits processed foods such as refined carbohydrates and sugar. Including adequate amounts of protein in your diet helps to maintain muscle mass.
Exercise:
Exercise is key for preventing or reversing all of the factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Exercise aids in weight loss, improves insulin sensitivity, supports healthy cholesterol levels (it’s one of the best ways to boost HDL or good cholesterol), and can help to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels over time. Strength training exercise is especially helpful in building or maintaining lean muscle mass. Exercise has also been shown to help maintain healthy testosterone levels. Aim for a total of 30 minutes 5 times per week, including both aerobic and strength exercises. For a natural boost in energy and stamina to optimize workouts, try Res-Q Orosine.
Sleep:
Poor quality, lack of sleep, and sleep apnea all have serious health implications. These factors have been associated with fatigue, lower testosterone levels, and an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. A sleep study can confirm sleep apnea if suspected. Be sure to focus on healthy sleep hygiene such as to sleep in a completely dark room with a cool temperature, remove electronic devices from the bedroom, avoid caffeine past 2pm, avoid a large meal before bed, and stick with a consistent routine of going to bed at the same time each night. For support to help with both falling and staying asleep, consider Res-Q PM.
Key Supplements:
Res-Q PrimeRx: PrimeRx is a daily essential for men over the age of 40. This formula addresses the common concerns that aging men face, including lower testosterone levels, performance issues, enlarged prostate, lack of energy and decreased muscle mass, as discussed above. Here is a breakdown of the ingredients and benefits:
- Ashwagandha root extract: made with patented KSM-66 ashwagandha, this powerful herb has been clinically show to improve testosterone levels and support sexual performance.
- Tribulus teretris: this plant plays a role in stamina, libido, and sexual function for men. It also supports muscle strength and structure.
- Gynostemna leaf extract: supports lean muscle mass and reduces muscle fatigue. It also promotes healthy sexual function.
- Saw palmetto berry: helps inhibit testosterone from binding and stimulating prostate cells. Support healthy multiplication of prostate cells, the cause of an enlarged prostate.
- Gingko biloba leaf extract: acts as an aphrodisiac to support libido and supports healthy erectile function.
- Epimedium extract: also called horny goat weed, this plan supports healthy circulation which plays a role in erectile function. It has also been shown to increase testosterone levels.
- L-arginime: supports sexual desire and satisfaction and helps defend against erectile dysfunction.
- Acetyl-l-carnitine: used for sexual dysfunction, depression, and fatigue.
- Boron: this trace mineral promotes a natural boost in testosterone as well as muscle growth and coordination.
- Vitamin D and zinc: these common deficiencies have been linked to low testosterone.
Res-Q Natural Male: This formula is designed to maintain testosterone levels, which helps protect your heart, supports libido and erectile function, supports mood and energy levels, maintains and promotes bone health, and supports muscle mass.
Ingredients:
- Korean red ginseng: supports mitochondria (energy powerhouses of our cells) and supports erectile function.
- Gingo biloba: supports libido and healthy erectile function
- Epimedium: also known as horny goat weed, this plan supports erectile function
- Muira puama: promotes healthy sex drive and improves libido
- Tribulus terestris: improves sexual and erectile dysfunction
- L-arginine HCl: increases sexual desire and wellbeing, improves erectile function
- Cnidium fruit: supports natural testosterone production
Res-Q Super Prostate: This formula helps to reduce the size of an enlarged prostate and prevent and relieve commonly associated symptoms, including urinary flow, volume, and frequency.
Ingredients:
- Saw palmetto berry: supports natural male hormone activity
- Green tea leaf: high in antioxidants such as polyphenols
- Nettle leaf: inhibits cell growth in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Beta-sitosterol: helps urinary flow
- Pumpkin seed: support an enlarged prostate.
- Lycopene: powerful antioxidant
- Vitamins A&E: protects against cell damage
- Zinc: adequate levels support prostate health
- Selenium: high level are linked to a reduction in developing advanced prostate cancer
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Dr. Melissa Josselson, NDDr. Josselson earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She then earned her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree (ND) from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, a 4-year graduate-level naturopathic medical school and one of five accredited schools in the U.S. |
