Two diseases that a lot of men suffer from are prostate problems and heart disease.

PROSTATE PROBLEMS

The prostate gland exists only in men. It is approximately the size of a chestnut and it lies directly underneath the bladder. The urethra, i.e. the tube that carries urine from the bladder down through the penis and out of the body, passes through the prostate gland. When men pass the age of 30 increasing amounts of the male hormone testosterone becomes converted into the inflammatory form di-hydrotesterone (DHT). As DHT starts to build up in the prostate, it causes the prostate to enlarge or grow bigger. As it does so, the prostate squashes the urethra that it surrounds making it increasingly difficult for urine to leave the bladder effectively. Symptoms of an enlarged prostate (Benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH) result.

Symptoms include

-poor urine flow

-difficulty in getting urine flow started

-stopping and starting rather than a steady flow

-frequent and urgent urination

-getting up during the night to urinate

-feeling that the bladder cannot be emptied fully

-reoccurring urinary tract infections.

As the urine stagnates in the bladder not able to get out, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria- hence the increase in urinary tract infections associated with prostate enlargement. As the prostate enlarges it increases the risk of developing prostate cancer, but even apart from this very serious consequence, the general symptoms of enlarged prostate are troublesome enough to substantially reduce the quality of life for many men. Prostate problems affect about 50% of men by the time they are 50 years and almost 100% of men that reach 80.

SAW PALMETTO

Saw palmetto has been used for thousands of years by Native Americans to treat enlarged prostates and urinary tract infections in men. The berry of the plant contains constituents that prevent testosterone from changing into its inflammatory harmful form. The overall effect of taking the herb is to prevent or reverse the symptoms of an enlarged prostrate. If you already suffer from an enlarged prostrate it is a very good idea to continue taking the herb at a reduced maintenance dose after you gain relief of symptoms, as the symptoms will inevitably return as you get older.

Saw palmetto has no side effects or adverse reactions. It can be taken alongside any other medication you may be taking but it is not recommended for use alongside prescribed medication for an enlarged prostrate. Saw palmetto does not interfere in any way with testosterone levels in the body so there is no adverse affect on sperm count or erectile function.

OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR PROSTATE.

-take a zinc supplement as zinc is excellent for prostate health

-take Essential Fatty Acids which reduce inflammation in the prostate

-eat pumpkin seeds which are rich in both zinc and essential fatty acids

-reduce alcohol consumption as it causes inflammation in the prostate.

HEART DISEASE

Heart disease remains our number one killing disease. One in four men in Britain suffers a heart attack before they retire. This is particularly shocking given the fact that heart disease is a disease largely of our own making and there is much we can do with lifestyle changes to prevent it.

Men suffer from a higher risk of heart disease for a combination of reasons, including the influence of testosterone on cholesterol levels and blood pressure, as well as diet and lifestyle.

The risk of heart attack dramatically increases with an increase in blood pressure. The overall idea in protecting against heart disease is to avoid letting your cholesterol level raise, avoid your arteries clogging up, keep your weight down, and keep stress levels under control.

DIET

Diet is hugely important in protecting against heart disease. In brief avoid fatty foods and sugary foods as these both clog the arteries and put up weight. Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake as these both adversely affect your energy and stress levels. Likewise nicotine has an adverse influence on stress levels and is also a serious risk factor for heart disease. Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Snack on nuts, seeds and dried fruits. Increase your water intake as this is good for both blood pressure and energy levels.

EXERCISE

Exercise can help to cut the risk of heart disease by half! This does not have to mean hours of rigorous and painful activity in a gym. Any exercise will help as long as it is done regularly and built upon.

VITAMINS, MINERALS AND HERBS

VITAMIN E. Vitamin E is well established as a supplement for reducing heart disease. It thins the blood and is vital for retaining the elasticity of the artery walls. Vitamin E is also a potent antioxidant helping to prevent the free radical damage that is a major contributing factor in heart disease.

MAGNESIUM. Magnesium relaxes the heart muscle and helps balance its rhythm. It also relaxes the nervous system reducing stress levels and promoting a good night's sleep. Magnesium is commonly deficient in those suffering from heart disease.

CoQ10. CoQ10 improves energy production in the heart muscle and increases the strength of heart contraction.

CRATEGUS (HAWTHORN). Crategus is an herb that feeds the heart tissue and gently helps rebalance blood pressure. It needs to be taken for at least six months and it can be taken alongside other prescribed heart medication. Crategus is particularly good for angina but helps with most heart problems.

HAWTHORN-GARLIC COMPLEX. This is a combination product, which in addition to providing the benefits of hawthorn, also helps to clear out the muck from the arteries and helps to thin the blood. This all allows blood to flow more efficiently to the heart. If you are already taking prescribed blood pressure or heart medication you can still take Hawthorn-Garlic but at a reduced dose.

RHODIOLA. Now more than ever many men are suffering from stress. Men traditionally regard themselves as the providers for their families and the current economic climate and the uncertainty of the future is causing many men to worry. Rhodiola is an excellent stress balancing herb as it acts on both the adrenal glands and serotonin levels in the brain and so has an influence on both physical and mental stress. By raising serotonin levels Rhodiola also promotes good sleep and helps with a depressed or dark mood. Rhodiola is not recommended for those already taking prescribed antidepressants or tranquillisers. Taking a Vitamin-B complex alongside Rhodiola often produces a speedy and effective rebalancing of stress levels.