Ashten Buck
Nutritionist & Teacher, International College of Holistic Health
Andy De Santis
Registered Dietitian, Private Practice in Toronto, Ont.
When eating well isn’t enough, taking nutritional supplements can help fill the gap by offering benefits, like supporting prostate function.
Good news! The average life expectancy for men in Canada is creeping upward. It’s now 79.5 years, compared to 83.9 years for women, according to Statistics Canada. Generally, men become ill at an earlier age and develop more chronic illnesses than women. It’s clear that men’s health is lagging.
The reasons are complex. Research indicates that men are less likely to be proactive about their health. An Ipsos poll found that almost two-thirds of Canadian men said they were overdue for their routine health check-up with their doctor. A knowledge gap for what men should do to support their health is another issue.
Tackling the nutrition knowledge gap
Nutritional supplements can be part of a proactive health strategy, but data shows that women use them more than men. “Compliance is another common issue people have,” explains Ashten Buck, a nutritionist with a specialization in nutrition and dietetics from Western University and a teacher at the International College of Holistic Health. She also has a degree in naturopathy from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. “If the recommendation is taking one pill three times per day, it’s less likely that the therapeutic dose will be met. What we need are simple, foundational supplements that make the most impact for the body and situation.”
What we need are simple, foundational supplements that make the most impact for the body and situation.
Taking supplements doesn’t have to be complicated. A high-quality, complete multi-vitamin is a good place to start. Healthy Planet Canada’s AOR Ortho Core ticks a lot of boxes for men’s health with essential vitamins and minerals, including lycopene for prostate health, selenium for fertility and reproductive health, CoQ10 for heart health and increased exercise capacity, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.
Though Canadians may look to food for nutrients, chances are their diets are lacking, underscoring the need for supplements. “Humans are creatures of habit, and as much as we advocate to ‘eat the rainbow,’ it doesn’t always turn out that way,” Buck notes. “People know what they like to eat and usually don’t stray too far from that on a day-to-day basis, so there’s a chance we’re missing some essential nutrients from our diet.”
Seek supplements that deliver on quality
Complicating the issue is that soil quality is decreasing, so the crops we consume are less nutrient-dense than they were a century ago, Buck points out. Quality supplements can support men’s health.
Look for those with third-party testing, quality assurance logos on the package, trademarked ingredients, therapeutic doses, and professional-grade products. Also, buy from a reputable company, like Healthy Planet Canada. It has been helping Canadian men live healthier for over 30 years and offers a wide variety of products through its retail outlets and online.
Prostate health should be a priority. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among Canadian men (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers) and is the third leading cause of death. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) results in an enlarged prostate, which can affect urinary health, especially among men over age 40.
Prostate health a cornerstone for wellness
For better prostate health, experts suggest regular exercise, adequate hydration, maintaining a healthy weight, eating less red meat, and reducing stress. “Supporting sexual health and libido often involves supporting testosterone and circulation,” explains Buck.
She recommends products like ashwagandha, which indirectly increases testosterone levels by decreasing cortisol (a stress hormone), ginkgo biloba, and ginseng. Citrulline malate supports blood flow, libido, and overall sexual health. Plant sterols can help decrease prostate inflammation and reduce the urinary frequency sensation. Research shows saw palmetto, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds can support prostate health. To help relieve the urologic symptoms associated with mild-to-moderate BPH, consider a supplement, such as Nature’s Way Saw Palmetto Berry.
Andy De Santis, a Toronto-based registered dietitian in private practice, points to lycopene (found in tomatoes, for example) and vitamin D as having some effect on reducing an enlarged prostate. “Vitamin D is elusive, especially in Canada,” he says. “Lower levels in men have been associated with a large prostate. It’s possible that ensuring a lifetime of adequate levels might reduce the risk of an enlarged prostate.”
Eating well is a good strategy, too. De Santis notes that elevated levels of cholesterol and blood sugar are risk factors for many health conditions, including enlarged prostate. Psyllium fibre is one option to help lower them, he says.
Fortunately, men can take proactive steps to safeguard their health at any age. As Buck says, “It’s never too late to start.”
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