These days, walking down the pharmacy aisle looking for a simple male health supplement can be an intimidating experience. There are literally hundreds of bottles out there claiming various health benefits. A good part of this is in response to our “fast food” society seeking instant gratification and jumping to provocative claims for a quick answer to male health by simply swallowing a cure.
Health is more than curing and preventing disease. The ultimate goal is optimal male health in all aspects – strength, endurance, mental performance at a high level, disease prevention, pain-free living and longevity. All should be considered when shopping for supplements.
But dietary supplements are just that – an addition to a healthy lifestyle. Only when one cannot naturally provide the body with what it needs to function properly, or when an illness occurs, should one attempt male health through herbs, vitamins, or supplements.
The guidelines for healthy living are quite simple. Proper nutrition, clean air and drinking water, adequate sleep, adequate exercise or activity, and avoiding stress are the cornerstones of ultimate male health. Diet plays a big part, and just sticking to a diet rich in dark green leafy vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and a low-fat diet is one of the best preventative measures you can take against heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
When unusual health conditions arise, using nutritional supplements to support the body’s natural healing mechanism can be an extremely effective approach. But buyers beware! Much of the information available on these dietary supplements is actually prepared by the manufacturers themselves, hardly an impartial recommendation. Here are three tips for choosing the best male health supplements:
Listen to your body. Just as you were aware of the condition you were trying to cure, you should be aware of any signs your body might be giving you that the supplement is not achieving the desired goals or, worse, causing negative side effects. Stomach upset and skin rashes are two of the most common complaints. Stop taking the supplement and check again.
Proceed with caution. The FDA does not regulate male health supplements under the same guidelines as prescription drugs. You are the only guardian of your earnings. Dietary supplements and prescription medications can help you feel better and prevent common ailments, and both are available at your local pharmacy. One thing missing from the supplement, which the prescription drug is not, is the FDA-approved document that contains all the information on how to safely take the prescription, identify its negative side effects, and avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions.
Be tired of overdoses. Large amounts of water-soluble vitamins like B12 are less of a concern since your body can easily excrete the excess. But vitamins A, D, E and K, which might be sought in the treatment of chronic liver disease or a host of other ailments, are known as fat-soluble vitamins and are stored in organs and tissues. The body cannot easily compensate for an excess, leading to a range of negative side effects such as joint pain, dry skin, nausea and depression. Keep it within safe guidelines — for men, that’s 3,000 mcg of vitamin A, 2,000 IU of vitamin D, and 1,000 mg of vitamin E per day.
All in all, taking male health supplements should be part of a comprehensive approach to overall health. Seek regular consultations with a qualified naturopathic or holistically-minded practitioner to ensure you are on the right track and to safely recommend supplements or prescriptions if needed. And keep an eye on the price – optimal health and longevity.
Thanks to Rolf Rasmusson
