men's health
Men’s bodies are just as complex as a woman’s and they have just as many concerns and questions. Here on this page let’s explore some of those concerns and what herbs may be used in the aiding of them.
Maintaining good health requires great daily habits and practices. Prevention is better than treating problems. Below are superfoods that have been shown to help improve and maintain the male system.
- Dark green leafy veggies (like spinach)
- Chicken (high levels of protein)
- Goji Berries (also a high level of protein)
- Fresh fruit ( great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber)
- Pumpkin seeds (rich in zinc; excellent for the prostate)
- Sesame seeds (Calcium-rich; support the nervous system)
- Squash seeds (high in zinc; good for the prostate and male glandular system)
- Almonds (Although almonds are loaded with healthy unsaturated fats—as well as protein, fiber, and vitamin E—almonds are great for your heart, digestive system, and skin)
- Turkey breasts (Skinless turkey yields seven grams of muscle-building protein per ounce; it’s also the leanest meat you can find. Turkey is high in B vitamins, zinc, which is known to boost sperm production)
- Eggs (Eggs contain 4 grams of pure muscle-building amino acids inside every shell, in addition to boasting some of the highest naturally available doses around of a vitamin called choline, which is thought to help enhance memory.)
- Yogurt (aids digestion; supports the immune system)
Just to name a few…
PROSTATE HEALTH
What is the prostate organ?
The prostate is a chestnut-shaped organ no larger than a walnut, it is part-muscular, part-glandular and is located below the bladder and next to the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that runs from the bladder to the tip of the penis. (see the figure to the right) 
If the prostate becomes inflamed or enlarged, it squeezes the urethra, and bladder infections, urinary incontinence, and kidney problems ensue.
The prostate is also directly related to fertility, because it produces and secrets into the semen an alkaline, protein-like fluid that is critical for sperm motility.
What causes prostatitis? (inflammation of the prostate)
Causes are varied, but most are directly related to stress. Often, though not always stress may be of a sexual nature. Other factors to consider that may contribute to prostatitis include an unhealthy diet, consumption of alcohol, consumption of caffeine-rich products, lac of physical exercise, too much sitting, infections of the gums and tonsils, and venereal disease.
The symptoms of prostatitis and BPH (Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also called prostate enlargement, is a noncancerous increase in size of the prostate gland.) are similar. They include:
- blood in the urine (sometimes)
- pain upon sitting
- unexplained chills and fever
- painful urination
- difficulty in emptying the bladder completely
- having to get up at night to urinate
- reduced force when urinating (weak stream)
- loss of bladder control
- inability to urinate
What natural treatments can help prevent and treat prostatitis?
Watermelon seeds are great remedy for prostate imbalance. Saw palmetto isn’t a cure for prostate cancer, but it may be a preventative. Uva-ursi, nettle, corn silk to name a few aids in better urinary flow. Marshmallow root, echinacea, saw palmetto, gravel root help to ease inflammation and congestion of the prostate.
uva-ursi
GLANDULAR IMALANCES
Lack of energy, depression, impotence, and lack of vitality characterize glandular imbalances. Try taking a cold shower at least every other day. Take a quick warm shower and follow it with a burst of cold water. Cold water strengthens the overall constitution of the body and creates greater energy levels. It also stimulates immune functions by improving circulation and regulating body temperature.
IMPOTENCE AND INFERTILTY
Infertility in men can be caused by different factors and is typically evaluated by a semen analysis. When a semen analysis is performed, the number of sperm (concentration), motility (movement), and morphology (shape) are assessed by a specialist. A slightly abnormal semen analysis does not mean that a man is necessarily infertile. Instead, a semen analysis helps determine if and how male factors are contributing to infertility. Some less common causes are obstructions in the reproductive system, liver problems, and glandular imbalances in the thyroid (hypothyroidism) or the pituitary gland.
Impotence: A common problem among men characterized by the consistent inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse or the inability to achieve ejaculation, or both. Impotence can vary. It can involve a total inability to achieve an erection or ejaculation, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only very brief erections.
How can impotence and infertility be treated naturally?
When concocting your herbal formulas the following herbs are some that should play a staring role (not necessarily all at once)
- Siberian ginseng
- saw palmetto
- astragalus
- ashwagandha
- nettle
- oats
- dandelion
- licorice root
- sarsaparilla
- wild yam
Eating plenty of:
- fresh fruits
- fresh raw veggies
- grains
- high-quality protein
AVOID all processed refined foods, alcohol, sugar and caffeine-rich foods.
What is the Genitourinary System?
The term genitourinary system is the urinary and reproductive systems, which are often considered together because of their their proximity to each other.
The urethra feeds through the shaft of the penis in men, but in women it is located near the opening of the vagina. In both male and female anatomy this tube from the bladder is still the means by which urine leaves the body. Location is a little different and somewhat defines why certain physical problems with the urinary tract are more likely to be associated with a specific gender. Yet, unlike the relative similarities in the urinary system between genders, there is significant difference in what makes up male and female reproductive anatomy.
Women tend to be more susceptible to urinary tract infections, men do experience many systematic imbalances as infections in their genitourinary system. Weak bladders and urinary tract infections often plague men, most likely due to the placement of the male organ, the prostate. Cranberry juice is a good way to treat issues of the bladder and kidneys, since cranberries contain a chemical that prevents bacteria from adhering to the urethra wall.
Below is a list of herbs to help support the system:
- saw palmetto
- uva-ursi
- dandelion leaves
- goldenseal (use ONLY organic grown)
- marshmallow root
- corn silk
Just to name a few…
Kegel Exercises
Pelvic Muscle Exercises, also known as Kegels or Kegel Exercises, are one of the best ways for men to improve and maintain bowel and bladder functions. And they aren’t just for women! Kegels can have a tremendous impact on incontinence – especially after prostate surgery – as well as the potential to enhance sexual performance for men.
Sometimes the muscles that control bladder function are compromised from certain surgeries, prostate problems, or even overactive bladder in men. Kegels can help restore this muscle function.
There are three basic muscles that come in to play when thinking about a kegel. The bulbocavernosus muscle (BC muscle), the pubococcygeus muscle (PC muscle), and the iliococcygeus muscle (IC muscle). Each of these muscles have a specific role in the body:
BC MUSCLES
Squeezing semen or urine out of the urethra.
Squeezing more blood into the end of the penis.
PC MUSCLES
Also plays a role in urination and bowel movements.
Forms a large part of the pelvic floor, supporting lower organs.
Contracts during orgasm.
IC MUSCLES
Like the PC muscle, it forms part of the strength of the pelvic floor.
it pulls the anus back up after a bowel movement.
When performing Kegels, the BC is the major muscle being used, while PC and IC have a less direct role.
This is just a suggestion…
HOW TO DO KEGEL EXERCISES
Like any exercise, it can be difficult at first to know that you are performing Kegels properly. But with a daily commitment, it becomes instinctive.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS:
Which muscles? If you can stop your urination flow mid-stream, you have identified your pelvic floor muscles. That’s the most difficult part of the exercise.
Build up to your routine. Performing with an empty bladder, your first goal should be to tighten your pelvic floor muscles for 5 seconds. Then relax them for 5 seconds. Try to do 5 reps on your first day. As you gain confidence from your new routine, aim for for 10 seconds at a time, relaxing for 10 seconds between contractions.
Watchouts. Be careful not to flex the muscles in your abdomen, thighs, or buttocks. Also, avoid holding your breath. Breathe freely during the exercises to keep from stressing the rest of your body.
Repeat 3 times per day. Aim for at least 3 sets of 10 repetitions per day.
Give yourself encouragement. These exercises will feel foreign in the beginning. But the longer you stay with this, the better your bladder health will become. As a bonus, Kegels have been reported to increase sexual pleasure as well.
TO GIVE YOUR PELVIC FLOOR A FULL WORKOUT, THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF EXERCISES YOU SHOULD PERFORM.
Short Contraction. The first exercise is called a short contraction, and it works the fast twitch muscles that quickly shut off the flow of urine to prevent leakage. The muscles are quickly tightened, lifted up, and then released. You should contract as you exhale, then continue to breathe normally as you do the exercises.
Long Contraction. The second exercise works on the supportive strength of the muscles and is referred to as a long contraction. The slow twitch muscles are gradually tightened, lifted up, and held for several seconds. As first, it may be difficult to hold the contraction for more than 1 or 2 seconds. Ultimately, the goal is to hold the contraction for 10 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds between each long contraction to avoid taxing the muscles. A solid exercise plan would be to perform 3 sets of 10 short and 10 long contractions twice per day. Remember: quality is king here. Doing the exercises right trumps doing a bunch of them incorrectly. You should see improvements in 3 to 6 months.
HEART HEALTH
Good nutrition and lifestyle play big roles in keeping your heart healthy. You can decrease your risk of heart disease by making smart food choices. Fill up on fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans and lentils. Choose plant-based fats, such as avocado, nuts, seeds and olive oil, instead of animal-based fats such as butter.
SAFETY PRECAUTION
If you are taking heart medication, be very cautious about which herbs and or supplements you use. Make sure to double check, even though the herbs on this list are safe, it is wise to check with your medical care provider and holistic provider to ensure the best formula.
