Men’s Health Month isn’t until June, but it’s never too early to brush up on health-related knowledge. For example, did you know cardiovascular disease affects 300,000 men yearly?
But there are ways to combat cardiovascular disease. Exercise, healthy eating, and supplements are a few ways to help reduce the risks of heart-related issues.
Yes, you read right; buying supplements can help you stay healthy. But how? you may wonder. There are types of supplements that contain good vitamins suited to help your body in a variety of ways.
Read on to find out the best supplements to improve men’s health.
First, A Disclaimer
Before we further shout the virtues of supplements, we should point out that they, in general, aren’t the pinnacle of health care. Supplements can be helpful, but you still need regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle.
It may help to consider taking supplements as part of a functional nutrition regimen. Functional health considers every aspect of your body, health, and general lifestyle to provide proper health recommendations.
Any symptoms you have are observed to see how they relate to your overall health and other factors. A functional nutritionist will give you a holistic health plan once all underlying issues are recorded.
Supplements are likely a large part of the holistic health plan. We brought this up because taking supplements or medication without consulting a medical professional is not advisable. With all that said, we’ll move on to our list.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D encourages healthy bone and teeth growth. It also aids immunity, cell growth, and muscle function. Men are more prone to vitamin D deficiencies than women, so they need to be careful to get enough.
Most people get their vitamin D from sunlight. But sunblock, long clothing, and a predominantly indoor lifestyle can hinder vitamin D intake. There are two other ways you can get vitamin D:
- Food (fatty fish, fortified milk, eggs, and cereals)
- Supplemental vitamins
Supplements are a good source of vitamin D if you’re allergic to or cannot eat the listed foods for whatever reason.
Vitamin D deficiencies are shown to increase blood pressure and cardiovascular issues. However, it’s also shown that increasing your intake of this vitamin is only helpful if you suffer from a deficiency.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is one of the best vitamins for men because it’s necessary for various bodily functions. B12 helps your body make red blood cells and keeps your nervous system operating.
Vitamin B12 deficiencies may manifest as anemia, loss of appetite, headaches, vision problems, and other health issues. You can find B12 in eggs, seafood, and dairy.
Men who don’t or can’t eat these foods may not have enough B12. You can take supplements to compensate for what you’re missing. Vitamin B12 can be tricky to take in supplement form, though.
If you take too much, you may experience memory problems, depression, and confusion. Food is the easiest way to get your required vitamins.
Whey Powder
Whey is a liquid substance leftover from the milk-making process. When processed into a powdered form, it’s a beneficial supplement.
Whey powder isn’t a “required” supplement but contains many good vitamins like B6, B12, and B3. Whey powder is a good choice for active men because it activates muscle repair after exercise.
You can drink whey powder shakes whenever you want, but they work best about 30 minutes after your workout. Timing the drink after exercise makes it easier for the amino acids and proteins to flow through your bloodstream.
Whey powder can help lower cholesterol, weight, liver toxins, and blood sugar. Consider springing for the more expensive powder mixtures if you’re serious about your whey regimen.
Casein Powder
Casein is another milk byproduct supplement– That’s where most of cow milk protein comes from. Unlike whey, casein works its way into your bloodstream slower.
Casein powder shakes work their magic best while you sleep. The amino acids in the shake will repair and refresh your muscles while you sleep. You’ll be prepared for your next workout before you get up.
Another benefit to drinking casein is you’ll feel fuller longer. Casein takes a while to digest, so you don’t have to eat as frequently.
Probiotics
Probiotics are some of the best supplements because they promote gut health. A probiotic is a living bacteria inside your gut that helps keep things stable.
An unhealthy gut may lead to diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Other signs of an unhealthy gut are frequent gas, heartburn, bloating, and constipation. Taking probiotics can:
- Reduce the risk of diarrhea and IBD
- Relive gas, heartburn, and bloating
- Relieve constipation
- Improve digestion and immunity
A supplement only works as well as its source. You should purchase probiotics from a reliable vendor if you choose to take them. Also, follow dosage instructions. Too many probiotics can cause gas and bloating.
Zinc
Zinc is one of the best vitamins for men because it’s required for male hormone functionality. Zinc is responsible for the production of testosterone, which develops various male characteristics.
It becomes difficult for men to build muscle mass, bone density, and strength without a steady source of zinc. Zinc also promotes a healthy sex drive in men.
Unfortunately, your body’s zinc production falls off as you age. You can find zinc in the following:
- Oysters
- Red meat
- Poultry
- Crab and lobster
- Dairy products
- Grains
Of course, this article is about buying supplements. You can find zinc in your nearest supplement store if you have an issue with the listed foods.
Regardless of how you get your zinc, it’s one of the best supplements for male health. You need to ensure you consume a proportional amount for a healthy lifestyle.
Take the Best Supplements for Your Health
One of the best supplements for men is zinc because it specifically contributes to their overall health. Meanwhile, vitamin B12 helps avoid nervous system complications.
Remember that you can’t sustain your health by only buying supplements. They’re only a tiny part of a balanced functional health regimen.
If you’re curious about more ways to stay healthy, contact Dody Chiropractic. Our mission is to aid you on your journey to a healthier life.
