Independent health store advice on men’s health

Looking for advice on natural health and wellbeing? Your local independent health food store can offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise. This month we speak to nutritional consultant Juliette Bryant on behalf of The Natural Way, Braintree

As a nutritional consultant, I often have men coming to me about reducing their waist size, reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, wanting to go plant-based and still stay in shape, increasing their fitness and energy levels.

Men are definitely becoming more interested in health. I give talks all around the world and the numbers of men coming to them are increasing. I think that especially with the huge rise in veganism a lot of men have realised that by looking at what they eat they can have more energy, look better and train harder. A recent film showed that men who ate a plant-based diet were able to perform better in many areas of their life.

It is becoming more fashionable for men to look after themselves, which is great. We are also seeing a lot more younger men getting into health and fitness which is creating a great set of role models moving forward.

Here are some examples of specific vitamins, minerals or supplements that are particularly beneficial for men’s health:

Zinc

Zinc is a key nutrient in the production of protein and DNA in the body. This is important for building muscles, repairing muscles, promotes healthy skin and helps support good energy levels. Zinc is important for healthy testosterone levels, a healthy prostate, healthy hair and a strong immune system.

Vitamin D3 with K2

Vitamin D has been in the press a lot recently with many studies linking low vitamin D levels to poor immunity. In the UK we don’t get enough sunlight over the winter months to keep adequate levels of vitamin D in our body. Many people are being found to have low levels of vitamin D, so this is a key area to look into. When we take D3 with K2 it increases the body’s uptake of it. It has been shown that vitamin D is needed for over 700 functions in the body, making it the most used nutrient. So this is very important for overall health and wellbeing.

Shilajit

Shilajit helps to increase energy, balance hormones and reduce ageing. This ancient Ayurvedic remedy contains high levels of fulvic minerals which help to reduce free radical damage in the body. Studies have also shown that it is a great source of iron, highly anti-viral and may also help with conditions like chronic fatigue.

Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is a herbal remedy which is generally used to help with symptoms of an enlarged prostate. This condition is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Saw palmetto is thought to help prevent the breakdown of testosterone into its by-product, dihydrotestosterone.

Magnesium

Magnesium is responsible for many enzymatic reactions within the body, especially in relation to the male reproductive area. Magnesium levels have been linked to healthy levels of testosterone. Magnesium can also help to keep the bowels moving, which is very important for overall health and wellbeing.

Co-enzyme Q10

This antioxidant may help to reduce oxidative stress, improve male and female fertility, and increase the mobility of sperm. Studies have shown that co-enzyme Q10 may also help to fight disease and ward off signs of ageing.

Pine pollen

Pine pollen is one of the only sources of testosterone in the plant kingdom. It has long been used as a male tonic as it is thought to help increase male testosterone production.

It is also high in magnesium and B vitamins, all of which are important for mental wellbeing and energy levels.

The Natural Way

The Natural Way health food store is an independent family-run business that has been helping Braintree stay healthy for over 35 years.

It is run by Richard and Lauren Sambridge who are both qualified to Diploma level by The Institute of Health Food Retailers, and are supported by a great team of staff, who all work towards the diploma and have qualifications in their own areas of interest.

The store is located at 82 High Street, Braintree, Essex, CM7 1JP. To find out more, visit www.thenaturalway.co.uk or call 01376 329009.

Juliette Bryant offers her nutritional services at this location as well as others. For more info on Juliette’s work visit www.juliettebryant.com

Men’s Health Week takes place from 15 to 21 June. This annual campaign aims to raise awareness about the health issues that affect men and encourages men to seek help for their health problems.

For more information visit www.menshealthforum.org.uk/mhw