By Dr. Lalitha Palle
Though we live in a technologically advanced world with all the comforts and conveniences, certain challenges associated with health and wellness remain unaddressed. Non-communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cholesterol are plaguing the population at an alarming rate. Obesity has increased from 19% to 23% among men if recent data from a National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) is to be believed.
What is more disturbing is that diseases that once affected only the older population are now affecting the younger population too. Hormonal health is one of the most pressing health issues affecting individuals today. While hormone imbalance in women is often a topic of discussion, hormone health in men is not talked about much.
Testosterone levels decrease in men as they start growing old. But studies show that testosterone levels are decreasing even in younger men. Low testosterone levels are associated with sexual dysfunction, fatigue, lack of enthusiasm, and poor concentration among other symptoms. Over the last few years, testosterone levels have declined in adolescent and young adult men. Testosterone deficiency has a prevalence of 10%-40% among adult males, and 20% among adolescent young adults aged 15-39 years.
Testosterone is responsible for the male body habitus, development of male reproductive organs, sperm health, libido, muscle and body mass, male pattern hair growth, mood, etc. Obesity and high BMI, stress, poor diet, exposure to plastics and toxins, unhealthy lifestyle, and poor sleep are factors contributing to testosterone deficiency among men.
Let’s look at some of the important health challenges hindering testosterone production among men and remedies to tackle the same:
Obesity and lack of physical activity
Most men have jobs that require them to spend long hours at their desks. Sitting for long hours without any physical activity gradually deteriorates over health, including hormonal health which. Apart from leading to obesity which is associated with several lifestyle and cardiac diseases, it also interferes with reductions in free testosterone levels. Certain types of exercises, and leading an overall active and healthy lifestyle can help increase testosterone levels again, though there are a lot of other factors influencing the production of testosterone.
Unhealthy habits and excessive alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption is the highest among men in the age group of 40-64 years. It negatively affects overall men’s health, leading to cardiac and lung related problems, cancer and also sexual and reproductive health. Drinking alcohol reduces hormone levels and impairs the function of testicular Sertoli cells which play an important role in sperm maturation. Alcohol is also a major cause of fatty liver which is also a cause for metabolic and digestive problems.
Poor sleep
Lack of sleep can affect men’s health in many ways. Apart from being a factor for obesity, it also impact mental health, anxiety and other problems. Sleep quality has also been reported to have decreased, with problems like sleep apnea, and disturbed sleep, due to mobile phone addiction and bad sleep hygiene. This has also led to higher risk of infertility. While there are many reasons for poor sleep, vitamin deficiencies are one of the factors often overlooked. A deficiency of Vitamins B, E, and C increases the risk of sleep problems. Taking supplements while following a healthy lifestyle will fix sleep disorders, benefit overall health while also help in rectifying low testosterone issues.
Role of nutraceuticals in enhancing hormonal health
The age-old herbal/botanical science has applications in modern times too, and espcially after the pandemic, a lot of people are becoming aware about the benefits of choosing natural or nature identical health solutions. Botanical extracts like Ashwagandha, Safed Musli, Fenugreek, Ginseng, Kaunch beej, etc significantly benefit the human body when consumed in particular doses. Shilajit for instance is a natural substance effective in improving certain male functions. Fulvic Acid is the active ingredient in Shilajit responsible for enhancing hormonal health. The quantity and quality of Shilajit used in nutraceuticals determine whether an individual gets maximum benefits from the product.
Other health problems such as depression are also affecting men’s health in more ways than one. Some studies have shown that low testosterone could be one of the contributing factors to depression. A deficiency of minerals such as magnesium, selenium, iodine, zinc, etc is also linked with depression. Supplementing the diet with nutraceuticals is an excellent way to cope with micronutrient deficiency. Nutraceuticals rich in botanical extracts and bioactive alleviate depressive symptoms.
Men face a host of health issues most of which remain unaddressed until it’s too late. There is also a lot of stigma and shame associated especially with matters related to mental and sexual health. Nutraceuticals are a great remedy for a lot of health issues as they provide benefits in a wide range of therapeutic areas. But picking the right supplements is key to improving your health. Off-the-shelf formulations don’t do any good as the ingredients sourced may not be of the best quality. The quantity and quality of ingredients determine the effectiveness of the supplements. Supplements with holistic formulations are vital to gain the desired health benefits.
However, nutraceuticals should never be considered a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Individuals must follow healthy habits and be proactive in discussing symptoms of andropause and associated health problems.
and be proactive in discussing symptoms of andropause and associated health problems.
(Dr. Lalitha Palle, Founder and Director, MyPuraVida Wellness private Limited, parent company of ForMen)
