Natural Health for Men – The 60 + Years (Part 2)

In the second part of this article aimed at men aged 60 and over (Part 1 can be seen here), we will look at some of the less commonly talked about problems that can affect this age group and how natural health care can help to prevent and possibly improve these problems.

Prostate Problems
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system and is found beneath the bladder. It resembles a walnut in shape and size and produces secretions that help nourish the sperm and aid fertility. From about the age of 40, the prostate gland naturally enlarges (benign prostatic hypertrophy), due to testosterone changes in the body. Almost 90% of men will experience an enlarged prostate by the time they reach their 80s, but will experience little or no problems. However, some will experience problems with urination (frequency and difficulty passing urine), due to narrowing of the urethra (the tube which carries urine from the bladder).

Although these symptoms are usually harmless, they could indicate the possibility of more serious problems and should be referred to your doctor immediately, especially if blood is present in the urine. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with most diagnosed cases being in their 70s or older. The outlook and treatment is generally good for this form of cancer, but early detection improves the chances of recovery.

Helping to maintain good prostate health
It’s not clear what causes prostate problems, but research shows that eating a low fat diet is beneficial. Reduce your intake of red meat, animal fats, full fat milk and dairy produce. Increase your intake of salmon, herrings and sardines (high in Omega 3), fruit, vegetables, strawberries and tomatoes. These foods are high in vitamins A, C, E and lycopene and contain protective cancer fighting antioxidants. Research has shown that eating a lot of tomatoes can lower the risk of certain cancers, particularly prostate cancer. It appears that the effects are increased if they are processed or cooked, because heating helps to release the lycopene from the skins and makes it easier to absorb.

The minerals zinc and selenium are reputedly useful for prostate health. Selenium is found naturally in grains, nuts and oily fish and zinc in peas, beans, legumes, fish and meat.

Research shows that drinking 1-2 glasses of cranberry juice (or blueberry juice) a day can be beneficial for urinary tract infections, which can occur as the result of an enlarged prostate gland. You should seek medical advice before consuming cranberry juice if you are taking warfarin.

Stop smoking. Although smoking doesn’t cause prostate cancer, it may cause it to spread more quickly, so quitting is essential!

Erectile Dysfunction
At some point in their lives, most men experience the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. This can occur at any age and despite occurring more in older men (70s), it is not a natural consequence of ageing. For most men the problem is temporary and is often caused by tiredness or stress. For many older men (50-70) the problem may become more serious or long term and can affect relationships, cause depression and feelings of inadequacy. The problem may be exacerbated if it is not discussed and managed appropriately. If the problem becomes persistent or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should see your GP for advice. There are many treatments available for erectile dysfunction.

There are numerous causes of erectile dysfunction in older men. The majority of problems are usually caused by certain medication, a medical or physical origin, injury or disability. Certain anti-depressants may cause erectile dysfunction. If you take them, do not stop taking your medication, but discuss the problem and natural alternatives for depression with your GP.

It is important to understand that erectile dysfunction is not a symptom of loss of libido (sex drive), sterility or virility. It can be the result of drinking excess alcohol, tiredness, stress, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. Some cases can be attributed to emotional and psychological causes, especially if an erection can be experienced during sleep. If the cause is psychological or stress related, then the following may be beneficial.

Self help
Try and improve communication with your partner and spend quality time together. Talk and discuss the problem. Fear of intimacy and inadequacy can exacerbate the problem. Professional counselling, cognitive and psychosexual therapy can be beneficial for individuals and couples.

Massage with your partner is a wonderful way share intimacy and improve non verbal communication. Mix together 10ml of grapeseed oil with 3 drops each of sandalwood and rose otto essential oils. Apply warm oil with gentle massage strokes towards the heart, avoiding varicose veins. Do not apply this blend to the genital areas, or eyes.

Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables. Reduce your alcohol intake and stop smoking.

Reduce stress levels and get adequate sleep and rest. Walk, swim, meditate and exercise regularly. Take up a new hobby that you really enjoy, socialise and laugh… a lot!

Mid Life Crisis & Depression
The controversial male mid-life crisis, is a series of symptoms that some men claim to experience during the middle of their life and which last around 10 years. Although some people ridicule the idea of its existence, many experts believe that it does exist and originates from brain chemistry or hormonal changes. Symptoms may include depression and anxiety about personal and work life.

Self help
If your life is affected by depression and anxiety, then see you GP to discuss your options. Counselling can be helpful and St John’s Wort (herbal tablets) are reputedly good for depression. St John’s Wort is not suitable for certain people, so always check the cautions carefully before taking it and consult your GP first if you are being treated for a medical problem.

Ensure you eat a healthy diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, B vitamins and folic acid (cereals and green vegetables). Folic acid deficiency has recently been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and possibly depression. A healthy diet can help to improve the balance of brain chemicals and prevent depression.

Exercise initiates the release of endorphins (‘feel good’ chemicals) into the blood circulation, improving mood and self esteem.

Dementia
Dementia is a progressive illness that affects all areas of mental ability and is usually caused by a brain disease. It progresses steadily, until the later stages when the individual become unaware of themselves and their personality disintegrates. These symptoms can be particularly distressing for those caring for people with dementia.

There are several types of dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease), that affect over 750,000 people in the UK (Alzheimer’s Society). It is rare to develop dementia before the age of 65 but the risk increases as you grow older. However, dementia is not inevitable and there are a number of things you can do to help prevent developing it.

Preventative measures
Be aware of any unusual or abnormal behaviour in yourself or your partner, particularly if you have a family history of dementia.  Memory loss, confusion, poor concentration, the inability to perform simple tasks, mood swings, visual hallucinations, loss of libido, etc, could indicate a problem. However, there are many causes for these symptoms, so see your GP if you are concerned.

There is circumstantial evidence of a link between aluminium, mercury and Alzheimer’s disease, but research has not proved that they cause the disease. Mercury is known to have a toxic effect on the body’s central nervous system and is found in dental fillings, so until more research has been done, it may be prudent to choose porcelain fillings as an alternative.

Although there does not appear to be any significant connection between developing dementia and stress, improving and maintaining reasonable stress levels will improve overall health and wellbeing.

Research has shown that eating a healthy diet with lots of vitamins and minerals can influence your chances of developing dementia. Reduce salt and drink the occasional glass of wine. Stop smoking and take regular exercise.

Vitamins C and E may help with the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s. Eat plenty of citrus fruits such as oranges and blackcurrant and Vitamin E rich foods such as corn/olive oil, nuts, seeds, wheatgerm and cereals.

High levels of homocysteine (a product of the metabolism of proteins), can increase the risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid can help to lower homocysteine levels and can be found in the following foods: Liver, egg yolks, broccoli, bananas, oranges, nuts and whole grains, salmon, cod, tuna, chicken, bananas, chicken, eggs, pork, milk and yoghurt.

Vitamin D is vital for bone health and for boosting the immune system. But also, recent research suggests that Vitamin D may help to prevent mental decline associated with ageing, so ensure you are getting enough.

Vitamin D is formed in the skin after contact with the sun, but the skin is less able to do this as we age. To ensure you are getting enough, include foods such as herrings, mackerel, trout, salmon, anchovies, fresh tuna, low fat dairy, eggs and cereals regularly in your diet.

There are a number of organisations that offer advice, help or support on the problems covered in this article. You can find information on these below.

Article by Julie Burke for Third Age.
SPA.ITEC.CThA.Cert.Ed.   
www.merrymeetcottage.weebly.com

Help & Advice:

Male Health
www.malehealth.co.uk

NHS Stop smoking
www.smokefree.nhs.uk

Erectile Dysfunction
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Erectile-dysfunction

Samaritans
www.Samaritans.org

Alzheimer’s Society
www.alzheimers.org.uk