What Men Want to Know

I know there are many health topics most men aren't comfortable talking about. They'd rather suffer in silence, pretending everything's fine--even if it's not. Since this Sunday is Father's Day, I thought I would dedicate today's blog post, and Friday's, to talking about some of these vexing, and sometimes embarrassing, health problems.

Help! My sex drive is as strong as ever, but my body doesn’t always cooperate.
Most cases of erectile dysfunction (ED) have a physical, rather than a psychological cause, and the likely culprit is atherosclerosis—you’re just not getting enough blood to the area in question. To improve overall circulation, follow the Whitaker Program of a healthy diet and exercise regimen, and take a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement with high doses of antioxidants and B-complex vitamins.

For ED, I often prescribe Viagra. While “the little blue pill” isn’t for everyone, particularly men using nitroglycerine or other nitrate medications, I feel this is one of the best prescription drugs to come down the pike in a long time.

Natural therapies, such as the amino acid arginine, are also helpful for erectile dysfunction. Panax ginseng is another option. Ginseng stimulates the adrenal glands, which increase their production of sex hormones, and augments levels of nitric oxide, which is involved in the mechanics of an erection.

How can I avoid prostate cancer?

Some experts believe that a significant percentage of all cancers can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices. Chief among these is eating a low-fat diet. The saturated fats in meat and dairy fuel hormone-dependent cancers and are clearly linked with prostate cancer. Trans-fatty acids in fried and processed foods are also suspect.

On the other hand, certain foods are protective against prostate cancer. Soy contains antioxidants and isoflavones with specific anti-cancer activity. Tomatoes, especially when cooked, are an excellent source of lycopene, which is linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Green tea is rich in polyphenols that inhibit the formation of cancer-causing nitrosamines and block the growth of cancer cells. And it was recently discovered that men who drink one to three cups of regular or decaf coffee per day have a 29 decreased risk of the most lethal type of prostate cancer. For men who drink six cups or more, that risk is 60 percent less, compared to nondrinkers.

An antioxidant-rich daily nutritional supplement is also protective. Look for one that contains 200 mcg of selenium and 800 IU of vitamin E, both shown to greatly reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Come back on Friday—when I’ll discuss more of the issues that may be on your mind when it comes to men’s health.

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