Best Supplements for Men Over 40

As we age, our cognitive, mental and physical powers decline. Especially in men, the testosterone levels decrease significantly with age. This fall in optimal hormone levels leads to weakening bones and muscles, and we begin to notice that we don't have the stamina and strong body we used to have in our 20s.

With hectic schedules, multiple jobs and family commitments, it becomes difficult to take care of ourselves. The junk foods we eat don't provide us with the proper nutrition. With increased career demands, our sleep pattern is always messed up, not hitting the gym and sitting in the same chair or couch all day long results in lack of physical activity.

Feeling fatigued and mentally exhausted with age could be a sign that our declining gut health and the processed, unhealthy food we eat are not providing us with proper nutrition. And here comes the role of supplementation according to the needs and requirements of our body.

A well-balanced whole-food diet can meet most but not all of our nutrient requirements. So, it becomes essential to add certain supplements that we lack to our diet and that are crucial to maintaining health at an age beyond 40.

What supplements do I Need?

If you're a man over 40 and looking for supplements to add to your diet, then you're at the right place. In this section, we'll be listing some of the most important nutrients, according to recent research, that you might need to incorporate as a part of your daily life. Without these essential nutrients, it becomes difficult for our bodies to function at optimal levels. So, what are these supplements? We've listed them below for you;

• Zinc
• Vitamin C
• B vitamins
• Vitamin D
• Collagen
• Omega-3 fats

But why do we need to add so many supplements? Am I lacking all of them? What do these supplements do? We're sure you must have all these questions while reading this article, and you'll get to know their answers soon.

At Curated Wellness, we provide you with scientific reasons and explanations, as well as a holistic approach to improving your overall health. In today's world of hustle and bustle, a stressful lifestyle has made good health a dream luxury to enjoy, so it's important to de-stress yourself to enjoy the best of your lives.

But sometimes it gets important to seek professional medical advice for our specific health concerns. For this, our medical practitioners are here to help 24/7.

What nutrients do men need?

A whole food diet containing complex carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, and fibers provides most of the nutrients our body needs. But as we grow old, our gut health gradually decreases. So even though we're eating all the good stuff, the absorptive capacity of the intestines is not optimal. And on top of that, we're constantly feeding them with junk and processed foods that have very low nutritional value.

So, it becomes important to add supplements that contain these essential nutrients. Below are the most important nutrients that men over 40 need!

1.Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral, i.e., it is required in diet since there is no functional storage of zinc in our bodies. However, one of the sites in our body where it is concentrated in greater than usual amounts is the prostate gland in men. Here, it is responsible for regulating testosterone levels and sperm production. Zinc deficiency can result in decreased sperm count, low libido, decreased testosterone levels, and even hypogonadism, i.e., testicular atrophy.

Adequate zinc levels in the body protect men from conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and urinary tract pathologies. Another very important function of zinc is to maintain insulin levels. It also increases insulin sensitivity in cells by binding to insulin receptors in liver cells. Most men over 40 are either prediabetic or diabetic due to insulin resistance in their bodies.

Zinc supplements are used in such cases to regulate blood sugar levels. Zinc is also helpful for muscle repair. Because of its antioxidant action, it prevents thymus atrophy. The thymus is responsible for white blood cell maturation, which play an important role in immunity. Even the sense of taste and smell requires Zinc. Zinc deficiency can lead to deteriorated night vision, dry scaly skin and intestinal inflammation. It feels like science has discovered every possible function of the human body associated with zinc.

Thankfully, there are supplements to cover up for zinc deficiency, too. Our Innate Response Men Over 40 One Daily contains not only zinc but also vitamin B, vitamin C and microminerals like manganese. In addition it has adaptogenic herbs like ginseng and turmeric that fight inflammation and reduce oxidative stress are especially good for reproductive health.

2.B vitamins

Vitamin B complex is a complex of different B vitamins, each performing a specific function in the body. For example, Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is responsible for glucose metabolism and myelin sheath formation, which wraps around the nerve axons. Its deficiency causes nerve and muscle irritability, a condition called beriberi disease.

Vitamin B2 also known as riboflavin is important for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Its deficiency causes fatigue and depression. Vitamin B3, which is Niacin, is an important cofactor for different enzymes in our body. A person deficient in niacin may have dermatitis, diarrhoea and dementia, a condition known as pellagra.

Another important vitamin B is pantothenic acid, i.e. vitamin B5. Elderly and alcoholics suffer from its deficiency due to malabsorption, which results in neurodegenerative changes in the brain and peripheral nerves. Vitamin B9, i.e. folate, is crucial for DNA synthesis and the replication process of cells. In older adults, its deficiency leads to anemias because of a lack of red and white blood cells.

Last but definitely not least, vitamin B12 or cobalamin plays a significant role in the bone marrow and the gastrointestinal tract. An important overall effect of all these vitamins combined is their antioxidant property, which reduces inflammatory processes in the body.

With this discussion, no question is left about not taking B complex supplements in the diet. Our innate response B complex is formed from organic brown rice and broccoli, and it's totally gluten- and dairy-free, thus causing no allergic reactions or side effects in people. Whole grains, fish, eggs, meat, fresh vegetables, and fruits do cover most but not all of the dietary requirements of these vitamins, so the supplements come in handy in such situations, especially for people who are 40 and above.

3.Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant found in citrus fruits and fresh vegetables naturally. Because of its antioxidant effects, it fights against oxidizing agents like radiation and harmful chemicals and protects cells from DNA damage and mutations. It is involved in collagen synthesis, an important connective tissue component in skin and hair.

Because of this, it has an important role in wound healing and clot stabilization. It is responsible for protein metabolism and helps in better iron absorption from the gut. That's why people who are advised iron tablets are also given vitamin C supplements. It is also responsible for the formation of important neurotransmitters in our nervous system.

Supplemental vitamin C can be a good choice for people who are vitamin C deficient. Thorne's vitamin C contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which boost the function of vitamin C and can be used safely to boost the immune system. Along with these supplements, you need to look for some of the best sources of vitamin C in natural foods.

4.Vitamin D

Vitamin D comes in various forms. One of the active forms of vitamin D is calcitriol, or vitamin D3. Our body does contain vitamin D, but it is usually inactive. Sunlight exposure, especially in the early morning at dawn and at the desk, can be a good way to activate vitamin D3. Natural sources of this vitamin include liver mushrooms, egg yolk, cod liver oil, tunas, and yogurt. Vitamin D regulates free calcium in the blood by increasing its absorption from the gut and reducing its excretion via the kidneys.

In this way, it strengthens the bones and prevents bone fractures, especially in older adults at increased risk of osteoporosis. Some studies show that it also increases insulin sensitivity and maintains sugar levels in the blood. As we age, we lose the ability to take up this vitamin and activate it, so we're at increased risk of fractures because of bone and muscle weakness. Adding a vitamin D3 supplement becomes crucial, especially after 40. Boosting our immune system with a D3 supplement alone or with vitamin K2 can save us from such bone and joint problems.

Quicksilver Scientific Micro Emulsified Vitamin D3-K2 is a complex of 2500 IU of D3 and 90 micrograms of K2, respectively, and is found to be beneficial in this regard.

5.Omega 3 fats

These are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids; they are not synthesized in our body and are required from an exogenous source. Fish oils, walnuts, seeds, and salmon are rich sources of these fatty acids. Ideally, the ratio of omega 6 to omega three fats should be 3:1, but in our daily food, omega six fatty acids are present in sufficient amounts, and Omega-3’s are usually deficient.

What do these fats do? They regulate inflammatory cytokines released from white blood cells, thus reducing inflammation. They also decrease insulin resistance, anxiety and depression, as well as protect us from cancers. Recent studies have shown that they are metabolized by heart and brain cells in stressful conditions and also decrease the levels of triglycerides in blood. In this way, they are crucial for cardiac health and reducing the incidence of coronary heart disease.

Fish oil supplements are available, but some people who are concerned about shellfish allergies and the mercury present in them can use hemp seed oil as an alternative. Our Life Balance hemp seed oil contains 1000 mg of omega-6 and Omega-3s in an ideal ratio of 3:1 and is totally allergen-free.

6.Collagen

Collagen is a protein present in connective tissue. According to its structure, it is divided into many types, types 1,2,3,4, etc. They are present in skin, bone, tendons, joints, ligaments, hair, vasculature, and cartilage. Here, it gives structure, strength, firmity, and elasticity to these structures. That's why when we age, we lose collagen in our skin because of its breakdown, so wrinkles appear on our skin.

It is also responsible for wound healing, so with aging, the wound repairing process gets slow, and scar marks stay almost forever. To prevent this, bovine collagen peptides are a great way to help. You can mix a scoop of this collagen powder in your favourite drink, like a smoothie or even coffee, and enjoy healthy skin, hair, nails and joints.

Confused about choosing the right supplement for you?

There are a variety of different brands offering multiple supplements, so choosing the right supplement for you can be challenging sometimes. An easy way to check if these supplements actually work or not is to see if they're a third party tested brands, which is usually mentioned over their packaging or website. Dispensary like Curated Wellness ensures the finest quality of supplements according to persons specific needs and requirements.

Why are we experts on supplements?

Curated Wellness is a group of Nutritional Therapy Practitioners; all of them having years of experience in treating medical conditions holistically and bringing the best of people's health and lifestyle. Our supplements are tested by third parties and over the course of years they have healed multiple people from all over the world.

So are you ready to begin your journey towards better health? We have practitioners available for consulation 24/7. They'll recommend you the exact diet and supplement routine according to your personal body needs.