Supplements for Men
The following is from many sources, such as Fertility, Cycles, and Nutrition – Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Male infertility message board, A Practical Approach to herbal Extracts, and others. Some of the products we carry on our website speak to these issues, and therefore they are mentioned as the reasons are explained.
This is a very long list, and you will not be taking all of these supplements. They are all here to give YOU the options armed with information. Be sure to take time and read the links highlighted. It is most important that you educate yourself to make good decisions about your health.
It is important to note that men also need proper levels of LH, FSH and testosterone, where for women progesterone, LH and FSH along with estrogens are tested.
Dong Quai
Dong quai is as useful for a man as a woman. Dong quai is for blood purification, which may be necessary for healthy blood flow to reproductive organs.
Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut is known to shrink inflammation that causes blockage in his “veins” which is called varicocele. This is well matched with the dong quai above.
Rye Pollen Extract
Rye pollen is important to the prostate, which actually becomes estrogen dominant as well for men. It is very much the same as the uterus for a woman, and without proper contracting or with lowered testosterone, a man’s fertility diminishes. One of the important factors of ReAssure is the inhibition of the binding of the male hormone 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to the prostate cells.
Some women’s husbands are already seeing improvement. Studies have shown that it is more effective than saw palmetto extract. By the way, saw palmetto is an excellent herb for both men and women. ReAssure is a higher-quality choice but not the only answer.
Here is an excerpt:
How does AIM ReAssure™ compare to other men’s health products?
Saw palmetto, often combined with zinc, is sometimes used for prostate health. Saw palmetto affects men’s health through one mechanism, while pollen extracts such as AIM ReAssure™ work through three mechanisms. Thus, pollen extracts may be more efficient, often producing desired benefits in a shorter period of time than saw palmetto.
Bee Pollen and Saw Palmetto
Also, Bee Pollen is a good choice, although it is not as good as the rye pollen because the ReAssure is specifically tailored to a man’s prostate needs. See the links below.
As far as saw palmetto goes, it is an excellent herb for male and
females in TTC.
Saw Palmetto helps the prostates to release, not so
much to build more but to release testosterone. It also helps
to increase mammary gland function, in the women, which in turn
causes less irritation to the uterus and ovaries.
SP is wonderful for diabetes. Many don’t know the
commonality of diabetes and PCOS. To take these
herbs as well as sarsaparilla below, has been shown to be highly
beneficial to both PCOS and male factors.
Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla produces a greater amount of anabolic hormones. (which means without oxygen) so it is a testosterone builder in men and progesterone in women. It is also best used by the nerve tissue which is a big problem with those who are infertile. It helps to eliminate uric acid (which is harsh on the kidneys and other organs) as well. This is built up from coffee and stimulants like sodas as well as a highly acidic diet.
This information on SP and Sarsaparilla was taken from “the little herb encyclopedia” by jack ritchason, ND
Proancynol 2000
Proancynol 2000 is an excellent product for many reasons. First of all there is so much in one little capsule. To build cellular integrity, it fights free radicals and is a powerful combination of 3 OPCs (the most powerful antioxidants available) 25 mg of grape seed extract, 50 mg green tea extract, 50 mg rosemary extract. Proancynol also 15 mg. n-acetylcysteine, 13 mg. alpha-lipoic acid,1 mg of lycopene and 100 mg of selenium. It is vital that you protect the cells from free radical destruction once they are made. One important function is that it keeps them from sticking together as in poor motility and helps them to fully form as for poor mortality. This is one powerful little capsule.
Progesterone
Progesterone, believe it or not, also helps a man by blocking the estrogen that binds testosterone. A man would use about 1/16 of a tsp on and off through the month. Just a tiny dab will do. Rub into the hands. This is helpful when it has been determined that many have high levels of “bad” testosterone; 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Selenium and Zinc
Selenium and Zinc (Selenium is found in high concentration in Wheat Sprouts) Eat LOTS of sprouts. Deficiency causes immobile sperm with fragile tails that break off. Selenium is found in Proancynol as mentioned above. Selenium dramatically decreases each time a man ejaculates so it must be replaced over and over again. It is important to get a whole food source as opposed to pharmacy style vitamins and minerals.
Zinc – even a mild deficiency of zinc can cause drastic changes in sperm count. NOTE: improper copper to zinc ratios is one reason for PMS in women. Progesterone Supplementation puts these back in balance. Renewed Balance Progesterone Cream
Siberian Ginseng or Rainforest Suma
Siberian Ginseng or Rainforest Suma (a cousin to Siberian Ginseng) is very important for stress and to the adrenals to prevent burnout. We carry a compound geared toward men(but used for both) of Ginseng and Schisandra which aids in stamina, anti stress, virility and others. Suma has become a noted herb these days for its ability to oxygenate the blood and therefore nourish the cells as well.
Composure
Another product to protect nerves which then protects the adrenals is Composure™ which is a combination of herbs for all aspects of the body. In fertility, when you nourish the nerves and nerve endings you nourish the endocrine system. This is a great way to get a combination of herbs in one.
B Vitamins
Lack of B vitamins (found in high amounts in Rye Pollen and Bee Pollen) can cause a reduction of pituitary function in male and females. They stimulate the production of LH and FSH, raise progesterone production, provide proper RNA and DNA function in the cells (this means making sure each cell has all the genetic info needed to reproduce properly), and they also stimulate sperm production and testosterone secretion. Many research studies have been done on vitamin B6, an important vitamin for fertility but not enough has been seen to do with B12. B12 is vital to the nerve function and lack of B12 is commonly confused mistakenly with B6 deficiency.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is very very important to both but especially to men. It benefits the lining cells of the testes’ seminiferous tubules – and these cells are the developing sperm. Very important: you can overdose on Vitamin A supplements but NOT on Vitamin A carotene found from juicing or eating carrots. We carry a supplement which is a pure carrot juice in dehydrated form to add to water called Just Carrots. Although this is an excellent life changing supplement it is our first recommendation to suggest juicing as a way of life to everyone! You will never be sorry for a day you juice. Juicing carrots has been very successful for many women and men coming through our group when used to increase semen and cervical mucus.
Herbal Release
Herbal Release I talk about often and is very important to cleansing the organs that have been overloaded with toxins and spilled over from the overload of the lymphatic system and tissues throughout the body. It is so vital to cleanse the lymphatic system or disease and toxins keep recirculating through the body and into the major organs including reproductive organs.
For a man it is even more important (although important to both) because his reproduction is all glandular function and keeping the glands clean is vital.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C 1000mg per day raised levels of sperm count by 140% in the first week in one study. Vitamin C should be taken with Bioflavonoids for proper absorption. Consider a whole food supplement or juicing but do not use standard pharmacy vitamins as they will bother the stomach lining and chewables will erode enamel off your teeth. This causes sensitivity.
Cranberry juice
Clean kidneys are essential also so that zinc is not lost through urine. The kidneys are considered the source of fertility in TCM – Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cranberry juice (pure) is good for men with urination problems which can be an early sign of prostate problems. Also, you can try UvaUrsi, the herb most used for the kidneys and a combination liquid herbal called Urine Health. Here is a simple test to see if your kidneys may need a boost – place your finger 1″ above the belly button and feel the temperature. Then place the same finger 2″ below the belly button and see if the temperature is colder, hotter or about the same. If it is not the same it is time to help the kidneys.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of Essential Fatty Acids that are necessary for men in even higher amounts than women. One reason is for the integrity of each cell. It will lend the proper elasticity to the cells and prevent capillary fragility just as the bioflavonoids do.
Fertility Formula
1 ounce tincture of siberian ginseng root (or suma from the rainforest – the highest form)
1/2 ounce each – tinctures of fresh oats and raspberry leaves
Combine ingredients. Take 1 dropperful twice a day.
Taken from the Book: Herbs for Health and Healing
Supplement Therapy
Antioxidants beta-carotene, zinc and vitamins C and E can increase sperm count and motility.
At least 1000 mg of C, 400 to 800 mg of E and 15 mg of beta-carotene and 30 to 60 mg of zinc daily.
Arginine, Cysteine, Methionine
Taken from the Book: New Choices in Natural Healing
Herbs:
Astragalus Extract – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon 3 times a day or as directed by manufacturer or herbalist or 2-4 ml
Black Cohosh Extract – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon 3 times a day or as directed by manufacturer or herbalist or Tincture – 15 to 60 drops
Pasque Flower Tincture – 20 drops, three times per day or as directed by manufacturer or herbalist.
Please ask us about any of these things by email. What are you doing for yourself? Are you cleansing or properly feeding your digestive tract, colon, liver, and lymphatic system? This is the key to avoiding ALL disease; keeping clean and eating what brings life. Remember, life begets life.
You can order many of these products in our catalog store.
