Nutrients and Supplements for Men Over 65
Men's health and well-being benefit from special attention at this time of life with regard to a comprehensive nutritional approach (body and mind) of both foods and supplements.
Foods today can lead us to be overfed and under-nourished.
It is regrettable that the foods of today show a depletion of vitamins, minerals and other important health nutrients compared with sixty years ago. Particularly noticeable in this comparison is the reduction of those nutrients in foods known to alleviate inflammation and several other aspects of degenerative processes.
It is also a fact that many protective nutrients that support good immune system function are also reduced in many of the modern foods available today.
From the aspect of dietary intake, we need to remind ourselves that our digestive tract benefits from a slightly alkaline environment, and in practical terms this means that 60% of the diet should be based on alkali-forming foods.
Furthermore, the acid- and alkali-forming foods need to be consumed both as cooked and uncooked. This is not to suggest that several fruits and vegetables suitable for consumption only after cooking should be eaten raw. It does, however, remind us that we need ideally about 20% of our daily food intake as raw foods.
One of the key reasons is the supply of enzymes. These are essentially special proteins that are important for the proper processing, digestion and absorption of nutrients. Usually, these enzymes or special proteins manufactured within the human body are formed in the liver. Therefore special attention needs to be given to healthy liver function. It is also valuable to note that several minerals are key to this process, as too are specific beneficial fats. There are different groups of enzymes required for proper biological function. For men in this age range, special attention is needed to an appropriate diet to facilitate proper enzyme manufacture.
We need to recognize that during this time of life, the beneficial gut flora become more important to our digestive process. This flora is known as beneficial bacteria, and from around the age of fifty for most men, the manufacture of these beneficial bacteria is in permanent decline.
In a healthy person, the beneficial bacteria constitute about 90% of the total population within the digestive tract.
We need also to recognize that several of the beneficial bacteria within the digestive tract are responsible for the manufacture of many important B vitamins. Stress and pharmaceutical antibiotics, refined sugar (sucrose), excess consumption of garlic and high consumption of dietary fats and animal proteins do cause a proliferation of detrimental bacteria that can contribute to elevated levels of undesirable harmful free radicals.
Supplements
The following supplements that are known to be helpful are divided into three groups.
Section 1 Supplements are considered 'first choice'.
Section 2 Supplements are both complementary and synergistic with the 'first choice' supplements.
Section 3 Supplements are considered beneficial for preliminary digestive system cleansing. While optional, they can offer an additional positive process to improving health and wellbeing.
Table of Beneficial Nutritional Supplements
This information is offered as an introduction (in brief) to supplements, herbs, foods and substances known to help with men's health over the age of 65. This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and it is suggested that sound advice is taken by an appropriately qualified practitioner.
Supplement Suggestions for Men Over 65
First Choice Supplements
| Nutrient | Formula | Daily Intake | Initial Period | Intake | Ongoing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamins | MultiVitamin-Mineral | 1 twice daily | 2 weeks | 1 daily | 1 daily |
| Minerals | Magnesium | 1 twice daily | 4 weeks | 1-2 daily for 3 months | 1 daily |
| Beneficial Fats | Essential Fatty Acid Complex | 1 twice daily | 2 weeks | 1 daily | 1 daily |
| Specific Formula | Bromelain | 1 twice daily | 4 weeks | 1 daily | 1 daily |
Complementary Supplements
| Nutrient | Formula | Daily Intake | Initial Period | Intake | Ongoing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamins | Antioxidant with Co-Q10 | 1 daily | 1 daily | 1 daily | 1 daily |
| Minerals | Zinc & Copper | 1 twice daily | 4 weeks | 1-2 daily for 3 months | 1 daily |
| GTF Chromium + Antioxidants | 1 daily | 1 daily | 1 daily | 1 daily |
Cleansing Supplements
| Nutrient | Formula | Daily Intake | Initial Period | Intake | Ongoing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbals | Caprylic Acid Complex | 1 twice daily | 30 days | 1 daily | 2 months |
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. None of this information regarding food-matrix nutrients or our products is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.