Top 5 Health Defenders for Middle - Aged Men

Author: Chris Shugart

Introduction

We are well - aware of the leading causes of death among middle - aged men. This article presents five supplements that can combat these life - threatening factors. The journey of supplement use among men often undergoes a transformation. In youth, supplements are typically chosen for muscle - building or pre - workout performance enhancement. However, as men reach their thirties, the realization of mortality sets in, yet a significant focus on health may still be lacking. It is usually in their forties, upon the death of a middle - aged peer, that the supplement journey takes a new turn. Men now not only seek to maintain muscle but also aim to prevent potential health issues that have claimed the lives of their former classmates.

Identifying the Killers

Based on statistical data, the primary causes of death for middle - aged men are as follows:

• Heart Disease: A major contributor to mortality, often associated with factors like plaque buildup, left ventricle thickening, stiff blood vessels, and hypertension.

• Cancer: Encompassing various forms that can affect different organs in the body.

• Stroke: Caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain, either due to a clot (ischemic) or bleeding (hemorrhagic).

• Diabetes: Characterized by abnormal blood sugar regulation, which can lead to numerous complications.

• Respiratory Diseases (Influenza and Pneumonia): These can be particularly dangerous, especially for those with compromised immune systems.

There are, of course, other factors such as accidents, where safe driving and proper safety precautions (like using a ladder correctly) are crucial. Suicide also features on the list, highlighting the importance of mental health. Many men already engage in healthy behaviors like not smoking, maintaining a non - obese body, and exercising. Nevertheless, even non - smoking, non - obese individuals can succumb to these diseases, emphasizing the need to further fortify our defenses.

A Supplement List for Longevity

1. Fish Oil

Heart disease ranks first among the killers, and many of its associated factors are either caused or worsened by excessive inflammation. Fish oil is effective in reducing this inflammation. It contains omega - 3 fatty acids that can potentially prevent ischemic strokes by reducing inflammation - related clot formation, which blocks blood flow to the brain.

Regarding cancer prevention, while studies have produced mixed results (possibly due to varying dosages), the majority suggest that omega - 3 fatty acids may inhibit tumor formation and growth, as well as modulate immune function.

In terms of mental health, a deficiency in omega - 3 is linked to depression and anxiety, as it hampers the production and function of neurotransmitters. Fish oil, in combination with magnesium, may assist in combating these mental health issues.

To obtain these benefits, a substantial dose is required. Most successful studies have utilized 2000 mg or more. For instance, Biotest's Flameout (available on Amazon) provides 4200 mg of fish oil per 3 - softgel dose.

2. Curcumin

Over 2000 studies have demonstrated that curcumin, a polyphenol, is a powerful agent against various cancers, including those of the prostate, liver, colon, lung, and pancreas. It modulates tumor growth by regulating multiple cell - signaling pathways.

As an anti - inflammatory, curcumin benefits nearly every organ system. It can:

• Enhance cardiovascular health.

• Support healthy cholesterol levels.

• Reduce plaque in arteries.

• Decrease the risk of diabetes.

• Aid the body in better handling stress.

However, researchers faced challenges in getting sufficient curcumin into the body due to its poor bioavailability. Neuroscientists at UCLA addressed this by developing micellar curcumin (available on Amazon), which has 95% higher bioavailability than standard curcumin with piperine. When incorporating curcumin into your longevity regimen, ensure it is in the micellar form.

3. C3G

Excess body fat is associated with at least 13 forms of cancer, along with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and type - 2 diabetes. C3G (cyanidin 3 - glucoside) helps in weight management through multiple mechanisms and offers other longevity - promoting benefits.

C3G shrinks fat cells, limits fat storage, and increases and enhances calorie - burning brown adipose tissue. It also enhances glucose uptake in muscle, preventing its storage as fat. Essentially, C3G acts as a nutrient - partitioning agent and mimics the life - extension effects of calorie - restricted diets.

Furthermore, C3G appears to increase the production of AMPK, similar to the drug metformin but without the side effects. AMPK, known as the "metabolic master switch," regulates cell growth and replication. Once activated, it can cause cancer cells to starve.

To ensure proper absorption, use a C3G product with an enhanced delivery system, such as Indigo - 3G (available on Amazon).

4. Beta - 1,3 - glucan

Imagine a scenario where your friend Jeff is about to be attacked. If Jeff is physically weak and tires easily, he is at a disadvantage. But if he is well - trained, having challenged his body to adapt and become stronger and faster, he has a better chance of fending off the attacker.

In this analogy, Jeff represents your immune system, and beta - 1,3 - glucan can "train" your immune system. A strong immune system can effectively combat many threats, including respiratory diseases.

The science behind beta - 1,3 - glucan is complex but fascinating. The best form of beta - 1,3 - glucan is derived from euglena gracilis, an algae. It is advisable to avoid those made from yeast. Biotest incorporates this algal beta - glucan in its Beta Glucan Immune - Boosting Fiber (available on Amazon) formula.

5. Nattokinase

Natto, a fermented Japanese food, is consumed daily by some individuals who are less likely to develop heart disease. The reason lies in an enzyme it contains, nattokinase. When isolated and encapsulated, nattokinase shows great promise as a life - extension supplement.

Nattokinase appears to have clot - busting, blood - pressure - lowering, blood - thinning, and plaque - dissolving properties. In essence, it battles several factors that can disrupt heart function. Given a family history of heart disease, the author takes 4000 FU per day of nattokinase (available on Amazon) as an additional safeguard.

Other Supplements to Consider

Niacin

Lipoprotein (a) is a type of cholesterol that is resistant to diet and exercise and can cause heart attacks in otherwise healthy men. Niacin seems to keep this cholesterol under control. For more information, refer to [specific source].

Vitamin K

Vascular calcification, which can lead to some forms of coronary heart disease (atherosclerosis), may be prevented by taking supplemental vitamin K. Learn more about this at [specific source].

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 (available on Amazon) regulates nitric oxide production, effectively "opening up" blood vessels to allow more oxygen - rich blood to reach cells. It also fortifies cardiac muscle cells and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system.

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