In this edition we'd like to shine a light on men, specifically on men's health and how to optimise it. Who better to do this than our founding pharmacist, Kevin Leivers MRPharmS.

"From my own health journey, I have no doubt that men need better education and support, on easy ways to develop good mental health."

Firstly, choose the right people or groups that support open conversations about your feelings, life experiences or challenges. Prevention is always better than cure so build your healthy routine now before things get too much. When emotional pressures build up from unresolved ‘stuff’, it impacts your relationships, work, mental and physical health. This work is made better with a balanced, low sugar diet, limiting alcohol, relaxed exercise and as much fresh air in nature as possible.

Are we in better health than our forefathers?

Compared to previous generations, men of today are generally considered to be in better health. Some areas of men’s health have improved dramatically.

For instance, smoking cessation health campaigns and controls on smoking have reduced the incidence of smoking-related lung and heart diseases. However, the increase in sedentary work and lifestyles plus work-induced stress and heavily processed foods and drinks have increased related cardiovascular risk factors, including weight problems and diabetes.

Key health concerns and their causes facing the male population

Weight problems, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental health.

The causes of these issues are often related to lifestyle/diet and therefore can be resolved – tackling a lack of regular exercise and consumption of too many processed foods/drinks is a great starting point.

Pharmacists health advice on changes to lifestyle

Aim to change just two things to make a difference – exercise and diet.

1. Physical inactivity can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 35%. Exercise to raise your heart rate for 20 minutes every day in whatever way suits you best and fits into your lifestyle.
2. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables daily. Avoid processed foods particularly those with high GI (Glycemic Index) – those that contain sugar or the carbohydrates that are easily converted to sugars.

Actioning these two things well and consistently will significantly reduce your risk of major diseases.

Nutritional needs of men compared to woman

Men generally are not as careful as women in terms of diet, particularly if they are single! We tend to eat more processed food and drink more sugar-loaded drinks, so the nutritional deficiencies are greater.

When the diet is poor the gut health suffers, and the knock-on effect is that basic vitamins and minerals plus essential plant-based nutrients have lower absorption. In these cases, a good quality multi vitamin + mineral supplement in combination with a balanced diet will be required to prop up the digestive system until gut health is improved. This must contain a significant amount of plant-based nutrients (from fresh fruit and vegetables). Concentrated plant-based bio-active compounds called polyphenols (from supplements) can also have a significant impact on men's health.

Common requirements in men's nutrition

Black Garlic, the fermented and therefore more potent form of raw white garlic can help maintain healthy blood pressure and circulation as well as a healthy gut and immune system.

The neuroprotective benefits of saffron are well documented, we recommend saffron bioactives to help manage work/life pressure. Talking about our mental health can still be harder for men, but we must strive to give it as much care and attention as we do our physical health and supplementing with saffron bioactives is a very positive start.

Plant-sourced polyphenols have a strong evidence base and so we recommend bergamot polyphenols for cardiovascular health (a 4 month course).

Sugary or high GI diets mean that the gut requires regular probiotics (multi-strain) and prebiotic natural fibres for optimum digestive wellbeing. B vitamins, particularly B12 are often affected due to poor gut health, this in turn can lead to fatigue.

I always recommend a Vitamin D supplement because such a high proportion of the population may be deficient, it is estimated that 1 in 5 of us have low vitamin D levels.

For those of us that do enjoy our exercise and pushing ourselves physically, a knock on effect can be exercise induced muscle discomfort. A diet which replenishes and hydrates the body is key to peak sporting performance.

Recommended healthy diet and lifestyle plan

As stated above, keep changes easy and simple.

Find ways to fit in 20 minutes of intense exercise a day and replace sugary snacks and drinks with low/zero sugar, high protein alternatives. There is healthy debate at the moment around the benefits of eating breakfast as the first meal of the day versus a longer daily fast. If you are one to breakfast early, then be sure to choose high protein/ low carbs options - keep away from sugary cereals and breads.

All of these elements will create significant improvements in health and reduce the risk of disease.

The five most important supplements for men and why

All of these supplements are available from The Naked Pharmacy and are fortified with a plant-based prebiotic for added immune protection and optimum gut health.

1. All rounder: Black garlic is up to 10 times more effective than white garlic and a cost-effective all-rounder for the immune system, cardiovascular protection and gut health.
2. Manage stress: Saffron with vitamins D3 and B12 to support the nervous system and help manage stress, the added D3 plus B12 make a significant difference to sleep quality and vitality.
3. Cardiovascular health: Metabolic Gold for 4 months to manage cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.
4. Sport recovery: Natruflex has high strength turmeric/black pepper with magnesium for exercise recovery and joints. Generally useful to improve gut health and reduce the reactivity of the gut lining.
5. Immune health: Olive leaf ELA for immune system protection.

In summary

We always recommend a healthy balanced diet with exercise as the best course of action for optimum health, but sensible supplementation can help prevent common health problems of our modern age.

Stay well and stay safe.

Kevin Leivers

Call our pharmacist if you have concerns

Our expert pharmacists are always on hand to answer any questions you might have and to make tailored recommendations based on your individual needs. Please contact us for free health advice on:

@: pharmacist@thenakedpharmacy.com
T: 01483 678 438

We are all guilty of over indulging at certain times of year, over eating, drinking too much or consuming too much sugar.

However, as you get older you may find that it is taking longer to bounce back and you may become intolerant to certain types of foods and alcohol.

If you suffer from headaches and migraines you may be reaching for painkillers such as Ibuprofen which, although an effective anti-inflammatory, has long term side effects including increasing cardiovascular risks and damaging the protective lining of the gut. Ibuprofen is only effective for up to 6 hours, so you may need to take repeated doses!

Did you know that Turmeric with the correct range and strength of 7 curcuminoids, has multiple anti-inflammatory benefits, works just as well as Ibuprofen or aspirin and actually improves gut health.

Scientific research (ref see below) has demonstrated that curcuminoids, the active compounds in turmeric, are effective at removing both the cause and symptoms of a hangover.

Curcuminoids are potent antioxidants. Alcohol consumption can cause oxidative stress that damages your cells, so an effective antioxidant is vital before, during and after a heavy night.

So the perfect natural solution for hangovers should be taken before you go out and again when you wake up:

Natruflex Turmeric: We recommend that you take Natruflex Turmeric 1-2 capsules BEFORE you go out and when required during the next day. 

Gut Love: Containing, 21 probiotics and 2 organic prebiotics. take 1 capsule daily to settle the digestion and improve the excretion of toxins for a minimum of 14 days.

Marine Magnesium: Take 1 capsule at night to restore healthy nerve and muscle function for a minimum of 7 days.

Vitamin D3: Take 2 capsule daily for at least 30 days

How can Metabolic Gold help?

Metabolic Gold contains Bergamot fruit extract and Artichoke leaf extract. It is the perfect blend of naturally sourced, high strength ingredients that work together synergistically to help reduce sugar levels, improve insulin resistance, balance cholesterol, reduce fat around the waistline and reduce fatty liver.

In a recent trial of 60 patients who were overweight and had high cholesterol, subjects were treated with a combination of bergamot extract and artichoke leaf extract for 2 months and compared to a group that received a placebo for the same amount of time. The results showed a significant decrease in total and LDL cholesterol as well as a significant reduction in waist circumference.

When combined with lifestyle efforts focusing on diet, exercise, sleep and stress, the combination of bergamot fruit and artichoke leaf extracts can provide significant health benefits.

We recommend this supplement is taken for at least 3-4 months at a dose of one capsule twice a day with or after food.

PUBLISHED RESEARCH:

Dinkova-Kostova A. Relation of structure of curcumin analogs to their potencies as inducers of Phase 2 detoxification enzymes. Carcinogenesis. 1999;20(5):911-914.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35070194/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35668500/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30395947/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36370961/

An increase in fat around the waistline during our 40's is common even if there has been no change in your diet or lifestyle and can lead you to feeling frustrated that your previously successful weight-loss tactics are no longer effective.

However the good news is that our bodies undergo changes in hormone levels, muscle mass, etc. that require us to rethink our relationship with our diet, lifestyle, exercise and levels of stress.

Why does this happen in women? 

Oestrogen and Insulin

Poor metabolic health affects one in four UK adults in the UK and is the leading cause of an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

The risk factors for poor metabolic health are:

• high sugar levels
• Insulin resistance
• abnormal cholesterol levels
• excess fat around the waistline
• fatty liver
• elevated blood pressure

Symptoms

Most of the conditions associated with metabolic health don't have obvious signs or symptoms and require a blood test to determine (such as cholesterol levels). However, a large waist circumference is something  that you would visibly notice and if your sugar levels are high, you might notice the signs and symptoms of diabetes — such as increased thirst and urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.

Preventing or reversing poor metabolic health 

The risk factors listed above are all modifiable with adopting a healthy lifestyle which should include:

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet consisting of fruits and vegetables, whole grains (brown rice), proteins (pulses such as lentil) and avoiding over processed and refined foods such as microwave meals and sugary treats is key.
• Exercising regularly. Undertaking a minimum of 30 mins of physical activity a day 5 days a week. 
• Cutting back on alcohol and smoking can be a really effective way to improve your metabolic health, boost your energy, lose weight and save money. 

How can Metabolic Gold help?

Metabolic Gold contains Bergamot fruit extract and Artichoke leaf extract. It is the perfect blend of naturally sourced, high strength ingredients that work together synergistically to help reduce sugar levels, improve insulin resistance, balance cholesterol, reduce fat around the waistline and improve fatty liver.

In a recent trial of 60 patients who were overweight and had high cholesterol, subjects were treated with a combination of bergamot extract and artichoke leaf extract for 2 months and compared to a group that received a placebo for the same amount of time. The results showed a significant decrease in total and LDL cholesterol as well as a significant reduction in waist circumference. 

When combined with lifestyle efforts focusing on diet, exercise, sleep and stress, the combination of bergamot fruit and artichoke leaf extracts can provide significant health benefits.

We recommend this supplement is taken for at least 3-4 months at a dose of one capsule twice a day after food

Introducing our new formula containing pharmaceutical strength bergamot and artichoke extracts. Metabolic Gold has been over two years in research and developement.

Bergamot may sound familiar as the peel of this unique citrus fruit is used for teas, perfumes and essential oils.

However, we only utilise the fruit sourced from trees found in the coastal areas of Calabria, Southern Italy as it's unique combination of five polyphenol bioactives reduce the levels of unhealthy fats in a similar manner to statin medications, without the side effects.

Bergamot fruit polyphenols have been scientifically proven to improve levels of good cholesterol, reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel elasticity.

Bergamot fruit extract

Artichoke leaf extract

Artichoke leaf is one of the world's oldest natural remedies to improve digestion and blood sugar balance.

It boosts your liver’s production of bile. Bile is a natural compound that digests and uses fats so they don’t accumulate in your liver or in your body.

 

At pharmaceutical strength, the bioactives in Artichoke inhibit alpha-glucosidase which in turn reduces sugar levels and insulin resistance.  

How do you take Metabolic Gold? 

Each capsule contains 500mg bergamot and 100mg artichoke leaf extract, in a tapioca capsule.

 

Take ONE capsule twice a day, ideally with your largest daily meals.

A randomized placebo-controlled study with 60 overweight adults showed that supplementing with 600mg bergamot and 100mg artichoke leaf resulted in a reduction in LDL cholesterol, significant reduction in waist circumference and visceral adipose tissue in 2 months – even in participants who did not follow a low-calorie diet.

Concerned about side effects?

Metabolic Gold has no harsh side effects and does not block co Q10 production.

 

Statins can block coenzyme Q10 – a nutrient that’s needed for our cells to make energy.

 

If you have taken statins, you may be familiar with their side effects such as fatigue and muscle weakness…..that’s because they can block healthy bile flow which is needed by your liver to digest fats and fat soluble vitamins A, D and E.

The natural formulation of Metabolic Gold means that you can take it alongside most medications, however we recommend that you take a few minutes to call us, or write to us and get some friendly pharmacist advice if you have any questions about your current regime.

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"Metabolic Gold is effective because of the botanical sources, strength of the bioactives, scientific research and pharmaceutical quality of the formulation. The unique combination of the artichoke plus bergamot extracts will help so many people who have a sluggish metabolism, and fatty liver alongside problems of sugar and cholesterol balance."

Kevin Leivers,
Founder of The Naked Pharmacy
Chief Pharmacist and Formulator

Did you know that the blood vessels in your body are nearly 60,000 miles long which is twice around the world.

Their job is to carry vital blood, oxygen and essential nutrients to every part of the body. Healthy vessels are strong, elastic, flexible and clear of any deposits.

What causes a stroke?

Arteries can become clogged with fatty substances from our diet and a sedentary lifestyle which can cause the arteries to narrow and stiffen, resulting in blocked blood flow, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

 

This increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, and this impeded blood flow will affect the health and efficeincy of every organ in the body.

 

If it happens in the brain, the blockage can cause a stroke. Poor blood flow is also linked to issues such as vascular dementia, erectile dysfunction and decreased circulation in the hands and feet.

So what can we do to keep our blood vessels unclogged, strong and healthy?

1. Follow - The principles of a Mediterranean-style diet rich in a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, ideally 6 portions a day and include a daily portion of a vegetable rich in nitric oxide, such as beetroot, broccoli, spinach, collard greens and kale. Nitric oxide is a substance that is essential for optimal arterial health and function. Eat regularly.

2. Move - Aim for 30 minutes 5 times a week.  However, research is growing that 'snack size' consistent exercise is just as impactful on our bodies and our mind.  Dr Chatterjee is a huge advocate for adding an exercise snack with your daily routine so add squats as the kettle is boiling, or toe raises whilst brushing your teeth 5 minutes a day is better than nothing and consistency is key.  

3. Stop - Smoking.

4. Maintain - low LDL cholesterol by reducing your consumption of processed and deep-fried foods.

5. Lose - weight carrying extra weight increases your chances of having too much LDL cholesterol in your blood, leading to fatty deposits building up in the arteries, restricting blood flow. Studies show that even losing 5% of your body weight can improve cholesterol levels.

 

Our Metabolic Gold, is made from Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia) only grown in Calabria in Italy and can be used to support the health of your arteries by reducing cholesterol and supporting weight management.

Studies show that bioactive compounds in Bergamot can reduce the “bad” fats, lowering LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and improving total cholesterol levels.

In fact, Research on Bergamot has been shown to have 2 specific molecules that are very similar in structure, and function to statins.

Metabolic Gold can generally be used in conjunction with prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication – speak to one of our pharmacists for more information about your health and any potential indications with current medication

 

 

It turns out that we really are ‘the sum total of our experiences.’ Had I known then the impact of many of my decisions, I may have made changes earlier, but it turns out that we must live life to truly understand it.  

I was definitely living life. Perceived invincibility provided me with the tunnel vision which enabled me to dash from one task to another, ticking off one more achievement, adventure and accolade.

Of course you can’t sustain this symphonic level of intensity without topping up the tank with quick access fuel, mine came in the form of sugar- packets of delicious sweets and finely baked biscuits.

I also gradually began to neglect my regular exercise regimen in exchange for a membership in the weekend warrior club. Gut irritation and a little extra weight accumulated, but, as far as I was concerned, I felt normal for a 40-something professional.

‘That’ evening, the one that irreversibly shook up my life, Thursday 3 December, I found myself staring eternity squarely in the face. I had returned home from work with my two girls. It had been a stressful day capped by a suitably heated, hard-hitting quarrel that left me trembling. 

 I did not generally consider my life stressful, and yet I knew that I ran at a pretty high-octane pace. But that was OK, because, despite warnings from others, I was, or believed I was, bulletproof.  

I wore my intensity like a shiny badge of honour. On that evening, however, the engine said ‘no more’; you can’t drive even the most brilliantly engineered sports cars at 5000 RPM indefinitely. 

 It took my mum, who spotted me bent over, clutching my chest, rubbing my arms on FaceTime and my daughter's subsequent fear-filled plea to get help for me to make the medical call. Reluctantly, in a haze of pain, I did make the call. In minutes an ambulance was there. 

Pride masking the danger, I couldn’t help, but feel that all this commotion was quite unnecessary. The seasoned paramedics quickly assessed my traumatised frame, blood pressure surging through my veins like a blocked firehose. They looked me straight in the eyes, piercing my vanity, and said, “We are taking you to hospital. Now.” 

‘That’ evening marked the beginning of a myriad of changes.  Naturally, and most significantly was that of my health, but also, running neatly alongside, compelling me, almost without choice, was my desire to capture the goodness in life around me. 

Being in hospital forced me to slow down and rest, my senses sharpened and my eyes opened to the subtleties in the world around me, to things I had not previously noticed before. 

I became acutely aware of nuances in conversation, of the sacrifices of those around me and of the delicacy of relationships. I was also painfully cognizant, in increasing measure, of the compounding effects of the bad choices I had made for my body- sugar addiction, stress, exercise withdrawal and sleep deprivation.

Buckminster Fuller once said, “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” So, that is what I did (and am doing), engineering a new, more tantalising model for life. 

My diet, for instance, has been transformed. The once glutinous intake has been replaced with cleaner foods, nutrition straight from the earth and, perhaps more importantly, I expunged sweets. 

Implored by the immediacy of the situation, I also instilled radical changes to my work routine and introduced regular, gentler exercises in the great outdoors. The list goes on, but I feel that, if indeed we are ‘the sum total of our experiences,’ I have been gifted a lifeline with which to significantly alter the outcome of my time here on earth. And, I must say, my heart feels good, very good indeed.

NOTE FROM THE NAKED PHARMACY

Jeff Schmidt is the Author/illustrator of the bestselling book: 

 HEART ATTACK- Finding hope, joy and inspiration through adversity.