As we age, it’s important to think about making changes to lifestyle, exercise and supplements to support longevity. The most common issues men face as they age include joint pain, high blood pressure, higher risk of heart disease, prostate cancer and diabetes, as well as changes to exercise recovery. [1] Whilst a 20-year-old male may be able to exercise intensely on a daily basis without any negative consequences, men over 40 may need to give more attention to their rest, recovery and nutrition in order to support exercising and healthy ageing.

Slow Down Ageing by Reducing Inflammation

When it comes to longevity and reducing the risk of common health problems men over 40 face, it’s important to focus on reducing inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s response to potential harm; when you cut your finger or sprain an ankle, the area becomes inflamed in order to provide protection and start the healing process, which is a good thing. Chronic inflammation however, is the leading cause of chronic disease and the most common issue men over 40 face, as we listed above. Chronic inflammation is often caused by exposure to toxins and pollution, excess stress, a diet high in processed foods, obesity, poor sleep, high blood sugar, a compromised immune system, and is directly linked to the ageing process. [2] High levels of chronic inflammation effectively speeds up the ageing process, making you look and feel older than you really are.

Signs of Chronic Inflammation

• Pain, either in joints and muscles or general full-body aches and pains
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Depression, anxiety and mood disorders
• Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea, constipation and bloating
• Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
• Weight gain and unintended weight loss
• Poor immune health
• Poor exercise recovery

[3]

Curcumin: A Powerful Anti-Inflammatory

Curcumin is derived from the Indian spice turmeric, which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years as a natural remedy and to enhance longevity. The most active component of turmeric, the benefits of curcumin include:

• High in antioxidants to protect cells from damage
• Anti-cancer
• Anti-arthritis
• Reduces inflammation
• Anti-viral and anti-fungal
• Can help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes
• Can help reduce depression and anxiety

[4] [5] [6]

Research shows that curcuminoids from curcumin have particularly powerful antioxidant effects, which means they help prevent and reduce damage to cells – vital in reducing the risk of cancers and other diseases. [7] The abundance of research on the compounds show that curcumin could be one of the best supplements for men over 40, due to its anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory and high antioxidant properties. In order to work optimally, curcumin must be combined with piperine,[8] which is why the Curcumin 95+ Bioperine supplement contains an intelligent blend of molecules that make it highly bioavailable and more effective than other supplements. Read on for five key benefits of curcumin for men over 40, and why it’s a supplement men should be taking now:

1. Curcumin for Joint Pain

Joint pain tends to increase with age, and up to 50% of those aged 65+ suffer from conditions like osteoarthritis, which causes pain in the bones and joints. [9] Commonly known as ‘wear and tear’, osteoarthritis and joint pain can prevent you from being able to exercise as much as you’d like, to be mobile enough to play with your children and grandchildren, and can severely decrease quality of life. Research shows that men with knee pain show concern about simple daily activities like walking, and that they worry about how the condition could worsen in the future. [10] Curcumin helps decrease joint pain by reducing swelling and inflammation, as well as improving bone density and even preventing osteoporosis. [11] In a clinical study on the effects of curcumin and turmeric for knee pain and osteoarthritis, results showed that participants had a noticeable reduction in pain and improvements in knee function, [12] proving curcumin to be just as effective as anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals. This is an important point, as NSAIDs come with serious side-effects such as damage to the intestines, headaches and drowsiness, whilst curcumin is a natural derivative that has been used successfully for thousands of years.

2. Curcumin for Prostate Health

The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, and for men over 40 who aren’t eligible for routine prostate screenings yet, this is a key time to improve your prostate health naturally and prevent issues. Every 45 minutes, one man dies from prostate cancer in the UK, and 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. [13] Curcumin promotes apoptosis of the prostate cancer cells, and is considered an effective natural way to help prevent or treat prostate cancer. In a study conducted by Dorai et al. treatment with curcumin significantly reduced the proliferation rate of cancerous prostate cells, [14] making it a key supplement for men over 40, especially if you have concerns about prostate health.

3. Improving Exercise Recovery With Curcumin

Exercise recovery can slow down as we age, as muscles and tendons aren’t always as resilient as they used to be. Many different aspects such as a decrease in muscle fibres, weakened connective tissue, and delays in the healing process all contribute to slower recovery from exercise. Paying proper attention to your training, recovery, nutrition and supplementation however, means you won’t have to quit the gym in the next ten years (or ever!), as long as you give your body what it needs. Studies show curcumin to be effective for muscle recovery [15], as well as reducing the oxidative stress caused by vigorous activity. [16] Further research shows that curcumin reduces muscle damage and soreness following muscle-damaging exercise (such as strength training, HIIT, sprinting and sports-specific training). [17] As we already know inflammation is a key cause of accelerated ageing and chronic pain, this makes curcumin an important way to support exercise for men over 40.

4. Using Curcumin For Men's Mental Health

Men in their 40s are the most likely to suffer from forms of depression, with men in their 40s even having the highest suicide rates in the UK. [18] As men are less likely to talk about their mental health challenges, the issue is thought of as a ‘silent epidemic’, especially for those between the ages of 45-64, who are even more likely to develop depression. [19] As well as utilising community, social support, exercise, sleep and proper nutrition, supplementing with curcumin is a proven effective way to help reduce depression and anxiety. With its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, curcumin can improve brain health and the chemicals within the brain that impact mood and psychological wellbeing. [20] Curcumin helps reduce depression and anxiety on a number of different levels which are vital for mental health, including:

• Restoring activity of mood-balancing hormones serotonin, dopamine and adrenaline
• Improving mitochondrial activity and energy levels
• Reducing gut inflammation and improving gut health
• Improving brain health and the brain’s connection to the immune system
• Quickly rebalances the body after a stressful event
• Improves levels of DHA and BDNF in the brain

[21]

You should know: Curcumin is easily absorbed and used by the body only when properly combined with piperine, especially from the extract Bioperine. Just 1 capsule per day of Curcumin 95+ & Bioperine provides 500mg of curcumin and 5mg Bioperine, helping support your physical and mental health after 40. 

Sources

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