Several studies show that niacin, or vitamin B3, may help reduce and even completely overcome many of the unwanted effects of andropause.
What Is Andropause?
Andropause is a condition suffered by men when they experience a drop in male hormones in middle age. This can cause a variety of effects on their appearance, mood, and general health. Although aging is natural, it does not have to come with a drop in testosterone and other hormones that you need to feel youthful and virile. There are several vitamins and natural remedies that have been shown to effectively treat the symptoms of andropause.
The Role of Niacin in the Male Body
Also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid, niacin is an essential vitamin needed by all people. This vitamin is water-soluble, which means it is not stored by the body. We need to take in daily amounts in order to get the benefits of this vitamin, with any extra being excreted in our urine.
Vitamin B3 has several important roles in the human body. It is necessary in metabolism and plays a vital role in converting our food to useable cell energy. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, reducing daily wear and tear on our cells. Last, it is crucial in the synthesis and repair of DNA.
Our bodies were not designed to live without this important vitamin. Without it, people begin to suffer memory loss, fatigue, and a feeling of being down. If the deficiency is severe, they will have unremitting diarrhea, a severe rash and loss of hair.
Many of these symptoms are similar to those seen in andropause. As a result, more and more men are taking this supplement as a way to overcome the male change of life and get their mojo back.
Lowering Lipids and More
Many men in andropause see their lipid, or cholesterol, levels begin to soar. This can lead to gradual damage to arteries and the tissues that they supply. Over time, increased cholesterol, particularly LDL (low density lipoproteins) and triglycerides, lead to an increased risk of stroke and heart disease.
There are numerous studies showing the benefits of vitamin B3 for lowering both LDL and triglycerides. It is even used on occasion as an alternative to the popular cholesterol-lowing statins. If you are concerned about the effects of andropause on your cardiovascular system, it may be time to try a vitamin B3 supplement.
Boosting Memory and Brain Function
One of the most common complaints of andropause is fuzzy thinking. People feel like they simply can’t think or remember the way that they used to.
Niacin has been found to be helpful in this area. It improves memory and helps you think more clearly. There is even a growing body of research suggesting that it may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Improving Skin and Hair
Vitamin B3 is linked to skin and hair health. In fact, rashes and changes in hair texture are two of the earliest signs of a deficiency.
Many men in andropause complain of more noticeable changes in their skin as well as a loss of hair. A vitamin B3 supplement can slow some of this gradual skin damage. Because this is a water-soluble vitamin, there is no harm in finding out whether it will improve your skin and mane.
Promoting Painless Joints
Most people begin to get aches and pains in their joints as they age. This can keep men approaching andropause from performing the exercise that they need to keep muscles toned and androgen levels high.
Several studies have found that this vitamin is an effective treatment for joint pain and arthritis. A simple daily supplement could help you get the pain-free knees and shoulders that you need to lift, run or otherwise exercise as you wish.
There is no way to completely halt aging. However, there are proven ways to slow the process and reduce its impact. With a healthy lifestyle and the right supplements, you can overcome the effects of andropause and keep your youthful vigor for decades to come.