Monday 10 June 2013

Is Soy Good For Men?



With some recent media articles about beneficial foods for supporting healthy prostate function, we have noticed that there has been some increased interest in men using soy products as part of their regular diet. Here we question the usefulness of soy products in the male diet, their nutritional value for men and the best possible forms of soy to consume. 


While information on the positive effects of lycopene from cooked tomatoes and prostate health has been available for some time, recent news articles are stating that research is now showing that a combination of soy products and tomatoes is most effective for prostate health. The studies suggest that it is isoflavones and anthocyanins in the soy bean that are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of soy products. While this may be the case, we need to look at the whole action of the soybean and determine if this is beneficial for the health of Australian men.

A quick look at soy products in Australia and you will find that before the mid nineties it was quite challenging to find many soy products on the market. About that same time there was a surge of interest in women’s menopause formulas on the shelf in health food stores promoting the benefits of soy isoflavones for hot flushes. Also around this time there was some increasing interest in genetically modified foods – the main crops considered for GM foods being corn, and you guessed it – soy. 

How does this relate to men and their prostate? And does this help with the question: Is Soy Good For Men? Firstly, we need to consider the reasons why there was an increased interest in soy products about this time. Some researchers attribute the overall health and lower cancer rates in countries such as Japan to their use of soy products in the diet, but perhaps there are some other factors at play here rather than just soy. Secondly, many of those women’s menopause formulas containing soy isoflavones have now been taken off the market, some would say due to the effects of these products on oestrogen levels in women – if so then what are the possible effects in men? And thirdly, do we need to consider where these soy products are coming from; are they genetically modified and what are the possible side effects of consuming GM foods? 

While there may be some benefits to including soy products in your diet, it seems reasonable to consider that it is not suitable to use these foods on a daily basis or in large quantities. Ultimately a balanced and varied diet including several different foods groups is valuable; if you are vegetarian or lactose intolerant, consider using rice, oat or almond milk as an alternative to soy milk. If you enjoy including vegetable based protein foods in your diet look at using fermented soy products instead of unfermented soy products as these are much easier to digest and closer to the type of soy foods naturally consumed in Asian cultures. Fermented soy foods include miso, tempeh, natto and soy sauce. Soy foods to limit include tofu, TVP and soy milk and where possible, always try to source organically grown soy products.

Overall, consuming natural organic soy products a few times each week could not be considered unhealthy, however daily consumption of tofu, TVP and soy milk may not be the healthiest option for Australian men – a healthy dose of moderation and a good amount of common sense is the key here.


(Frequent urination at night, difficulty stopping or initiating urination or painful urination are just some of the signs that you may have some issue with your prostate function – seek help from your trusted health practitioner if you notice any of these symptoms or are unsure if you are experiencing problems with your prostate.)

The information contained in this article is of a general nature and purely the opinion of the author. This article is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional individualised health advice. Earth 2 Man encourages readers who have medical conditions to consult with their trusted health care practitioner.

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Treating Tinea and Jock Itch Naturally



Tinea and jock itch create discomfort in most men’s lives at some stage or another. While many creams can help to work through the initial symptoms, this same situation can present itself later on down the track if not properly managed. 

Firstly, tinea and jock itch are related skin conditions that are most commonly caused by an overgrowth of a skin fungus which causes redness, itching and irritation of the skin in the groin, between the toes or in the armpits. The fungus causing the problem likes to live in a moist and warm environment, thus making a man’s private parts a perfect environment for it to survive. Some natural ways to ensure that the fungus does not continue to survive is to adhere to the following guidelines:

1.       Keep your skin clean and dry. Thoroughly towel dry all areas of your body, especially the areas that the fungus likes to thrive – toes, groin and armpits. Using a fan or hairdryer on the lowest setting can help to remove moisture quickly without causing irritation.
2.       Avoid wearing tight clothing & underwear that restrict air movement or cause rubbing or irritation. Boxers or free-styling it are a preferred option were possible (despite what your girlfriend/wife/neighbours may claim).
3.       Don’t scratch! Scratching the area can cause further irritation and even result in broken skin – which down the track can cause further discomfort and issues.
4.       Shower regularly (need we mention this?) particularly after exercise or sweating. Also avoid using soaps that are harsh or overly drying as this can further irritate the area, consider using Dr Bronner’s Tea Tree Shower Gel which will not only fight off the fungus, but prevent any further irritation.
5.       Wash your underwear and socks regularly, and choose socks and underwear that are made of a high amount of cotton, bamboo, hemp or other natural fiber to allow your skin to ‘breathe’ properly.
6.       If you shower at a communal gym or workplace, wear thongs or sandals that can be easily cleaned and replaced regularly to prevent re-infection.
7.       Watch your sugar intake. Ultimately fungus feeds on sugar, so keeping your regular diet on track will not only help with your overall health, but also prevent feeding the fungus responsible for tinea and jock itch. Reducing your sugar intake includes cutting out the obvious sweets and chocolate, but also cutting right back on soft drinks, alcohol, white bread and dried fruits.
8.       Discuss the issue with your partner; chances are you may be passing the fungal culprit back and forth to one another, if so, go back to guideline 1. and start again.

Lastly, using a natural topical application like Botani Phytoseptic Antiseptic Cream can help to kill off the fungus responsible for the tinea or jock itch. As a great alternative to your pharmaceutical creams Botani Phytoseptic Antiseptic Cream helps to fight off the fungus naturally without damaging your skin.

If you find that your symptoms are on-going or difficult to get rid of you should look at getting some more specific advice for your situation. Tinea or jock itch that is ongoing or difficult to treat can be an indication of immune or blood sugar issues and may need to be addressed by a Naturopath, Herbalist or other health professional.

Wednesday 27 February 2013

Gaia Made For Men Organic Conditioner Review

Until recently my preference for hairstyle has pretty much involved a set of clippers and not much else. However, some time last year when my clippers decided to pack it in, I decided to experiment with growing my hair longer (than a number 2!).

Several months into life without my clippers I discovered a whole new world of natural hair products for men. Having quite curly hair I have found that using a conditioner really helps to tame the frizz factor. I have used several products in the Gaia Made For Men range that I really like and thought it was a great opportunity to try out a new product in the range.

I found the Gaia Made For Men Organic Conditioner easy to use, not greasy or too heavy and I found that my curls are a lot less frizzy when using this. I do like the smell of this and all the Gaia Made For Men products, I would guess it’s the addition of the spearmint, rosemary and other essential oils that would contribute to the uplifting smell of this product, it’s nice, but not too overpowering.

Surprisingly, when you look through the ingredients of this conditioner, you find that many of the ingredients are natural and certified organic, so for well under $15, it’s pretty good value.

Overall I found this to be a great conditioner for men, and my GF likes to steal some occasionally when she is washing her hair too. So if you can forgive Gaia for spelling ‘rosemary’ incorrectly on the front of the packaging (I wonder who got put through the wringer for that one) all up this is a great Aussie, natural and organic hair conditioner for men.

Thumbs up Gaia.

Click here to view our range of natural and organic men's hair care products.

Earth 2 Man - NATURAL SELECTION FOR MODERN MEN

Thursday 27 September 2012

What a Man Needs to Know about Zinc (and do I need a zinc supplement?)

Zinc is involved in several different biochemical processes in the body, but is especially important for men. In today’s agricultural environment and with the commercial use artificial fertilisers, many of us are not getting the optimum range of nutrients from our food, even if we are eating a well balanced diet. Add to this mix a stressful, busy lifestyle, smoking, coffee or alcohol, and many of us blokes just aren’t getting the goodness from our food that we need.

Zinc as a nutrient is to men, like iron is to women. Where women lose iron through their menstrual blood, men tend to lose zinc through their semen, so any guy that is operating at a high frequency or is one half of a baby making machine tends to be using more than his share of zinc.

Zinc, for blokes also plays an integral role in the manufacture of proper healthy testosterone. Good healthy testosterone makes us buff and virile, but when our testosterone is a little off centre, we can experience male pattern baldness (although this is mostly hereditary), prostate issues or early middle age spread.

For digestion, zinc plays a major role in the manufacture of our natural digestive secretions and helps with the early stages of the breakdown of food, especially proteins; zinc also helps with the enzymes that our body produces to breakdown alcohol.

In the immune system zinc it is directly involved in antibody production to help you fight an infection. It is believed that zinc has free radical scavenging ability in the body, possessing antioxidant abilities that protect against accelerated aging of the skin and the muscles of the body. Zinc, in combination with vitamin C plays an essential role in wound healing and these two same nutrients are depleting in those who smoke, causing premature aging of the skin and connective tissue throughout the body.

One of the major signs of zinc deficiency is a lack of smell, as zinc plays a role in the olfactory sensations. As smell and taste are closely connected, sense of taste is also an indication of zinc levels in the body, and, while on the topic of senses, zinc is also required for proper night vision.

It is fairly easy to see that zinc is an important nutrient for most of us men living and breathing today and it is said that after iron, zinc is the most highly required mineral in the body. In summary, a good quality men’s zinc supplement will help you to digest your food, keep your skin healthy, keep your testosterone in check, therefore keeping you looking muscular and healthy, keep you making that good quality semen and help keep your immune system strong and healthy.

Click here to see our range of great men’s zinc supplements.
(Always remember a supplement is no substitute for good healthy food.)

EARTH 2 MAN
Natural selection for modern men

Tuesday 18 September 2012

Eight Tips for a Great Shave

When it comes to shaving, proper preparation and good quality products can help to ensure a good clean close shave, optimum skin health and can help to create a pleasant morning ritual. Here at Earth 2 Man we have come up with what we think are the essential basics to ensuring a great shave every time.
  1. Shave in the shower or just after a good hot one. While you might have grown up watching your dad using his trusty ol’ safety shaver over the bathroom sink, the heat from a nice warm shower softens your bristles and prepares your skin for the main event.
  2. Use a face scrub or exfoliant - a crucial step for guys with a good thick layer of stubble. A good scrubbing massage will help to open your skin pores, prime your hair follicles and help to lift your hair, giving you a dramatically improved shave. Exfoliation will also remove dead skin cells and impurities that can cause acne, ingrown hairs and infection.
  3. Lubricate and build lather. A good quality natural or organic shave cream or gel will produce a gentle lather to lubricate your hairs and create a cushion to allow shaving blades to glide over your skin without scraping, it also serves to lock the moisture into the whiskers, keeping them soft and upright, primed for the cut. Using a shave cream or gel will create less resistance, less irritation and fewer nicks also meaning a longer lasting blade. Ideally you want to leave your shave cream on your face for at least a minute before you begin shaving so that your beard is as soft and as wet as possible.  
  4. Use a sharp blade. No matter what kind of blade you choose to use for your shave, make sure it is sharp, we have all experienced ‘that shave’ with the blunt blade when we thought maybe you could get another shave out of it. Most blades will last only 4-5 shaves, depending on your stubble – but no matter what kind of blade you use, keep it sharp!
  5. Avoid irritants. Steer clear of anything that burns, stings or causes bumps or lumps on your skin. Many men’s shave products contain a cocktail of chemical irritants that can damage your skin and cause microscopic swelling, contributing to razor burn and skin rashes.  In short, you are best avoiding products that contain mineral oils, propylene glycol, triethanolamine and polyethylene glycol. For more information about chemical irritants see our article “What Chemicals are in My Shave Cream?”
  6. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. After all that exfoliation , removal of dead skin cells, removal of hair and everything else that goes with it, your skin is clean, but has been stripped bare and needs some sort of protection. Using a good quality natural or organic moisturiser will reduce irritation, protect your skin and will smooth and renew your complexion.
  7. Go with the grain. When it comes to shaving, it is best to be a conformist. When you go against the grain, your razor blade rakes up against your skin and pulls the hair up harshly, contributing to nicks, razor burn and ingrown hairs. Some would argue however that shaving against the grain gives you a closer shave; our suggestion here is to first shave with the grain and then follow with a re-lathering and a gentle shave using light-pressure with short strokes against the grain to avoid overly irritating your skin.
  8. Give your skin a rest. Even those who enjoy the cleanness of baby smooth freshly shaven skin on a daily basis, giving your skin a break from daily shaving is definitely the preferred option. As shaving removes the upper most layers of skin, it is best for a break, we suggest sporting some designer stubble at the weekend or occasionally as a mid-week change to allow your skin to rest.
Check out our great range of shave products including natural and organic shave cream, shave gel and after shave lotions and creams (We don’t have any frothy cream in a can!).

Thursday 28 June 2012

What Chemicals are in My Shaving Cream?


A quick look at the ingredients on your standard can of supermarket shaving cream can give you the feeling that you are reading a biochemistry text. Our general rule of thumb at Earth 2 Man is that you shouldn’t put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t put in your mouth.

Sound simple? Here is the some of the main chemicals that you want to avoid when choosing a shave cream or gel:

  • Parabens are used as preservatives to protect from bacterial growth. Parabens are easily absorbed though our skin and can contribute to disorders of the endocrine or hormone regulating system and may also cause rashes or skin irritation.
  • Propylene glycol acts as a ‘penetration enhancer’, allowing other chemicals in the shave cream to be quickly absorbed through the skin. Possible side effects include skin irritation and respiratory defects; it is also believed to be associated with problems of the nervous, endocrine and immune systems.  Oh! And it is also used in antifreeze and brake fluid.
  • Mineral oils are a by-product of petroleum manufacture and create a seal on your skin, locking in moisture, blocking skin pores and preventing your skin from functioning normally. Mineral oils can cause dryness, skin irritation & blocked skin pores.
  • Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) are two skincare ingredients that make a great lather, but they also have a number of health implications. Both SLS & SLES can be easily absorbed through the skin and have the potential to cause issues with hormones and can be classified as carcinogens.
  • Triethanolamine (TEA) is an emulsifying agent (helps keep the oil and water from separating) that is a very controversial ingredient in the cosmetic industry because not only is it a skin irritant, but many formulas containing TEA are found to be contaminated with nitrosamines, which are linked to cancer.
  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used as a lubricant, binding agent and stabiliser which may be contaminated with carcinogen 1,4-dioxane. Side effects associated with PEGs include skin and eye irritation, kidney defects and immunotoxicity.

At Earth 2 Man we do our best to source the most natural and organic men’s skincare and shaving products that do not contain any parabens, propylene glycol, SLS, SLES, artificial fragrances or any other nasties that are no good for us. Check out our great range of shave products including natural and organic shave cream, shave gel and after shave lotions and creams (We don’t have any frothy cream in a can!).

Earth 2 Man – natural selection for modern men