Perhaps it was because the year 2003 produced no Hollywood glam on facial hair, other than the now Mo-famous Johnny Depp. Or maybe it was because the two founders of Movember were still stuck in the Super Trooper ‘stache-phase. However it started, there’s no denying that Movember really is changing the face of men’s health, one mustache at a time. Let's explore the origins of Movemeber and other men's health supplements

How Did Movember Start?

As friends do, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery from Melbourne, Australia, started discussing various topics over a pint. It seems the two must have really been pro facial-hair because the conversation lead jokingly to bringing the Mo’ back. So they did. And inspired by a friend’s mother who was fundraising for breast cancer, they decided to make this ‘campaign’ supporting men’s health and, most importantly, prostate cancer. They agreed to charge $10 to grow their Mo, and soon, with a little marketing and rule making (which are still in place 10 years later), they convinced 30 men to do the challenge with them. And the rest is history.

In 2003, the founders decided to continue with a stronger purpose. They operated from a home office and contacted the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. The foundation agreed to accept donations. However, it did not recognize them as an official men's health partner. And at the end of the year, they donated a $54,000 cheque to PCFA – the largest single donation they’d ever received.

Over the years, Movember continued to reach international levels, making its way officially into Canada in 2007 with the Prostate Cancer Canada organization. In 2011, it was officially recognized as a charity in our country. Today, over 20 countries participate in Movember, and last year they raised $146.6million – ranking it one of the Top 100 NGO’s (charity) in the world as named by the Global Journal. To put that into context, there are an estimated 5 million Ngo’s around the world. While raising money and most importantly, getting men and women everywhere talking and changing the face of men’s health, it is quite a success story.

While supporting awareness efforts, we also want to promote year-round health. Several simple habits and supplements can help men stay healthy throughout the year.

What Are The Top Men's Health Supplements?

Men's Multivitamins

Multivitamins remain an easy way to support nutrient intake. Choose a formula that matches your age, lifestyle, and gender. Here is what you should look for:

NO MORE ONE A DAY! - Think about all of the nutrients that you need to get into one little capsule, and you can probably guess that one-a-day multis are not coming close to reaching supportive levels of any one vitamin or mineral, and if they are, chances are your body is not going to be able to utilize it all, if taken all at once. 3-a-day, or even 6-a-day options are better absorbed, utilized and therefore more effective. Well worth the added work of remembering.

High Potency - A multi-vitamin (high potency or not) is not going to reach therapeutic levels in terms of dosage, but the high potency options may, at least, come close.

Skip the Iron - Consider an iron-free multivitamin. Iron can irritate the digestive system. Iron also competes with calcium and other nutrients for absorption. Take iron separately if blood tests show low levels. Ask your doctor to check your iron levels before supplementing.

Phytonutrients - Don't mind if I do! Many multivitamins now include phytonutrients for added antioxidant support. A few extra antioxidants in one's life never hurt anyone. These can help protect against free radical damage - benefiting the eyes, prostate, lungs, skin, and so much more.

Men's Health Supplements For Prostate Health

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death for men. Typically, men in their 30-40's rarely get it (but don't rule it out); the chance increases steadily over 50 - this is why being aware and getting a regular exam over this age is crucial. Common signs of prostate cancer are pain/burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, a decrease in the amount and force of urine flow, an inability to urinate, blood in the urine, and continuing lower back and pelvic or suprapubic discomfort. We recommend:

Saw Palmetto - Research shows that Saw Palmetto is useful in decreasing symptoms associated with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Very simply put, BPH causes the prostate to enlarge, causing frequent trips to the bathroom, along with urinary urgency and hesitancy.

Lycopene - Lycopene may help to reduce mutated prostate cell proliferation and may slow these cells cycle progression. Lycopene is a carotenoid found in cooked tomato products. You can obtain lycopene through foods or supplements. Dietary fat improves lycopene absorption. Add some olive oil to your tomato sauce prior to serving, or take a lycopene supplement with food.

Men's Libido Supporting Supplements

You've heard the rumours, and sadly, the link between testosterone levels and your libido is present. Here is something that can help:

Tribulus may be the answer! An Ayurveda herb, Tribulus, may help to increase androgen receptor activity in the brain, thereby enhancing androgen related libido. Tribulus has been shown to increase sexual performance and erectile function.

Men's Stress Supporting Supplements

Work, family, health, lack of sleep, your team lost… we all stress over different things and in different amounts. We know it's not healthy, and if it goes untreated, which is something Men are known for, it could snowball into something worse. Here is what we suggest you try:

GABA - Gamma Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an amino acid and neurotransmitter (a chemical that regulates electrical conduction of the brain). It prevents these signals from overfiring, blocking excitatory activity and relaxing the body and mind.

Men's Workout Supplements & Tips

Gym time… the best part of your day! Just you and your weights... no nagging, no stress! It can also be your social time, as we see the interaction with other regulars. If you're the competitive type, maybe you use this time to challenge yourself in strength, endurance and stamina. Whatever your reason, working out is a healthy way to keep fit and ensure lifelong health. But there are a few things you can do to ensure you are getting the most out of the time you put in.

Sleep well - 7-8 hours a night of uninterrupted sleep can go a long way in helping the body recover, which keeps your mind and body sharp and at peak performance.

L-Glutamine - L- glutamine is another amino acid which supports the healthy building of lean muscle mass. L-glutamine also helps to assist in muscle cell recovery after exercise, getting you back to the gym faster!

Vary your Routine - Your body gets bored with the same old thing - the key to success is keeping it new and fresh. Try yoga or pilates (yes, men can do that too!), for core strengthening instead of your usual crunches.