In honor of International Men’s Day on November 19, we’re sharing a series of blog posts about men’s health. We will focus on dietary, emotional and physical supportive measures to promote optimal health in men.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), 12% of men over the age of 18 are in fair or poor health, while 36.6% of men over the age of 20 are obese and 33% of men over the age of 20 have problems with their blood pressure.
While many men may be active and healthy in their younger years as the responsibilities of work and family take their toll, many men focus less on healthy practices and lifestyles, often eat poor diets, and engage in minimal to no exercise. exercise and activity. and not engaging in stress-relieving activities. They often turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with daily stress.
Over the years, these lifestyle choices take their toll, resulting in a number of complaints or illnesses that men see appearing out of nowhere, but when carefully examined reveal the downside of not being interested in their own health.
Diet is one of the most important and fundamental aspects of health, providing nutrients and building blocks that optimize cell function and allow body systems to function efficiently and stay healthy. However, in the Western world, many eat a diet high in heavily processed foods, highly refined grain products, excess carbohydrates and sugars, unhealthy fats, meat and animal products from animals raised in factory farms, excess calories, and excess alcohol. Together with non-organic GMOs, we produce foods with a huge amount of chemicals that add toxicity and stress to the cells. These diets are often poor in adequate fiber, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, humanely raised, grass-fed or pastured animals and animal products, unprocessed whole foods, grains and legumes, and purified water.
How do we encourage men to eat healthier, especially when our advertising across media formats encourages these convenience foods without proper nutrition, and when there is an attitude of ignorance, complacency or a downright feeling that it is not ‘manly’ to focus on health?
At the same time, many men avoid talking to their loved ones or primary care providers about symptoms that may be occurring in their bodies, or outright ignore these concerns because they don’t want to show signs of weakness to their ego. How do we get them to open up?
We need to change the dialogue around men’s health and encourage them to talk to their healthcare providers and families if they have any concerns, and ensure that the messages remind them that this is not a sign of weakness, but signals from the body that it needs some attention and changes. in lifestyle to regain balance.
Education about healthy food choices is of utmost importance. Men need to know which foods work best for them and which ratios of macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrates) are best for their age, goals, lifestyle and activities. It won’t be the same for everyone.
We must emphasize the importance of an increased intake of vegetables (preferably organic), which should make up at least 40-50% of each meal. Additionally, men should avoid processed and fast food products as much as possible and opt for whole, minimally processed foods. Also, keeping carbohydrates to a minimum and avoiding added sugars in foods and drinks will help balance blood sugars.
While meat can have a place in a healthy diet, choosing meat that is raised on a natural diet with access to outdoor areas will improve the nutritional and fat profile in the meat and be healthier when consumed. A focus on fish and seafood will provide healthy omega-3 polyunsaturated fats that help balance inflammation in the body. And finally, men should add to their diet healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil and olives, avocados and avocado oil, nuts and seeds, grass-fed dairy (for those not sensitive to dairy), coconut and coconut products. .
By having men work with a naturopathic doctor, functional doctor, or other naturally focused, nutrition-based health care provider, a more detailed eating plan and approach can be provided to optimize health and well-being. Additionally, ensuring loved ones and friends support men who are making healthy, positive changes can go a long way in encouraging men to stick with these behaviors.
Keep an eye out for our next blog on men’s health, where we’ll look at emotional factors and what we can do to help men support their emotional health and deal with stressors effectively.
Dr. Shawn Manske attended the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, one of seven accredited four-year, postgraduate naturopathic medical schools in North America, and received his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. He practiced as an ND in Ontario, Canada, for five years before moving to Colorado. He is currently a Territory Accounts Manager and Senior Educator at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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