Guys don’t always like to discuss their health issues with each other, but there are some big risks facing many men today. “Men put their health last,” says Demetrius Porche, DNS, RN, editor in chief of the American Journal of Men’s Health. “Most men’s thinking is, if they can live up to their roles in society, then they’re healthy.”
Let’s take a closer look at the biggest health risks facing men today and a few natural ways to mitigate those risks and stay healthy and active well into old age.
Cardiovascular Disease
The top causes of death among men around the world are heart disease and stroke. The highest rates are in the United States, although this is a big issue globally too. Cholesterol blocks the arteries in the heart and brain, which can cause blood clots and heart attacks.
Here are some natural approaches to promoting a healthy heart:
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables
- Cut saturated and trans fats from your diet
- Supplement your diet with a lot of fish
- Get active at least 30 minutes per day
- Get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked regularly
Lung and Prostate Cancers
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men include cancers of the prostate, lung, colon and rectum, and bladder. Prostate cancer, for example, accounts for about 30 percent of cancer cases in men. Most lung cancers can be attributed to tobacco use, and therefore could often be prevented.
Here are some natural ways to live a healthier lifestyle:
- Don’t smoke
- Limit occupational hazards with toxic fumes
- Try herbal remedies with palmetto, modified citrus pectin, and lycopene to promote prostate health
- Get a digital rectal exam and a blood test to check for prostate issues
- Incorporate high quality protein, raw nuts and seeds, and fruits & vegetables into your diet
Diabetes
Many men don’t realize that they are starting to develop symptoms of diabetes until they experience frequent urination. Blood sugar levels impact urinary urgency, which often sends men to the doctor to determine the cause. Obesity puts you at a higher risk for developing diabetes, along with diet and a lack of exercise. The healthy habits mentioned above may help reduce your risk of diabetes as well.
Hemorrhoids
No one likes to talk about anal and rectal irritations, but many men suffer from hemorrhoids and other rectal conditions. Our Olive Leaf Rectal Spray helps with itching, soreness, burning pain, odor, and abnormal discharge. This homeopathic medicine works best when you reduce your intake of sugars and carbs and can be used for up to seven days.
Erectile Dysfunction
You can’t turn on the television today without seeing an advertisement for a new ED medication. Erectile dysfunction is often caused by restricted flow in the blood vessels, and it often signals other cardiovascular problems as well. ED is much more about having a satisfying sex life; it’s a serious medical condition that can put your life at risk.
Here are some natural approaches to ED:
- Exercise and reach a healthy weight
- Perform pelvic/kegel exercises
- Consider acupuncture
- Supplement your diet with ginseng
- Curb your alcohol intake
Depression
Some people look at depression as little more than a mental state, while research shows what a serious disease it really is. Regardless, it’s one of the deadliest conditions among men today, especially when it escalates to the point of suicide. Depression often occurs when stress hormones and chemicals in the brain are off-balance, and it affects every aspect of one’s day. Research has shown that men who are depressed are also more likely to develop other serious medical conditions, like the ones listed above.
Here are some natural approaches:
- Avoid caffeine
- Consume serotonin-rich fish with omega-3 and healthy fats like coconut oil
- Get out into the sunlight
- Meditate
- Talk to a trusted professional or loved one