Fathers Day is just around the corner, and a lot of us will be honouring the men in our life in various ways. June is also men’s health and prostate cancer awareness month. My belief is that a great way to honour Dads is to take care of their health in the best way possible to keep them healthy, happy, and admit it, sexy!
Most men know the basic health drill – eat fresh organic food, exercise, don’t smoke, minimize the alcohol consumption, and get an annual physical. But this isn’t enough frankly. There’s still a lot that can be done to hone down better health. Here are a few ‘secrets’ to improving the vitality of that healthy, sexy male in your life.
Rev-up your engine in the morning. Far too often, skipping breakfast or grabbing sweet or fatty snacks for the quick fix at the local coffee house leads to fatigue earlier in the day, erratic blood sugar spikes and crashes, and decreases in metabolism. Consuming a healthy dose of good quality protein first thing in the morning, as well as adding fiber, can promote healthier cholesterol levels, regulate digestion, and decrease your risk of diabetes.
Enjoy a cup of green. Green tea contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which help boost immunity, can assist in lowering blood pressure, help prevent cancer and Alzheimers disease, and assist with weight loss.
Keep the prostate healthy. The prostate gland is an essential part of the male sexual system. Currently, about 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, and 60% of those will be 65 years or older. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting Canadian men, and running a regularly scheduled PSA via a simple blood test can help detect red flags before the situation gets out of control.
Get your hormone levels checked. Unbalanced hormones can lead to unwanted symptoms such as low libido, decrease in muscle mass and strength, increased levels of fatigue, and sleep irregularities. Chances are that if you feel that your ‘joie de vive’ isn’t what it used to be, your hormones may be the culprit. The good news that your Naturopathic Doctor can run a male hormone panel test to measure testosterone levels – the main steroid hormone in men. A number of naturopathic approaches can be taken to address hormone imbalances ranging from herbal medicine, homeopathics, vitamin and mineral supplementation and more.
Quit smoking. Cadmium is a major metallic element in cigarettes. It is now known that ingestion of these heavy metals via smoking has a direct negative effect on sperm health. Smoking also damages lung tissue, interferes with circulation, and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Increasing sexual health, whether for fertility purposes or simply improving vitality for older men, is key to better overall health, so supporting your man in a quit smoking program is beneficial to everyone, all around.
Eat your Rainbows. Colour up your meals – every day! Including a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, fish and lean meats adds rich nutrients to your diet, including key elements such as carotenoids, flavonoids, Omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc. These are typically found in carrots, tomatoes, dark chocolate, shellfish, salmon, and lean turkey and chicken. In addition, consuming monounsaturated fats such as those found in avocadoes can assist in healthier cholesterol levels.
Laugh More. Yes, there is science behind the old adage that ‘laughter is the best medicine’. Engaging in laughter increases blood flow, circulation and more oxygen flowing the muscles and brain. It reduces stress levels by releasing more endorphins (the ‘feel good’ response) and induces relaxation, both physically and emotionally.
So this month, instead of the proverbial gift of tie or slippers, honour the man in your life by supporting the gift of better health. Because a sexier man is a healthier man, and vice versa.
If you are struggling with health issues and don’t know where to start, talk to your Naturopathic Physician. Placing your physical health and wellness is our priority in our practice. Along with proper and customized evaluation, we can help you explore your root causes of your health conditions and how to manage and treat them effectively in ways that are right for you.
To your Health,
Dr. Olena
Dr. Olena Gill is a Licensed Naturopathic Physician and Registered Acupuncturist (2003). She practices at Indigo Integrative Health/The Mind-Body Connection Centre in Parksville, BC on Vancouver Island.
Take CHARGE of your health! You’re the only one who can! BOOK AN APPOINTMENT with Dr. Olena today to get you on the road to wellness and improved health.
Disclaimer: No information given here or in any post or page on this site should be construed as medical advice. Please see your doctor for proper evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.