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“The state of men’s health is in crisis. Men experience worse longer-term health than women and die on average six years earlier. Prostate cancer rates will double in the next 15 years. Testicular cancer rates have already doubled in the last 50. Three quarters of suicides are men. Poor mental health leads to half a million men taking their own life every year. That’s one every minute.“

This rather shocking statement is from the Movember Foundation website. Starting from a conversation between two Australian men in 2003 the Movember Foundation has brought the Men’s Health Cause to worldwide attention and Ireland is now firmly on board with events to raise awareness and funds happening all over the country this month.

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Men do seem to start at a disadvantage here, we just don’t talk about it! The 2011 E.C report into The State of Men’s Health in Europe says that ‘health is often socially constructed as a feminine concern so that men often feel they should appear unconcerned about their health thus presenting a ‘real’ male identity.’ Is it ‘real’ not to take care of yourself? I don’t think so! Once this stereotype is broken down we can admit to our concerns and get into the habit of voicing them, seriously looking at the lifestyle factors that are stopping men from having the same health expectations as women and addressing them and getting the routine health checks that spot symptoms before they turn into major issues. So perhaps the first step is to become ‘body aware’ and to be willing to seek help and advice at the first sign that anything might be wrong.
With regards to lifestyle the basic recommendations are valid for both sexes, eat a natural, wholefood diet and get enough exercise. The ‘gym shake’ is a great starting point for increasing your nutrient intake through food by looking at the many ‘superfood blends’ available specifically for this purpose.

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]When it comes to supplements there are many excellent, high strength multivitamins formulated specifically for men and taking one of these is a great starting point. Nature’s Plus Ageloss Men’s Multivitamin (this has lots of Zinc, Rhodiola and Ginseng)and Solgar’s Male Multiple (with Lycopene) are examples of two of the best. Beyond this men have higher requirements for certain nutrients such as zinc (for hormone regulation and fertility) so look to increasing dietary sources such as seafood, spinach , nuts, beans, pumpkin seeds and mushrooms or take a zinc supplement.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”6886″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”green”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Many men find that Korean, also known as Panax, Ginseng is a useful herb to take from time to time. It has the reputation of boosting men’s energy and libido.
When it comes to prostate health the herb of choice is Saw Palmetto. It is a natural treatment for BHP (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) or benign enlargement of the prostate gland (frequent need to urinate is a symptom here). However it’s also thought to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by inhibiting the growth of prostatic cancer cells and possibly destroying dangerous cells. By keeping testosterone levels balanced it’s also thought to help in some incidences of hair loss.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_single_image image=”6888″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”green”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]For improving mental health Omega 3 essential fats in the form of fish oils can be very beneficial (and that’s on top of their cardiac and anti inflammatory benefits) as well as B Vitamins, Vitamin D, Saffron and Rhodiola. We’ve also talked before about the gut/brain axis and the latest research is also telling us that digestive and brain health are very interconnected. It follows that poor gut health would predispose towards poor mental health and possibly leading to stress and depression. Combat this by including probiotic foods such as kefir, sauerkraut and miso in the diet and or by taking high strength probiotic supplements.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Come on guys, let’s drop some of the bravado, why should we be ‘second class citizens’ when it comes to health. What’s wrong with opening up and asking for help and advice when something’s not quite right either physically or mentally? After all, we’re worth it too!
Oh and, by the way, I’m considering a slight change of image. Keep an eye on our Facebook page to check it out.

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