All around the globe, men have shorter life expectancies than women. This is due to several reasons that put them at higher risk of accidents and disease such as risk taking, stressful jobs, bad eating habits, higher rates of smoking as well as heavy consumption of alcohol. Heart disease is the leading cause of male death in the US and more than 350,000 men die of it each year. Closely following behind we find diabetes and cancers, mainly of the prostate and colon.
While death is unavoidable it is important to know that there are a few changes that can be made that will have a significant impact on quality of life as well as male longevity. Nature’s pHarmacy™ guidelines promote healthy levels of testosterone and estrogens, healthier neurochemicals and immune reactions.
Don’t skip out on your annual physical exam! Even if you don’t have any health issues it is a good idea to visit your doctor for preventative care or for identifying problems in the early stages. Early screening, detection and treatment greatly improves survival rates and greatly reduces the overall cost of treatment by 2-4 times.
A 2016 survey by Orlando Health found that fear was the main reason men were skipping their annual exams. To help with the anxiety it can be a good idea to prep ahead of time by reviewing this list of what to expect at an office visit. If the anxiety is specific to a prostate exam, you can practice deep breathing, and affirm yourself that the exam is very quick, not longer than 20 seconds! As another option, discuss with your doctor whether an MRI of the prostate is right for you.
Decrease Stress. Chronic stress puts your health at risk and can cause a variety of serious issues such as heart disease and high blood pressure. It is easy to turn to bad eating habits and coping mechanisms to deal with stress which in turn creates a vicious cycle.
Stay Hydrated. Forty-three percent of all Americans do not drink enough water. Sufficient hydration is necessary for good health and every system of the body depends on water to function properly. These systems include the kidneys, heart, brain and other organs. Consuming at least 8 glasses of mineral-rich water a day can help with brain performance such as memory, mood, concentration, energy, weight management, temperature regulation, detoxification, digestive issues, and so much more. Stay away from sugary drinks and replace them with mineral water and herbal teas. If water is not your preference you can add muddled fruit to increase the flavor.
The Importance of Eating Well. The leading cause of disability and death in the US are direct results of unhealthy eating habits. The typical American diet is too low in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium and fiber, and instead contains too many empty calories, saturated fats,and added salt and sugar. These low nutritional foods are of poor nutritional value and can lead to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and other health issues.
Stick to a wide variety of fresh high quality whole foods and always choose organic and biodynamic whenever possible. Also be sure that your food choices are not negatively impacting your immune system. Sometimes, common foods, chemicals, and medications can overstress the immune system, making it hard to function as it should. Stay away from foods that are burdening your immune system since it can lead to chronic illnesses. Try to Alkalinize your diet and pinpoint foods that may cause triggers within your immune system, (many people for example react to wheat and milk). Fill your diet with lentils, chickpeas, and legumes to replenish your body.
Fix Nutrient Deficiency. Even when sticking to a healthy diet there is still a chance that you are not getting the key nutrients that you need. Take a high-quality, bioavailable multivitamin/multimineral supplement that provides the essential nutrients to protect the heart, body and brain.
In addition, men tend to lose a lot of zinc throughout each day; experts estimate that over 300 enzyme reactions require zinc, and it’s necessary for testosterone production. Ionized, fully soluble zinc sources, such as zinc citrate and picolinate, assist in essential immune and defense repair, along with sexual function.
Polyphenolic-rich supplements provide antioxidant and antibacterial benefits while also supporting prostate health. Quercetin dihydrate, pure pomegranate juice extract and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) help with inflammatory balance, cellular support, and stress protection.
If you are striving for longevity as well as high quality of life, it’s a good idea to implement the changes above as soon as today. By making these changes you can significantly improve your physical and mental health so one can truly live long and prosper!
Dr. J recommendations for a 21st century Exam for Men’s Health include the 4 self assessments; 8 predictive biomarkers plus any functional tests (stress hormones, neurochemicals, toxic metals and other environmental chemical burdens) that may be needed.