Many of us put health issues on the long finger, but men in particular can be slower to keep up with health concerns. Which can have worrying consequences. The fact is, many of men’s health issues are often preventable. If you are aware of the early warning signs and make the necessary lifestyle changes, you could make a big difference to your health.
So what are the most common men's health issues? And importantly, what can be done about them? Today, we're taking a look at three of the most common men's health issues they face and what can be done to address them.
What are the Most Common Men's Health Issues?
Three of the most common men's health issues are high cholesterol, blood sugar imbalances and prostate health. We've got more on each of these health concerns below.
High cholesterol, heart disease or stroke
High cholesterol contributes to the build-up of plaque in the arteries, which leads to heart problems and heart disease. This all too common disease takes years to develop and the progression can start as early as childhood. If you have high cholesterol or clogged arteries it can affect your energy levels, your ability to do exercise, impact your work and affect your sex life.
What to do about it?
- Look at your diet and try to replace fast food options with good old fashioned home cooking.
- Try to exercise more, even moderate levels of exercise can help to keep your heart healthy and strong.
- Also, consider taking Coenzyme Q10. CoQ10 helps to protect the heart and assists in energy production.
Take a look at our range of heart and cholesterol support supplements here
Blood sugar imbalances leading to diabetes
Blood sugar imbalance is often the cause of fat around the middle and it can also affect your energy levels and mood. If left unchecked, blood sugar imbalances can lead to diabetes, which in turn leads to a whole host of unpleasant side effects.
What to do about it?
- Eat less sugar and get into the habit of eating less. If you really need sugar in your tea or coffee, why not try xylitol - a natural sugar alternative.
- Cinnamon can help to naturally balance blood sugar levels. Add cinnamon to food or drinks. Porridge or milky coffees are nicer with a pinch of cinnamon. You can also get great cinnamon herbal teas.
- If you find it hard not to crave sweet things, a chromium supplement could be for you. It helps to balance your blood sugar levels, so addressing the problem as a whole.
Prostate health
Another of the most common men's health issues is prostate health. Enlargement of the prostate occurs in almost all men as they get older. The more it progresses, the more the symptoms impact a man’s life. The cause is unknown, but is thought to be hormonal.
Symptoms include a frequent need to urinate, often with a weak flow, difficultly urinating and sometimes blood in the urine (please seek medical advice from your doctor if you see blood in your urine). You can try a simple home test if you are worried about your prostate health.
What to do about it?
- From a holistic point of view, the best preventative is a clean diet, focused on fruit and vegetables.
- If you really can’t see yourself improving your diet, another option would be to take a course of milk thistle herb once every few months. You can also take a specific prostate support supplement such as New Nordic Prosta Vital or Viridian Man 50+ Prostate Complex
- In addition, drink plenty of water every day, increase your daily fibre intake and cut down on caffeine.
A good quality multivitamin designed especially for men's health needs is also a great addition to your daily routine to support your overall health. Take a look at our range of Men's Multivitamins here,.
Please note, this blog is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice.
It’s always best to consult your doctor before taking any new supplements, treatments or remedies if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication.
Are you looking for more health advice specifically for men? Then read our blog 'Essential Nutrients for Men's Health: Fuelling Your Body and Mind'.
Checked and updated: 18th July 2023