Natural Treatments for 7 Common Male Problems
Men’s Health: Natural Treatments for 7 Common Male Problems
Men and women not only look different, they have different health concerns as well. There’s an expectation in Western society that men should provide for others, never taking time to care for themselves. This leads to unhealthy habits, both at home and in the workplace, which have led to a health crisis among men today. A crisis that could be managed effectively with natural remedies, easy lifestyle tweaks, and simple preventative measure.
Right or wrong, men are often raised to act as if they’re invincible. They’re taught that pain is just something they must ignore and muscle their way through. That admitting illness is a sign of weakness, a threat to their hard-won status.
But toughing it is often a terrible idea. That pain or discomfort could be a symptom of a bigger problem. And sometimes, that problem can be a game changer.
In this article, we’ll take a quick look at seven common concerns in men’s health. We’ll look at risk factors for these problems, things you can do to help prevent them, and natural treatments you can use if one of these problems affects you. Keep on reading to find out more.
1. Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is a catch-all term for heart-related issues. This includes things like angina, congestive heart failure, and stroke. The big three risk factors are:
All these factors contribute to the blood vessels leading to your heart narrowing and possibly hardening due to plaque buildup. The flow of blood into the heart is restricted, making it that much harder for the heart to do its job. And if the heart can’t do its job . . .
Fortunately, there are many simple changes you can adopt to make sure your heart keeps pumping for a good, long time.
For starters, if you smoke, quit. Sure, it’s easier said than done. But today there are more resources than ever to help you out, from hypnosis to acupuncture. Or your doctor can even prescribe medication to help you with the cravings.
If you use cigarettes to deal with stress, consider a less toxic coping mechanism. You’re already using your breath to calm yourself. Replace smoking with diaphragmatic breathing instead, flooding the lungs with clean air that won’t lead to heart failure.
If you’re looking for supplements to help reduce your risk cardiovascular disease, consider:
Vitamins C, D and E could come in handy, as well.
And do your best to eat a healthy, balanced diet. If you need some help with that, the next section is for you.
Eating well with the Mediterranean Diet
One way to manage many men’s health issues is through diet. With the demands of work and life, many men reach for less-than-nourishing food options. Something quick to give them the energy to just get through this next little bit.
When this happens, almost any conscious effort to eat better would be a welcome change. But let’s look at one specific plan that goes beyond diet fads. This one really is a lifestyle. It’s based directly on the way the hearty people of Greece and Southern Italy have been eating for centuries.
The Mediterranean Diet actually comes with the Mayo Clinic’s seal of approval. Studies show that this diet leads to lower bad cholesterol levels, reduced risk of fatal heart issues, and longer life expectancy.
The main points of the diet are as follows:
Also, try to share meals with friends and family whenever possible. This helps you cope better with stress and lowers your blood pressure. And the occasional glass of red wine—if so desired—is also part of the plan.
It’s not only healthy, it’s simple, all-natural, and delicious.
2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is an umbrella term for all manner of respiratory disease. It includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and even certain forms of asthma. The most common symptom of COPD is restricted airflow due to lung inflammation. As you might expect, the more severe your COPD the lower your life expectancy.
If you suffer from COPD, the first thing to do is to limit your exposure to smoke. No smoking, no vaping, no second-hand smoke—period.
Next, consider respiratory therapy. Learning techniques like pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing from a specialist can help you maximize your oxygen intake, reducing your shortness of breath.
Other factors to consider? Try improving your diet (see above) and drink plenty of water. Use a humidifier to help you breathe easier. If you don’t have small children about, consider diffusing some eucalyptus oil as well. And consider a Panax ginseng supplement for improved lung function.
Also, try to avoid the cold as this triggers bronchospasm, leading to shortness of breath. And try to avoid crowds. They might make you more susceptible to germs that will take advantage of your already-compromised immune system.
And finally, do your best to reduce the amount of stress in your life. It often makes breathing harder.
3. Liver Disease
The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body. And just like the heart and the lungs, it’s vital for survival. It helps with digestion, stores energy for later use, and filters toxins from your body. It also processes the nutrients absorbed during the digestive process and balances the levels of protein, fat, and sugar in your blood.
Some diseases of the liver are viral, such as hepatitis A, B, and C. But most result from such things as:
Diseases like fatty liver syndrome, jaundice and cirrhosis can all benefit from better diet, responsible drinking, and a bit of exercise. For supplements, consider vitamin E, turmeric, and black seed oil.
4. Type 2 Diabetes
This is the adult-onset diabetes that’s usually the result of a poor diet. The pancreas produces so much insulin to deal with elevated blood glucose that the body’s insulin receptors wear out. As a result, you’re worn out, too. Your body is now incapable of getting glucose into your muscle cells, sapping you of strength and energy.
A healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean Diet, is crucial to getting your blood sugar back under control. And, like most other men’s health issues, you should quit smoking, exercise, and reduce the stress in your life.
5. Depression
Depression impacts at least one out of every seven people. The World Health Organization predicts the by 2020 it may be the world’s most prevalent health problem. And it’s the proverbial elephant in the room that nobody wants to talk about.
For men, the social stigma attached to depression leads many to refuse to admit they might have it. But having depression and not doing anything about is a recipe for disaster.
If you think you might be depressed, it’s important to talk to a professional for further evaluation. If your depression is severe enough, they might recommend medication. But some depression medication can have unpleasant side effects that can magnify certain symptoms. If your meds aren’t working out, keep an open dialogue with your therapist to make sure you get on the right program.
If taking a holistic approach to depression, take some time to consider your lifestyle. A balanced diet can lead to more energy and less weariness. Consider a light exercise regimen. Maybe take some natural or herbal supplements such as fish oil, probiotics, or St. John’s Wort. A good B Complex vitamin could help, too.
Another important step is carving out some time for what really matters. Spend more time investing in supportive relationships, get outdoors more often, and try getting in touch with your inner self through journaling.
6. Pneumonia
We all know that guy. You know, the one who never takes a day off no matter how sick he gets. He’ll go to work with a cold and doesn’t seem to notice when he spikes a fever. He’s just a little sick, he tells himself. It’s just something he has to work through.
What he’s really doing is flirting with pneumonia. We often think of it as a disease that afflicts children and the elderly. But the fact remains that pneumonia is the direct cause of 7% of all adult deaths.
Pneumonia is often the result of complications from respiratory flu. Which itself is often a complication of the common cold. So your best shot at prevention is trying boosting your immunity.
Besides dietary improvements consider vitamin C, echinacea, and a probiotic supplement. And get some rest. A lot of men undervalue sleep, but it really is the body’s best chance to repair itself. Shortchanging your sleep cycle is an open invitation to illness.
If you develop a fever, stay hydrated, take cooling baths or showers, and boost your electrolytes. You can do this by drinking smoothies or coconut water. If your temperature gets too high, grab a dependable over-the-counter remedy like Advil or ibuprofen.
If you have a cough that’s getting out of control, use a humidifier, avoid sudden temperature changes, and don’t work out. Instead, try reducing your mucous naturally by eating homemade soups and drinking green tea.
And always practice good hygiene. Wash your hands. A lot.
7. Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer. But it’s also one of the easiest cancers to prevent. The best way to avoid skin cancer is to reduce any and all exposure to ultraviolet light. Including tanning beds. And when outside, use a high-SPF sunblock.
The most susceptible to skin cancer are people with freckles, light-colored eyes, and red or blond hair. Other high-risk candidates are people with already-weakened immune systems or a family history of skin cancer.
Preventative natural supplements to consider include vitamin D, probiotics, and turmeric. Also, try adding some cancer-fighting foods to your diet. This means:
Putting this newfound knowledge to work . . . for you
If you’re the kind of guy who refuses to admit when you don’t feel well, it’s time for a change. It’s time to take care of yourself. Make sure your problems don’t escalate into something unmanageable.
Reading through this article, you may have noticed some common threads. Eat a balanced diet. Don’t smoke. And eliminate stress. If you can get a handle on these three simple things alone, you’ll be way ahead of the game.
Traditionally, men like to think of themselves as providers. But how can you take care of others if you don’t take the time to care for yourself first? Your health should always be priority number one.
Want to know more about a specific men’s health problem?
Do you have questions about a specific men’s health issue? Book an appointment with Dr. Tara Andresen today for a personalized consultation on how you can address these and other men’s health related issues using a natural treatment approach.