In this edition we'd like to shine a light on men, specifically on men's health and how to optimise it. Who better to do this than our founding pharmacist, Kevin Leivers MRPharmS.

"From my own health journey, I have no doubt that men need better education and support, on easy ways to develop good mental health."

Firstly, choose the right people or groups that support open conversations about your feelings, life experiences or challenges. Prevention is always better than cure so build your healthy routine now before things get too much. When emotional pressures build up from unresolved ‘stuff’, it impacts your relationships, work, mental and physical health. This work is made better with a balanced, low sugar diet, limiting alcohol, relaxed exercise and as much fresh air in nature as possible.

Are we in better health than our forefathers?

Compared to previous generations, men of today are generally considered to be in better health. Some areas of men’s health have improved dramatically.

For instance, smoking cessation health campaigns and controls on smoking have reduced the incidence of smoking-related lung and heart diseases. However, the increase in sedentary work and lifestyles plus work-induced stress and heavily processed foods and drinks have increased related cardiovascular risk factors, including weight problems and diabetes.

Key health concerns and their causes facing the male population

Weight problems, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental health.

The causes of these issues are often related to lifestyle/diet and therefore can be resolved – tackling a lack of regular exercise and consumption of too many processed foods/drinks is a great starting point.

Pharmacists health advice on changes to lifestyle

Aim to change just two things to make a difference – exercise and diet.

1. Physical inactivity can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 35%. Exercise to raise your heart rate for 20 minutes every day in whatever way suits you best and fits into your lifestyle.
2. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables daily. Avoid processed foods particularly those with high GI (Glycemic Index) – those that contain sugar or the carbohydrates that are easily converted to sugars.

Actioning these two things well and consistently will significantly reduce your risk of major diseases.

Nutritional needs of men compared to woman

Men generally are not as careful as women in terms of diet, particularly if they are single! We tend to eat more processed food and drink more sugar-loaded drinks, so the nutritional deficiencies are greater.

When the diet is poor the gut health suffers, and the knock-on effect is that basic vitamins and minerals plus essential plant-based nutrients have lower absorption. In these cases, a good quality multi vitamin + mineral supplement in combination with a balanced diet will be required to prop up the digestive system until gut health is improved. This must contain a significant amount of plant-based nutrients (from fresh fruit and vegetables). Concentrated plant-based bio-active compounds called polyphenols (from supplements) can also have a significant impact on men's health.

Common requirements in men's nutrition

Black Garlic, the fermented and therefore more potent form of raw white garlic can help maintain healthy blood pressure and circulation as well as a healthy gut and immune system.

The neuroprotective benefits of saffron are well documented, we recommend saffron bioactives to help manage work/life pressure. Talking about our mental health can still be harder for men, but we must strive to give it as much care and attention as we do our physical health and supplementing with saffron bioactives is a very positive start.

Plant-sourced polyphenols have a strong evidence base and so we recommend bergamot polyphenols for cardiovascular health (a 4 month course).

Sugary or high GI diets mean that the gut requires regular probiotics (multi-strain) and prebiotic natural fibres for optimum digestive wellbeing. B vitamins, particularly B12 are often affected due to poor gut health, this in turn can lead to fatigue.

I always recommend a Vitamin D supplement because such a high proportion of the population may be deficient, it is estimated that 1 in 5 of us have low vitamin D levels.

For those of us that do enjoy our exercise and pushing ourselves physically, a knock on effect can be exercise induced muscle discomfort. A diet which replenishes and hydrates the body is key to peak sporting performance.

Recommended healthy diet and lifestyle plan

As stated above, keep changes easy and simple.

Find ways to fit in 20 minutes of intense exercise a day and replace sugary snacks and drinks with low/zero sugar, high protein alternatives. There is healthy debate at the moment around the benefits of eating breakfast as the first meal of the day versus a longer daily fast. If you are one to breakfast early, then be sure to choose high protein/ low carbs options - keep away from sugary cereals and breads.

All of these elements will create significant improvements in health and reduce the risk of disease.

The five most important supplements for men and why

All of these supplements are available from The Naked Pharmacy and are fortified with a plant-based prebiotic for added immune protection and optimum gut health.

1. All rounder: Black garlic is up to 10 times more effective than white garlic and a cost-effective all-rounder for the immune system, cardiovascular protection and gut health.
2. Manage stress: Saffron with vitamins D3 and B12 to support the nervous system and help manage stress, the added D3 plus B12 make a significant difference to sleep quality and vitality.
3. Cardiovascular health: Metabolic Gold for 4 months to manage cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.
4. Sport recovery: Natruflex has high strength turmeric/black pepper with magnesium for exercise recovery and joints. Generally useful to improve gut health and reduce the reactivity of the gut lining.
5. Immune health: Olive leaf ELA for immune system protection.

In summary

We always recommend a healthy balanced diet with exercise as the best course of action for optimum health, but sensible supplementation can help prevent common health problems of our modern age.

Stay well and stay safe.

Kevin Leivers

Call our pharmacist if you have concerns

Our expert pharmacists are always on hand to answer any questions you might have and to make tailored recommendations based on your individual needs. Please contact us for free health advice on:

@: pharmacist@thenakedpharmacy.com
T: 01483 678 438