Health and wellness are very much ‘buzz’ words in today’s society, so when we delved into the statistics surrounding men’s health in honour of Men’s Health Awareness Week, we were a little shocked! 

Studies continue to emerge highlighting one common theme, men are less likely than women to acknowledge illness or to seek help when they are ill, according to the Men’s Forum. This means they are far less likely to visit their GP, so there is less chance for both early detection and treatment as problems go under the radar for too long. There are also certain health conditions that seem to affect men more prominently, so let’s get started with some of the top health concerns that impact men, what you might need to look out for and importantly, how they might be prevented!  

 

Cardiovascular disease 

Studies have shown that the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is greater in men, with the British Heart Foundation publishing statistics showing the proportion of inpatient episodes attributed last year to Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) being almost twice as high among men than women. Death before the age of 75 years is considered to be premature and according to The British Heart Foundation, based on a yearly average, one quarter of premature deaths in men can be linked in some way to CVD - shocking we know! So let’s talk about some of the best ways to keep the heart healthy!

 

Top ways to support heart health!

• Reduce alcohol consumption: Men’s Health forum have suggested that men are more likely to regularly drink alcohol, with 31% of men drinking more than is recommended each week. Why not an alcohol free alternative - we love Clean Liquor and Seedlip! 

• Maintain a healthy weight: 66% of men in the UK are considered to be either overweight or obese, which increases the risk of developing CVD in the long term. Sticking to a healthy balanced diet which is full of different fruits, veggies, lean protein, wholegrains and healthy fats alongside regular exercise is the best way to maintain a healthy weight. 

• Eat good fats! A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, that maintains a good balance of omega-3 and omega-6 has been shown to decrease inflammation in the arteries and protect the heart, according to the British Dietetic Association. Try to include oily fish in your diet at least once per week, eat plenty of nuts and seeds and swap your oil for a high quality flaxseed oil. You could also try our Omega-3 fish oil supplement if you need an extra boost!

Type 2 Diabetes 

According to Diabetes UK, men are more likely than women to be affected by type 2 diabetes. It's been estimated that men account for 56% of those diagnosed with diabetes each year. Type 2 diabetes can go unnoticed, as it can come on slowly and develop over a number of years. This is why it’s important to raise awareness as 6 out of 10 people have no symptoms! Thankfully, in the majority of cases, type 2 diabetes can be put into remission, which is great news! Studies have shown that a reduction in body fat, by following a healthy balanced diet and getting regular exercise can help to reduce your risk factors and could even ‘reverse’ the impact of type 2 diabetes. 

Understanding the prostate

Prostate Cancer 

According to Prostate Cancer UK, more than 47,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year – that's 129 men every day! With 1 in 8 men estimated to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime it’s so important to talk about prostate health! Even with these statistics, prostate health is not something that is widely spoken about, and most men don’t know the best ways to support prostate health! Studies show maintaining a healthy balanced diet, getting regular exercise, reducing consumption of ultra processed foods and attending your screenings (if you’re over the age of 55) are the best ways to prioritise prostate health. 

Benign prostate hyperplasia

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that primarily affects men as they get older. It occurs when the cells of the prostate gland begin to multiply, and these additional cells cause your prostate gland to swell. The main symptoms to look out for are difficulty starting to urinate and an increase in the frequency of urination. Scientists believe that BPH occurs as a result of hormonal changes as men age. However, studies are emerging that show that by addressing lifestyle factors, symptoms begin to improve. The main factors to address include reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption, ditching artificial sweeteners and increasing weekly exercise! 

Depression & suicide

With the shocking statistic, that three out of four suicides in the UK are by men and with suicide being the biggest cause of death for men under 35, we need to get talking! As we all face new challenges in the current climate with COVD-19, now has never been a better time to acknowledge and bring the importance of men’s mental health to the surface.

This month we want to raise awareness, join the conversation and help to get men talking about their mental health and all the things that are important to them and their health. As part of our recent Stress Awareness Campaign, we reflected on the most powerful ways that we can reduce both stress & anxiety, so don’t forget to check out our Q&A with Anxiety Expert Chloe Brotheridge for some top tips! This month however, we wanted to focus on men specifically, so keep an eye out for more on Men’s mental health from Nutritionist Libby Limon later this week! 

Erectile dysfunction

A 2018 study estimated that erectile dysfunction affects approximately a third of men, with the majority of men being affected over the age of 50. Erectile dysfunction is arterial dysfunction, with cardiovascular disease the most common comorbidity, meaning that the most common risk factors for its development include physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome.

The same study found that being physically active can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing some forms of erectile dysfunction, alongside maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) and a balanced diet. The NHS lists a number of different causes of erectile dysfunction, which includes links to CVD and hormonal changes common with age. Throughout the week we’ll be discussing all things men’s health including some of the top ways you can help boost testosterone levels naturally, so keep an eye out! 

Men, we need you!

As part of Men’s Health Awareness Week, we want to hear from all you men out there! As part of our commitment to innovation, we’re always looking for ways to improve, and that’s where we need you to be a part of it, get in touch with us - we’d love to hear from you! 

Throughout the week we’ll be drip feeding you more exciting male-related content, testimonials from our male community plus our go-to supplements when it comes to men’s health - sign-up to our newsletter to be the first to hear! Don’t forget to check out our recent Q&A with England Rugby Player George Kruis, where we talk about all things men’s health and fitness and his exciting CBD brand - FourFiveCBD, find it here. 

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