June is Men’s Health Month, an annual effort to get guys to focus on their health. Women are way ahead of men on this, which may be why we live longer (an average of 81.3 years compared to 76.2 years for men).
It’s time to wake up men: in the battle of the sexes, women are winning. Contrary to popular belief in the media, this isn’t a game we like winning. I, for one, adore my husband and I want him around for a long time.
Start by making your health and fitness goals a daily priority.
Consider this, the five leading causes of death in the U.S. are heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lung disease, and accidents. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, men die at rates 40% to 220% higher than women. Maybe, just maybe, it’s because your woman has to drag you along on her health plan, as you groan and grumble. I can hear you!
I know this because a whopping eighty percent of the people who attend our seminars are women, and the NUMBER ONE complaint is that they don’t have support from their spouse, which makes it hard for them to implement at home!
She may be outliving you because of something called the “John Wayne” syndrome. A tough guy willful avoidance of all things medical, to say nothing of many things healthful. And, of course, the obesity epidemic isn’t doing men any favors.
Well, maybe this will get your attention. Obesity, sugar consumption and lack of sleep, lower testosterone, the male sex hormone also responsible for men’s muscle mass , heart health, fertility (obesity is linked to low sperm counts), prostate enlargement and the risk of prostate cancer as well as the functioning of the male sex drive. Low testosterone levels can also lead to hair loss on the body as well as the head, plus thinning bones and lack of energy. Oh, and let’s not forget about brain function: risk for Alzheimer’s disease, memory and an overall feeling of well-being.
The good news is that when men get the message and get on board, they really get it! They are great leaders in the home and they, and wonderful support for their wives and children. You can be a positive role model and leave a legacy of health for your family!
Lose Weight the Omni and Brain Warrior’s Way
The Brain Warrior’s Way* or the Omni Diet* are the official programs of Amen Clinics, and they can work for you as they’ve worked for hundreds of thousands of other people! They each provide you with 70 percent plant foods and 30 percent lean protein, plus raw unsalted nuts and seeds for snacking, healthy oils including coconut oil, almond oil, macadamia-nut oil, and olive oil, so you can lose weight while eating delicious, satisfying meals.
The Omni Diet even includes a list of foods that have special benefits for men’s health:
Maca root: The maca plant grows in Peru’s Andes Mountains. Its root is ground into a powder and contains a wealth of nutrients and antioxidants. Maca powder is used to enhance sexual function, reduce adrenal stress and bring a feeling of balance to the body, boost energy and stamina and support the nervous system, digestive system, and reproductive system. Animal studies suggest that maca powder may act as an antidepressant, improve bone mass, reduce oxidative stress, improve memory, increase glucose tolerance, and improve cholesterol levels.
Use: Add raw maca powder to smoothies and raw desserts.
Omega-3 fatty acids: These fats, found in fish oil, have a wealth of health benefits. They reduce inflammation, aid in weight loss, protect against cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s, reduce the risk of heart disease, lower the risk of macular degeneration, reduce joint pain and stiffness from arthritis, protect against depression, ADHD, asthma, and lower the risk of colon, breast, and prostate cancer. Some studies have found that eating a lot of fish can reduce the risk of prostate cancer as much as 63 percent. Omega-3s are found in fatty fish including salmon, albacore (white) tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines, lake trout and halibut.
Use: Because it’s difficult even for people who love fish to get adequate amounts, I recommend taking a daily omega-3 supplement of between one to two grams of high-quality fish oil balanced between EPA and DHA, the two types of omega-3s.
Pomegranate: The seeds and juice of this exotic looking fruit are high in vitamin C and are packed with B vitamins, folic acid, potassium and iron. Studies have found that pomegranate extracts can slow the reproduction of prostate cancer cells, and other studies have indicated that taking pomegranate extract can slow the time it takes for levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) to double. Elevated levels of this protein can indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
Use: Pomegranate fruit and juice are delicious and good for you too. Add them to your diet.
Guys, get with the program. Even John Wayne would be down for foods that made him more masculine!
If you’re serious about your health and ready for change, sign up for The Brain Warrior’s Way Course*. This life changing program will empower you to create a legacy of health for both you and your family. *Get 21% off with coupon code TANA21 at checkout.