Men’s Health Medicine

The top 3 health issues that solely affect men include the prostate, the testicles or having low testosterone.

Prostate issues can include conditions like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or Prostate Cancer.

Testicular issues can include conditions like testicular cancer or testicular torsion.

Low testosterone on the other hand can affect many body systems and men can experience symptoms such as fatigue, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass or depressed mood.

Cardiovascular health issues such as strokes and heart diseases are a major health concern for men. Preventative measures such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, smoking cessation, reduced alcohol intake and a good diet can significantly mitigate the possibility of being affected by these conditions.

Please speak to your healthcare provider about any conditions you are concerned about or feel that you are at risk for. They will be able to advice you on the best course of action to address your concerns.

Supplements are often tailored on an individual basis based on your lifestyle, diet and health status. However, there are some supplements that may be generally beneficial for men. These can include.

• Multivitamins (a broad spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals – the ones for men may have higher Zinc or Vitamin D).
• Vitamin D itself to strengthen the bones, muscles and immunity.
• Zinc supplementation for boosting your immune system, wound healing or reproductive health.
• Omega-3 Fatty acids – good for memory and brain function and the heart

The above supplements are among some of the ones that can be taken. Please speak to your healthcare advisor about which supplement(s) may be best for you to take.

The NHS Eat Well Guide offers an overview of how much we should all eat to achieve a healthy and balanced diet. However, there are some specific foods that are best for men’s health in each food category.

• Fruit and Vegetables: Leafy green vegetables, berries and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli).
• Proteins: Lean meats like chicken or fish that is high in Omega-3 fatty acids e.g. Salmon, and Legumes.
• Carbohydrates: Eating brown rice, quinoa and whole wheat bread, these products will sustain you with energy.
• Fats and Oils: Eating healthy fats from avocados, nuts, seeds and oil and other Omega-3 sources such as Flaxseeds or Chia seeds.

There are also recommendations for low fat diary intake or alternatively fortified plant-based milks like soy or almond for those who are lactose intolerant.

It’s also strongly recommended to stay properly hydrated throughout the day. The recommend water intake for men is 2.5-3.0 L of water a day, that’s about 10-12 cups of water a day. Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day and drink water at regular intervals.

Health can be divided into physical health, mental health and emotional health.

Signs of good physical health may include getting good sleep, having good energy levels, having good bowel movements and having good sexual health with good libido and performance.

Signs of good mental and emotional health can include effective stress management, having a generally positive outlook on life and engaging in self-care activities like hobbies and relaxing.

The best medication for men is taking care of their own health and wellbeing. It is most advisable to do whatever you can to take care of your physical, mental, and social health. For physical health, try getting regular exercise, adequate sleep and maintaining a good diet and going for regular health check-ups.

Maintain good relationships with your friends and family and engage in your hobbies and interest to take care of your mental health. Doing brain exercises like sudoku or challenging puzzles can also help keep your brain sharp.

If you have specific health conditions or are at particular risk for specific conditions, speak to your healthcare advisor about which medications (possibly including male health solutions) might be most appropriate for you.