Men's Health with Nikki Burnett
Our Nutrition Editor Nikki Burnett MS MNT CNTP is a Functional Nutritionist at Taste Life Nutrition. Nikki works with ambitious professionals to help them overcome hidden barriers to both health and success. Challenges such as chronic stress, brain fog, low energy, and stubborn chronic issues frequently have their roots in unhealthy foods and unknown inflammatory conditions. Functional nutrition is based on the science of functional medicine. The goal is to understand the body through functional lab testing, genetic testing, environmental factors, stress, and lifestyle. Editor’s Note: This article is for information purposes only. Please check with your medical provider before beginning any treatment.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY KALEN JESSE
Nikki Burnett
Although I work with both men and women, it may not be surprising to hear that my clients are mostly women. Yet, 12% of men over age 18 are in fair or poor health. So why don’t I see more men? Many men wait until symptoms are persistent before seeking medical care. Data shows that only 3 out of 5 men get a yearly check-up, and 40% of men only go to a doctor when they fear a chronic medical condition, which could be prevented or treated if detected earlier. This highlights the importance of prevention in maintaining overall health.
Men & Heart Disease
Heart disease is responsible for 1 in every 4 male deaths.
Hypertension increases with age, and the risk of developing high blood pressure rising to 90% over a lifetime, if healthy steps are not taken.
Cholesterol has long been vilified as a primary cause of cardiovascular disease. We’ve all heard that HDL is good, and LDL is bad. However, numerous studies refute this hypothesis, demonstrating that it has little to do with heart disease. It is needed in the body to perform vital functions and is important for brain function, cellular integrity, and immune function.
What causes heart disease is the size of the cholesterol particle. The goal is to have large, fluffy, buoyant particles, which is protective. A lifestyle of sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats causes inflammation, resulting in small, dense particles that are easily oxidized. This is atherogenic and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Therefore, lowering cholesterol may not always be the answer. According to a Japanese study published in the Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism, older people with high LDL cholesterol generally live just as long as — and may even outlive — people with low LDL. In addition, an April 2018 study found that lowering cholesterol levels in men could bring about changes in nerve cell membranes and behavior. This is why we focus on particle size.
It’s important to note that dietary cholesterol has virtually no impact on serum cholesterol. Factors in the diet that raises cholesterol include sugar and toxic oils like vegetable oil, corn oil, and canola oil.
Men & Testosterone
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men and plays various roles in the body. . Studies show that 1 in 4 men between ages 30 and 79 experience low testosterone levels, which gradually drop in men as a natural part of aging. The decline often starts in their 30s and continues to decrease by 1% a year from the age of 45. Remember, testosterone is created by cholesterol.
Testosterone deficiency in men is associated with several serious health problems:
- Musculoskeletal problems, including osteopenia and sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass)
- Obesity
- Unhealthy cholesterol levels
-Type 2 Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
Screening for testosterone levels isn’t normal routine; however, if you experience the following you may request a blood test to check levels:
- Increased body fat
- Decreased strength/mass of muscles
- Fragile bones
- Decreased body hair
- Swelling/tenderness in the breast tissue
- Hot flashes
- Increased fatigue
- Effects on cholesterol metabolism
- Low sex drive
- Difficulty with erections
If you have low testosterone, note that more testosterone may not always be the right treatment for you. Your estrogen levels may be a factor as well. If your body is overweight and inflamed, testosterone can “aromatize” or convert into estrogen, creating more estrogen – not more testosterone.
Men & Preventative Health Care Tips
Everything we’ve discussed can usually be addressed through lifestyle modifications. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, unhealthy weight, inactivity, drinking alcohol, and stress are linked to increased risks of negative health consequences.
Diets emphasizing fresh, whole ingredients, and minimizing processed foods are superior for overall wellness. Include vegetables, fruits, whole, gluten-free grains (for some), legumes (for some), raw seeds and nuts, healthy fats, and pastured meat in your diet, while excluding refined and processed foods, like added sugars, white flour, and processed oils.
Stress is another major contributor to many of the poor health outcomes we’ve discussed today. Stress is inflammatory and bad for the heart. It can lead to poor eating choices, which can cause fat accumulation around the belly and type 2 diabetes. Stress is also linked to mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression. It’s important to include stress-reducing activities, like breathing exercises and physical activity, into your daily routines.