The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that men die at higher rates than women from the top ten causes of death. New York Time magazine also adds that by the age of 100, women outnumber men eight to one.

The Bigger Picture

Stop avoiding the doctor. All these diseases are connected to each other and men can prevent them by having an annual checkup. Yet most men tend to ignore the symptoms, either because they are embarrassed or they are afraid to show weakness, as society always expects them to be tough. Women are, in general, 33% more likely to visit a doctor than men, as stated by CDC. Men need to recognize that refusing to take notice of these illnesses can work against them.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

The best way to prevent these diseases is to change your lifestyle and eat a well-balanced diet. We list the most common diseases in men and the natural ways to help relieve symptoms and lessen the risk.

1. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

The World Health Organization says that CVD is the number one cause of death globally and of these deaths, an estimated 7.4 million were due to coronary heart disease and 6.7 million were due to stroke. That being said, twice as many men than women die because of this disease.

A heart attack is the most deadly type of cardiovascular disease. A heart attack happens when one of the tubes where blood flows to the heart becomes blocked. On the other hand, stroke – commonly known as “brain attack” – is the second most deadly CVD after heart attack. The frequency rate of stroke is 1.25 times greater in men than in women. A stroke occurs when one of the blood-flow passages to the brain is cut off, resulting in the brain cells dying.

Causes of heart disease include cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, lack of routine exercise and hereditary factors.

Supplements And Food That Prevent Cardiovascular Disease 

Omega 3 fatty acids: Omega 3 fatty acids are one of the best nutrients to prevent and treat a wide range of diseases. Studies show that they help to lower blood pressure and better blood lipid profiles, which reduce risk from heart disease. Sources include salmon, tofu, flaxseeds, spinach, and cabbage.

Green tea: Antioxidants in green tea can protect the blood vessels of the heart. A 2006 medical study shows that there is a significantly lower risk of dying from a cardiovascular disease with the consumption of five to six cups of green tea per day.

2. Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the top cancer killer in men. There are expected to be about 213,380 new cases of lung cancer and some 160,390 lung cancer deaths this year, reports WebMD. Lung cancer is the wild growth of abnormal cells in lungs, which then divide rapidly and form tumors. Causes of lung cancer are cigarette smoking (including secondhand smoke), exposure to asbestos or radon, hereditary factors, and air pollution.

Alternative Treatments

Stopping cigarette smoking is the most effective – some say, only – way to reduce the risk of lung cancer. However, instead of nutrients, there are complementary therapies that can lessen the symptoms, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, hypnosis, meditation and yoga.

3. Erectile Dysfunction

30 million men in the United States alone are affected by erectile dysfunction according to The National Institutes of Health. Though erectile dysfunction is not life threatening, doctors regard it as a premature sign of cardiovascular disease.

Supplements And Food That Help Prevent Erectile Dysfunction

Korean red panax ginseng: Sixty percent of men with erectile dysfunction who took this supplement noticed improvement, according to a 2002 Korean study. Sources: Korean ginseng root

L-Arginine: L-arginine is an amino acid naturally present in the body. Research suggests that 31% of men with ED taking five grams of L-arginine a day experienced considerable improvements in sexual function.

These are not yet scientifically proven to be effective in all men. However, erectile dysfunction may be linked to psychological issues, such as stress, anxiety or relationship problems, thus, counseling is also recommended.

4. Prostate Cancer

This is the second leading type of cancer death in men after lung cancer. Cancer.org reports that about one man in seven will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow quickly. Cancer can extend to cause bone pain in the pelvis, ribs or vertebrae. The source is unknown but is believed to be hormone-related.

Supplements And Food That Help Prevent Prostrate Cancer

Lycopene: A powerful antioxidant, lycopene can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Researchers believe it can work by changing hormone metabolism, and by causing cancer cells to destroy themselves. Sources: Tomatoes, papaya, red bell peppers, carrots, and watermelon.

5. Suicide And Depression

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 6 million men have depression each year, with young men more susceptible. In fact, men are four times more likely to commit suicide compared to women, reports Men’s Health Network. Depression isn’t just about being in a bad mood or being sad. It’s a serious emotional disorder that affects one’s life. Sleep, liveliness, and appetite are disturbed, which causes one’s body and mental health to breakdown.

Nutrients And Alternative Treatments

Vitamin B12: A water-soluble nutrient that is naturally present in food. This vitamin helps to prevent mood disorders and dementia. Sources: Shellfish, low-fat dairy, eggs, and cheese.

Chocolate: It is commonly shown in studies that eating dark chocolate reduces stress hormones. Not only that but it can also boost one’s well-being. We recommend raw, vegan chocolate.

When feeling severely depressed, psychotherapy and counseling are suggested, as well as yoga, meditation, and other types of holistic healing.

NOTE: We strongly encourage you to ask your doctor’s advice before taking any supplements, as some of these can have side effects.

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