Natural Ways to Enhance Male Health
In a world that’s desperately trying to take hold of the fountain of youth, so many commercials promote products that claim to make you feel younger, healthier, and live longer. But for those who would prefer to maintain their health the natural way, what kind of options are there?
Load Up on Protein
While carbohydrates may get you hyped up for the short term, those can have adverse effects on heart health and cancer-causing visceral fat. Not only does your body burn protein at a slower and more consistent rate, but it will also provide valuable sustenance that your body can use to rebuild itself. Supplement your protein consumption with antioxidant-rich foods and supplements to stave off the genetic decay incident to aging.
Drink More Water
If it’s true that 60% of your body is water, then even the slightest bit of dehydration can make you feel sluggish and affect your overall health. Water helps with virtually every system of your body – cardiovascular, skeletal, digestive, etc. – and the less you drink, the harder your body has to work to keep up regular operations.
Regulate Testosterone
Despite the generally negative portrayal of the male hormone in pop culture, testosterone is extremely important for preserving male health, especially in men over the age of thirty. Testosterone isn’t a sex chemical that turns men into raging Conan the Barbarian look-alikes; it’s responsible for regulating energy, mood, and metabolism. Declining levels of testosterone can cause men to become irritable, listless, and fat. If you suspect that your testosterone production isn’t what it used to be, make sure you get a significant amount of chicken, turkey, fish, and lean red meats in your diet. Avoid soy and carbohydrate-rich foods, and consider taking up resistance exercises. If these measures still aren’t enough, natural supplements exist that can help to regulate this vital hormone.
Soak Up the Sun
Though many people are afraid to head outside due to the fear of skin cancer, the truth is that your body needs a regular dose of vitamin D and serotonin to fight off depression and anxiety, both of which are linked to an early death. One of the best habits that you can get into is a regular outdoor routine, whether it’s walking, biking, or just sitting on the porch with a glass of lemonade.
Focus on Your Mental Health
Whether it’s a 15-minute break to pray or a 30-minute break to meditate or a regular nighttime journalling routine, we all need some time to take care of our mental health. Burnout and stress are conditions that affect a lot of men, and it only gets worse as you get older. Get into the habit now of establishing a little you time every day.
Rub Your Ears
This may sound a little unorthodox, but studies have shown that gripping your ear between your thumb and forefinger and rubbing up and down for 10-30 seconds stimulates every one of your body’s energy centers, all of which run through your ears. This technique works exceptionally well if you’re feeling a little bereft of energy, so on the days that you need a little extra boost, try it out.
Men need to feel like they are competent, capable, and in control of their own destiny. In a very real sense, these considerations begin with your health. Remaining strong, healthy, energetic, and motivated will go a long way towards helping you rise to your potential and provide value to your friends, family, and community.