As men, we love feeling invincible. In fact, we genuinely think we are the most robust beings on the planet. We get jazzed at saying 30 is the new 20. However, nature has to take its course sometime. Whether we like to admit it or not, it usually hits us by the time we reach our late 30s. This is when we often hear our friends complaining about their back and knee problems.
Your 40s should ideally be some of the best years of your life. After all, this is the time when you have already struggled hard, bagged a few achievements in your career, you are in a stable marriage and the kids are growing up fast.
As you blow the candles off your birthday cake and the years pass by, your age will inevitably dull down your body’s performance and health issues will slowly creep up. So, instead of being blissfully unaware of what is to come and living in denial that it will not happen to you. It is best to gear up, learn about the most common ailments and take necessary precautions to keep men’s health issues at bay.
What Are Men’s Health Issues?
In this article, we will discuss the three most common men’s health issues over 40 that can be an alarming cause of concern and ways you can lower your chances of contracting them.
Erectile Dysfunction at Age 40
Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of men across Canada. ED consists of trouble achieving and maintaining an erection. Causes of erectile dysfunction include obesity drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and doing drugs. The body needs oxygen-rich blood flow in order to sustain an erection, however high cholesterol, blood pressure and blood-sugar levels can all reduce good circulation and therefore lead to ED.
How to Improve Erectile Dysfunction?
You can turn to the best male enhancement pills to relieve symptoms of ED. Male health supplements are well-known to improve this condition by aiding oxygen-rich blood flow throughout the body, which helps improve intimacy. You can choose from over the counter chemical-based supplements or pick best natural male enhancement pills instead, which work gradually but have fewer side effects. It is best to consult your doctor if you are eligible for taking the best male enhancement pills.
A diet void of veggies and fruits and rich in fatty foods is more likely to hamper blood circulation. On the other hand, eating a healthy diet low on oil, carbs, meat and sugar is ideal for maintaining a healthy weight and good heart health. Therefore, include more heart-healthy fruits, fatty fish and vegetables to your meals to promote overall good health.
Can Weight Loss Improve ED?
Since being overweight and having belly fat can have an impact on circulation and lead to ED, therefore, losing weight can certainly elevate your chances of improving ED. Some good ways to shed those unwanted pounds include eating a healthy diet and yoga for erectile dysfunction. You can also try exercises to increase blood flow to the groin, for instance, swimming, running and aerobics. Avoid workouts or strenuous activities that can put direct pressure on the pelvic region such as bicycling.
Prostate Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Did you know, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, approximately 23,300 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020?
What is worse is that 64 Canadian men will be diagnosed with cancer every day. It is, in fact, the third leading cause of death from cancer for Canadian men.
Prostate cancer occurs within the prostate. This walnut-shaped gland produces seminal fluid which transports and nourishes the sperm. Some types of prostate cancer may grow gradually and not require any treatment, while others may grow aggressively and require immediate attention. Therefore, early detection is your best bet at reducing the risk of this condition from aggravating.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
It is crucial to know, at an early age this ailment may not even show any signs or symptoms at all and therefore go undetected. However, in a more advanced state, these signs can include:
- Aches in bones
- Urine or Semen secretion with blood
- Erectile dysfunction
- Painful urination
- Trouble starting and maintaining urination
- Discomfort within the pelvic region while sitting
Primary Prevention of Prostate Cancer
If you are African-American or have a family member, especially a brother or father who were diagnosed with prostate cancer, then you have a high probability of developing this disease. Therefore, you should have a detailed discussion with your primary healthcare physician about the benefits and risks of getting screened. However, even if this does not apply to you, after the age of 40, it is best to discuss with your healthcare practitioner if you should get screened or not.
How to Improve Prostate Health?
If you are looking for a preventative measure to avoid this ailment, start with consulting your doctor if you are eligible for taking dietary prostate health supplements for men. Plant-based supplements can gradually aid prostate health over time and are usually free of unwanted side effects. Similarly, you can also eat a diet rich in prostate cancer-preventative foods, for instance, coffee, omega-3 fatty acids, soy products and tomatoes.
Avoid High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (HBP) is one of the leading causes of ED. This ailment prevents the arteries that carry blood into the male organ from dilating. Moreover, it also prevents the smooth muscles in the organ from relaxing; thereby, hampering functionality. What is worse is, medication to cure HBP can also cause ED.
Below is a list of foods to avoid blood pressure:
- Salt
- Sugar
- Alcohol
- Deli meat
- Canned soups
- Pickles
- Pizza, especially frozen pizza
- Tomato products that are either bottled or canned
Foods to reduce high blood pressure include the following:
- Leafy greens
- Berries
- Beets
- Yoghurt
- Oatmeal
- Skimmed milk
- Bananas
- Fatty fish
- Garlic
- Dark chocolate
Conclusion
Just because you are turning 40, does not mean you should stop living your life to the fullest. On the contrary, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, along with eating healthy and working out will not only elevate your overall health but will also help you lose weight, improve energy levels and add a spring to your step. Moreover, it will also enhance your appearance, make you look and feel incredible and keep common men’s health problems at bay.
