MEN’S HEALTH
MEN’S HEALTH
Men’s approach to their own health is far different to that of women’s health. Men tend to put their health last by focusing more heavily on their career and their other roles within society.
Out of the 15 leading causes of death, men lead women in all but one of them – Alzheimer’s disease. Despite advancements in modern medicine, men still die on average 5 years younger than women. Men, on average, seek advice for health concerns less often than women and are more likely to have serious health challenges by the time they finally seek advice.
SO WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE COMMON HEALTH ISSUES FACING MEN TODAY?
- Depression & Suicide
- Diabetes
- Lung Cancer
- Alcohol-related death
- Male Thrush
- Liver Disease
- Strokes
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Skin Cancer
- COPD
- Prostate Cancer
- Decreased sex drive
- Influenza
- Kidney Disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Sleep Disturbances
- Skin Cancer
- Cancer
- Fungal infections
- Pneumonia
Let’s take a closer look at several of these health challenges. But before we do, consider the ‘Foundation Principles of Health.’ The principles apply to every human on earth regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity or religion and have withstood the test of time. Failure to comply with one or more of these foundation principles will lead you away from optimal health and toward a state of disease.
How healthy are you?
Take our health questionnaire to find out
Foundation Principles of Health
| Whole foods | Filtered water | Quality sleep |
| Active lifestyle | Mental health | Spiritual health |
| Emotional health | Optimal breathing patterns | |
As you read through the information below, consider how many of these foundation principles need to be ignored in order for the ‘diseased state’ to occur.
Diabetes can be a serious condition that can affect every system in the body. This condition refers to an inability to maintain healthy levels of glucose (sugar) within the blood. Unhealthy levels of glucose in the blood can lead to both short-term and long-term health concerns.
What are the risk factors for (Type 2) diabetes?
| Genetic predisposition | Sedentary Lifestyle | Unhealthy Diet |
| Overweight/obesity | Age | PCOS |
| Fat Distribution | Race/ethnicity |
Certain ethnic groups are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes including African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. With that said, one certainly has to question whether these ethnic groups are SAD. (Following a Standard American Diet)
If we then consider how many of these risk factors are within our control, diabetes then becomes a disease that you ‘choose’, not one that is inflicted upon you. And we can then ask the question as to whether genetics, age and race/ethnicity really matter if these other risk factors are eliminated?
How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?
- Fasting blood glucose
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
- Hb A1c
- Fasting Insulin
Fat Distribution – Male risk factors
- Body Mass Index (Greater than 25)
- Waist Circumference (Greater than 90cm)
- Waist to hip ratio (Greater than 0.9)
- Waist to height ratio (Greater than 0.5)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. Another term often used is impotence. Decreased sex drive is a reduced, or complete lack of desire to maintain a healthy sex life.
What are the risk factors or causes of ED?
| Chronic Stress | Atherosclerosis | High blood pressure |
| Heart Disease | High cholesterol | Diabetes |
| Overweight | Fat Distribution | Metabolic syndrome |
| Prescription medications | Tobacco use | Alcohol |
| Sleep disorders | Drug use | Enlarged prostate |
| Depression | Anxiety |
All of the highlighted risk factors are diseased states themselves and as such they too will have underlying causes and risk factors that are most likely preventable.
Prescription medications are taken to control the signs and symptoms of a diseased state such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and high blood pressure. However, these medications themselves can have side effects such as erectile dysfunction. For example, statin drugs that are prescribed to lower cholesterol levels in the blood can also lower testosterone levels and may cause ED in some men.
Alcohol interferes with testicular function and hormone production. This may contribute to impotence and infertility. Alcohol also increases your risk for mouth, esophageal, stomach, liver, kidney and colon cancer.
Central obesity (fat distribution) is a risk factor for almost every disease that can afflict men. This includes diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, heart attacks, atherosclerosis, stroke and cancer, just to name a few. Central obesity can be measured by having a DEXA scan, taking body mass index (BMI), or by measuring waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, and/or waist to height ratio.
The term ‘cardiovascular disease’ is often used interchangeably with the term ‘heart disease.’ CVD generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack, or stroke. CVD can also include other conditions that affect the heart muscle, valves or rhythm.
What are the risk factors or causes of cardiovascular disease (CVD)?
| High blood pressure | Tobacco use | Diabetes |
| Sedentary lifestyle | Unhealthy diet | High cholesterol |
| Overweight/obesity | Fat distribution | Smoking |
| Age | Gender (M>F) | Race/ethnicity |
| Genetic predisposition | Psycho-emotional challenges | |
Race/ethnicity. In studies that demonstrate increased risk of CVD for people of specific ethnicity, the subjects are living outside of their country of origin and not adhering to a ‘traditional’ lifestyle. For instance, one study demonstrated that South Asian communities living in the UK had a higher incidence of coronary heart disease. The subjects were no longer living in their country of origin (South Asia) and were no longer following the traditional cultural habits of someone living in South Asia. In other words they were no longer adhering to the unique ‘foundation principles’ of someone living in South Asia.
Consider how many of the above risk factors are within your control (highlighted). If these factors were controlled for, would gender, age, genetics, and race/ethnicity matter? Most certainly the incidence of CVD would decrease substantially.
BODY GENIUS INSTITUTE
INTEGRATIVE MEN’S HEALTH PRACTITIONERS
In a nutshell, essentially every condition can be improved in some way by the focused attention and mentorship of an Integrative Health Practitioner. Here is a list of the most common complaints and ailments that men are presented with.
| Psoriasis | Eczema | Uticaria | Rosacea |
| Constipation | Diarrhea | Diabetes | IBS |
| Depression | Erectile dysfunction | Anxiety | Liver toxicity |
| Decreased sex drive | Heart Disease | Sleep disturbances | Chronic stress |
| Joint pain | Arthritis | Cancer | Chronic fatigue |
| Headaches | Heart burn/reflux | Bloating | Lower back pain |
| Migraines | Weight loss | Hormonal Imbalances | |
One of the key reasons these men are suffering is that they’re not adhering to the ‘Foundation Principles’ of health and in most cases there are substantial ‘barriers’ to the healing process.
| Systemic Inflammation | Poor sleep patterns | Parasitic infections |
| Food Sensitivities | Fungal Overgrowth | Malnourished |
| Chronic Stress | Sedentary Lifestyle | Negative emotions |
| Poor gut health | Smoking | Alcohol & drugs |
| Food additives | Processed Foods | Chemical exposure |
| Medications | Inadequate hydration | Repetitive stresses |
| Poor dental hygiene | Central obesity | Work Life Imbalance |
Organise an appointment with a Body Genius Integrative Men’s Health practitioner
HOW CAN OUR PRACTITIONERS HELP?
First, our treatment approach will focus on mental, emotional, spiritual and physical healing. This is unique in that most treatment approaches focus solely on physical healing.
Although the bulk of the work is done by the liver and the intestinal tract, the kidneys, lungs, lymphatic system and skin are critical components of this complex detoxification system. The purpose of any detoxification program is primarily to support these organs of elimination so that toxins that are present within the body can be metabolized and excreted. The incredible results achieved through internal cleansing is most evident through the reduction or elimination of signs and symptoms experienced by the client.
An effective detoxification system is an essential component for optimal health and vitality.
Second, a key step in our approach is to emphasize the reduction of habits or patterns of thinking that are contributing to your symptoms or disease. In other words, this ‘Reduction Strategy’ will focus on eliminating the barriers to healing.
In many cases this ‘reduction strategy’ is far more important than promoting natural supplementation or ‘adding in’ positive behaviours such as meditation or yoga. Eliminating ‘old habits’ and ‘fixed mindset’ patterns of thinking is a crucial first step.
- A reduction in the amount of time spent sitting (Sedentary Lifestyle)
- Less processed foods such as breads, cereals, pasta, pre-prepared meals, canned or packaged foods, processed meats and farmed seafood.
- A reduction in the amount of time spent using phones, computers, watching television or using other electronic devices.
- Minimizing or completely eliminating alcohol, sugar, coffee and other inflammatory foods and drinks.
- Reducing the amount of negative thought patterns and negative emotions that are experienced on a daily basis.
- Reducing the amount of stress experienced on a daily basis.
- Minimizing or completely eliminating all soft drinks, fruit juices, energy drinks and other liquids containing sugar and harmful additives.
In many cases this ‘reduction strategy’ is far more important than promoting natural supplementation or ‘adding in’ positive behaviours such as meditation or yoga. Eliminating ‘old habits’ and ‘fixed mindset’ patterns of thinking is a crucial first step.
Third, it’s through these types of reduction strategies that an emphasis is placed on the ‘Foundation Principles’ of health. You will notice there is a natural shift towards improved overall health.
- Improvements in sleep patterns
- Adequate hydration on a daily basis
- A diet based firmly on organic, whole foods
- A diet that focuses on vegetables, leafy greens and healing herbs/spices
- Daily physical activity
- Being grateful on a daily basis
- Being happy on a daily basis. Happiness leads to success!
- Connecting with friends and family on a weekly basis
- Stronger relationships with your children
- A stronger relationship with your partner
- Greater mindfulness and a lifestyle that is focused on conscious living, organic living, and sustainable living!
- Improvements in work/life balance and more time for play!
Lastly, natural supplementation can be used effectively to overcome the barriers to healing and enhance the treatment outcomes.
- Maximum nutrient density – Vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, and cofactors.
- No exposure to chemicals or other toxins: Herbicides, rodenticides, fertilizers.
- No exposure to GMO
- Maximal benefit from natural enzymes and ingesting a broad spectrum of phytonutrients.
- Avoid exposure to synthetic vitamins and minerals that are often stressful to your body and can create imbalances within your body’s delicate systems.
- Enhanced bioavailability – This simply means that more nutrients are available and assimilated within your body.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Lose Weight
By reducing your body fat percentage, especially central obesity, your testosterone levels will naturally increase.
Intermittent Fasting
Our skilled Practitioners can create a plan that includes intermittent fasting. In addition to raising testosterone levels, fasting has demonstrated an ability to enhance the healing process for almost every disease.
High Intensity Interval Training
Warm up thoroughly for 5-10 minutes. Select your mode of exercise: Step-ups, treadmill, cycling, running, or rower. Perform 30 seconds hard and fast followed by 90 seconds of very slow movement or rest. Keep this ratio going for 8-10 rounds (20 minutes). Completing this routine three times per week has been shown to raise testosterone levels.
Resistance Training
Stick to multi-joint exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and bench press. Use correct form, warm up thoroughly and perform 4 sets of 8-11 reps. Keep rest periods to 60 seconds. Aim for two to three resistance training sessions per week.
Consume NUTRIENT DENSE Foods
| Category | Comments | |
| 1 | Organ Meats and Oils | Organic, biodynamic, free range. |
| 2 | Bone Broth, bone marrow | Organic, biodynamic, free range. |
| 3 | Herbs and Spices | Organic |
| 4 | Nuts and Seeds | Organic |
| 5 | Cacao | Organic |
| 6 | Fish and Seafood | Wild caught |
| 7 | Pork | Organic, biodynamic, free range. |
| 8 | Beef | Organic, biodynamic, free range. |
| 9 | Eggs and Dairy | Organic, biodynamic, free range. |
| 10 | Vegetables (Raw and Unprepared) | Locally produced, in season, organic. |
| 11 | Lamb, Veal and Wild Game | Organic, biodynamic, free range. |
| 12 | Poultry | Organic, biodynamic, free range. |
| 13 | Legumes (Cooked) | Organic |
| 14 | Vegetables (Cooked, blanched, pickled) | Locally produced, in season, organic. |
| 15 | Plant fats and oils | Organic, unrefined |
| 16 | Fruit | Locally produced, in season, organic |
| 17 | Animal Skin and feet | Organic, biodynamic, free range. |
| 18 | Grains and pseudo-cereals | Organic |
| 19 | Animal fats and oils | Organic, unrefined. |
Increase the amount of Zinc in your diet
| Beef | Spinach | Shrimp |
| Oysters | Crayfish/lobster | Kidney beans |
| Flax seeds | Pumpkin seeds | Egg yolks |
| Garlic | Turkey | Salmon |
| Pork | Raw cacao | Beef liver |
| Sesame seeds/Tahini | Peas | Lamb |
| Cashews | Crab | Mushrooms |
| Almonds | Chicken |
Food Quality
- Wild caught fish and seafood
- Animal meats should be from organic or biodynamic farms
- Nuts and seeds should be organic and activated
- Organic vegetables
- Chicken and eggs should be organic, free range.
Increase your Vitamin D levels
A 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D test will determine whether your levels are optimal.
Sun exposure is the best method for raising your Vitamin D levels. Expose your entire body to the sun until your skin turns a light shade of pink. The best time of day for sun exposure is noon. This should be a daily practice in the spring and summer months.
Foods Rich in Vitamin D
| Tuna | Egg Yolk | Beef Liver |
| Kidney beans | Black beans | Mackerel |
| Salmon | Cheese | Trout |
| Cod Liver Oil | Mushrooms | Fish Roe (Eggs, caviar) |
When sun exposure and nutrient dense foods are not enough to raise your Vitamin D levels into the optimal range, you can consider a nutritional supplement. A vitamin D3 supplement can be taken orally however this should be done under the guidance of a practitioner. In many cases 8, 000 to 10, 000 IU’s of Vitamin D3 per day are needed in order to elevate levels to the optimal range. Taking less than the ‘therapeutic’ dose will not have the health enhancing or risk reducing benefits desired.
| TEST | SUPPLEMENT | RETEST |
Reduce Your Stress
When under chronic stress, your body releases high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone actually blocks the effects of testosterone.
Our Integrative Health Practitioners can show you how to use both ‘Reduction Strategies’ and ‘Life Enhancement Strategies’ to lower stress levels. Activities such as slow walking, meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong can all be used effectively for this purpose.
Limit or Eliminate Sugar
Testosterone levels decrease after consuming large amounts of sugar. This is most likely because high sugar levels lead to a spike in insulin, which can then inhibit the production of testosterone.
Our practitioners can teach you Reduction Strategies and how to use ‘Rainbow Bridges’ to overcome sugar cravings and addiction.
Eat more Healthy Fats
| Coconut | Coconut oil | Palm oil |
| Olives | Olive Oil | Raw nuts |
| Grass-fed meats | Organic pastured egg yolk | Avocados |
| Unheated organic nut oils | Butter made from raw grass-fed organic milk | |
Studies have demonstrated that men consuming 40% (or greater) of their daily calories from quality fats had higher testosterone levels. Our skilled practitioners can help you to determine your ideal fat percentage at each meal.
Boost Your Intake of Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)
- Leucine
- Isoleucine
- Valine
Nutrient Dense foods rich in BCAAs
| Whey Protein | Dairy (Cheese) | Fish |
| Eggs | Sea vegetables | Meats |
| Legumes |
Supplements
Avoid supplementing BCAAs in isolation as leucine has been shown to disrupt insulin function. Ultimately food-based sources of leucine (BCAAs) are best.
Caution: When buying whey protein powders always read the ingredients list carefully as the additives can be harmful to your health.
Improve your Sleep Quality
Turn off the TV, put down your mobile phone and close your laptop – It’s time to sleep!
A few extra hours of sleep can double your testosterone levels!
Numerous studies have demonstrated that the more you sleep, the more testosterone your body produces. It’s really that simple!
Stop spending your hard earned money on the latest testosterone-boosting supplement and simply go to sleep. It’s free!
Eat Organ Meats (Offal)
Organ meat refers to the liver, heart, kidney and brain of an animal. In ‘primitive’ cultures organ meats have traditionally been held in high regard and prized for their nutrient density.
In modern cultures offal has fallen out of favour and is now seen as waste or used for pet food – likely at the expense of our own health.
What are the benefits of this nutrient dense food?
- An abundance of Co-enzyme Q10
- An abundance of creatine
- High in cholesterol
- One of the best dietary sources of Vitamin D
- Rich in choline
- Rich in zinc
- Rich in purines and nitrogen
- Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids
- An abundance of protein
And it’s for all of these reasons that organ meats can boost your energy levels and enhance the production of testosterone.
Our Integrative Health Practitioners can teach you how to incorporate organ meats into your diet, either in meals or through supplementation.
Great question!
Yes. There are many definitions of ‘Integrative’ health care, but all of them involve bringing ‘conventional’ and ‘complementary’ approaches together in a coordinated fashion. In a large percentage of cases our practitioners are asked to join a client’s health care team that already includes other health care providers such as doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists, osteopaths, podiatrists, dieticians, and psychologists.
Our practitioners are highly skilled at communicating effectively with other health care providers and working as a team.
Yes! We would recommend you request a FREE phone consultation with one of our Integrative Health Practitioners. This call will allow them to clearly understand your goals and allow them to obtain a health history from you.
Our Movement Coaching program is the perfect way to achieve these goals.
The Body Genius Institute is proud to offer one of the most advanced Movement Coaching programs in Australia. Lead by the expertise of Movement Coach Aaron Taylor, this three month training program will facilitate your learning and help you to achieve your goals.
‘There is an athlete in every body.’
Your journey will begin with a comprehensive Athletic Screen that assesses your ability to perform functional movement patterns and will provide you with an individual risk profile.
At the Body Genius Institute we see Movement Coaching as a mentorship, an opportunity to build strong relationships with our clients and to facilitate their learning and understanding of everything that enhances movement and performance.
Yes. That is certainly one of our specialties.
Functional Movement is so important to us here at the Body Genius Institute that we implemented a world-class Athletic Screen that assesses your ability to perform functional movement patterns and will provide you with an individual risk profile.
‘If you’re not assessing, you’re guessing!’
Our world-class Athletic Screen includes
- FMS®
- Upper Quarter Y-Balance Testing ®
- Lower Quarter YBT ®
- Ankle range of motion testing
- Functional Hop Testing
Goal Setting – Training with Purpose
One of the most powerful motivators and ‘secrets’ for success is setting goals and writing them down. Your BG Movement Coach will walk you through this process in detail and outline not only your specific goals, but also identify time frames for their achievement.
- Do you want to enhance your ability to move so that you can return to sport?
- Do you want to lose body fat?
- Do you want to gain muscle mass?
- Would you like to be able to maintain a handstand for 60 seconds?
- Would you like to be able to do a pull-up?
- Do you want to improve your fitness levels?
- Do you want to learn how to perform the Olympic lifts?
With these specific goals in place your Movement Coach can now discuss with you which forms of training are most suitable and develop a training program that will fast-track your success.
Have questions? Talk to one of our Men’s Health specialists!
OUR LOCATION
The entire Body Genius team, including our men’s health specialists, are located in Perth, WA just minutes from the CBD.
Want to learn more about men’s health or any of our other services? Contact us today!
