Men’s physical and nutritional needs are different from that of women. They need nutrients for maintaining muscle mass and preventing prostate cancer. Nutrients that are good for the heart help in improving blood circulation throughout the body, while also providing protection against chronic disease, such as cancer. On average men live five years less than women of their age. Everyday pressures at work and their inability to pay attention to family life are to be blamed for creating stress in the life of men, which further sets off a spiral of diseases.

Men's physical and nutritional needs are different from that of women. They need nutrients for maintaining muscle mass and preventing prostate cancer. Nutrients that are good for the heart help in improving blood circulation throughout the body, while also providing protection against chronic disease, such as cancer. On average men live five years less than women of their age. Everyday pressures at work and their inability to pay attention to family life are to be blamed for creating stress in the life of men, which further sets off a spiral of diseases.

How To Improve Men's Health

• It is important to check blood pressure regularly – at least once a year unless otherwise advised by a doctor.
• Your diet should be low in sugar, fat and salt, which may contribute to high blood pressure and cholesterol. You should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, maintain an ideal weight, start a regular exercise regimen, drink plenty of water and quit drinking and smoking. Garlic, omega 3 fish oils and co-enzyme Q10 can help keep blood pressure at a normal level. Omega -3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated fats can benefit the immune system, blood circulation and heart, besides reducing the risk of prostate cancer.
• Regular self examination is crucial for maintaining the good health of men. Improve testicular health by increasing intake of vitamins A, C and E along with zinc and selenium to keep them healthy and ensure adequate and quality sperm production.
• Eyes should be tested every couple of years to maintain good vision and eye health. Regular testing ensures early detection of any hidden problems, like damage to blood vessels in the eyes. The eyes may suffer damage from high blood pressure or undiagnosed diabetes. Lutein is great for the eyes and keeps them in good order.
• Moles are quite a common occurrence, but it is important to keep an eye on them to check if they change size, colour or shape or even develop irregular edges. Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any such changes.
• Blood or mucus in the stool can be a cause for concern. Keep a watch on your bowl movement - any change from normal bowel habit, a feeling of incomplete bowel emptying, tiredness, stomach pain, lump in the abdomen or unexplained weight loss necessitate a check-up with the doctor. Increase intake of fibre in your diet. Artichoke extract, which is a probiotic, helps the bowel perform properly. Maintaining an ideal weight reduces chances of bowel cancer.

Keep Stress At Bay

Unchecked stress can contribute to high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, weakened immunity, anxiety, insomnia, muscle aches, recurrent coughs and sore throats, poor concentration and depression. It is therefore important to keep stress in check by:

• Taking adequate rest
• Avoiding too much caffeine
• Taking time to relax on a regular basis
• Staying positive

Depression is also quite common among men and makes them feel miserable, affecting their performance, disturbing sleep and appetite, and adversely affecting mood. Exercising regularly, practicing meditation, taking plenty of rest and relaxation, eating a balanced diet and following a healthy lifestyle all help in boosting men's mood.