6 Most Common Men’s Health Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore

Article sponsored by All Things Health Malaysia

Picture: VIPN

“You only live once” and “carpe diem” are motivating mantras people often misuse. Both urge you to do what you need before it’s too late, but they’re not an approval to make repeated mistakes that can harm men’s health.

According to a study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health, men’s life expectancy is four years shorter than women.

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated in 2018 that there has been a high level of premature deaths among men aged 30 to 69 years old in the European region. This trend is repeated in other parts of the world, with data revealing that Malaysia is the 48th country with the largest men’s health gap.

Smoking, heavy drinking, a lack of sleep, and risk-taking behaviours deteriorate men’s health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) physician Luke Yau Wai – a featured expert at All Things Health Malaysia – explains more about serious health concerns men should take note of.

Cardiovascular Diseases

In TCM, heart diseases may arise from Blood Stasis, which is caused be Qi Deficiency. The steps to protect yourself from CVD are relatively simple but require commitment. 

1. Stop smoking and/or vaping.

2. Drink less alcohol.

3. Exercise at least 5 days a week.

4. Consume a healthy, balanced diet.

5. Get back on your hobbies to help manage stress.

6. Consume TCM herbs to improve heart health and promote blood circulation. Some examples include tian qi, ginkgo biloba, and black bean vinegar.

 Prostate Diseases

Prostate cancer is the third most common cancer in Malaysia. Some factors that can damage your prostate? Ageing, bacterial infection, an irregular sex life, and prolonged sitting.

TCM believes prostate disorders are related to Kidney Deficiency, which can cause Damp-Heat Syndrome in the lower pelvis. How can you care for your prostate?

1. Don’t sit too long.

2. Exercise regularly.

3. Avoid alcohol and spicy food.

4. Regulate your sexual activities.

5. Consume coix pearl barley and red pomegranate.

 Liver Diseases

Liver diseases can be caused by infections, genetics, obesity, and an unhealthy lifestyle. Before it becomes more serious, follow these tips to enjoy more life experiences without restrictions. 

1. Go to bed before midnight.

2. Stay active by working out.

3. Eat healthily.

4. Avoid substance abuse.

5. Regulate your emotions. Imbalanced emotions cause Liver Qi Stagnation. In the long run, a myriad of diseases can arise from this imbalance.

6. Try Ganoderma Lucidum, which has hepatoprotective effects.

    

Exhaustion

A lack of energy can be prompted by old age, overworking, staying late, and excessive thinking. If you work a demanding job or have a packed schedule throughout the day, make sure you follow these steps.

1. Sleep for at least 7 hours a night.

2. Eat meals or snacks every 3-4 hours to increase energy. 

3. Steer clear from oily and overly processed foods. Go for foods with high protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs values, such as oatmeal, eggs, chicken, beans, and fish.

4. Regular exercise can boost energy in the long run. It can also help your body lose the excess weight that makes you tired.

5. Cut out caffeine.

6. Drink water. Dehydration can cost you your energy.

7. Consume supplements to boost qi (vital energy). You can try Cordyceps extract, which helps reduce fatigue and boost energy levels. Notably, it increases the Lung qi, responsible for wei qi (protective energy) or a TCM equivalent of the immune system.

 Poor Sexual Performance

Taboo men’s health issues like premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and low sex drive result from Kidney Deficiency and stress stemming from Liver Qi Stagnation. If you’re experiencing one of these bedroom problems, set your focus on your mental and physical health.

1. Rest your body and mind.

2. Regulate your exercise. As revealed in a 2017 study, a lack of physical activity must be considered a potential cause of male fertility problems.

3. Do pelvic floor exercises. Yes, men and women are advised to do these exercises. In fact, it is considered a first-line solution to erectile dysfunction.

4. Be kind to your liver by reducing alcohol intake.

5. Eat a balanced diet.

6. Use TCM-approved medications, like Cordyceps pills and Waist Tonic Essence, that nourish the Kidney qi and essence. As mentioned, a deficiency in Kidney qi can lower male libido.

    

Waist and Back Pain

Old age is not the only factor in persistent body aches. Waist and back pain indicate bad posture and Kidney Qi Deficiency. “The waist is the house of the Kidneys. Thus, Kidney Qi Deficiency can cause back problems,” explains Physician Luke.

Aside from deep tissue massage, here are ways to relieve your body pain.

1. Stretch in the morning, in the middle of the day, and right before sleep.

2. Try walking backwards to improve coordination and activate your spinal muscles.

3. Change your sitting position every few hours. Make sure to relax your shoulders and don’t slouch.

4. Pick a suitable mattress to sleep on (firm vs plush).

5. Improve diet and avoid weight gain. Back pain is known to worsen with increased levels of Body Mass Index (BMI).

6. TCM recommends Cordyceps and Waist Tonic Essence, as these remedies can boost and nourish Kidney qi and strengthen your back.

    

Taking care of yourself is the ultimate definition of “manning up.” Toxic masculinity and gender and societal expectations shouldn’t cost you your life.

Prioritise your health and get an annual medical screening. Visit All Things Health Malaysia to read more articles about men’s health and help you achieve better wellness all around. [END]

References:

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3.      Brookings. 2021. At least 65,000 more men than women have died from COVID-19 in the US [online]. Available at: <https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2021/10/19/at-least-65000-more-men-than-women-have-died-from-covid-19-in-the-us/> [Accessed 7 February 2022]

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