Low energy levels can be problematic in a lot of men. Whether you are doing a trade which is physically demanding, or have an office job and are in front of a computer all day, you may be feeling stressed and bogged down with work. Then it comes time to working out and you don't even have the energy to do so, turning to energy drinks, soft drinks, coffee, and high sugary snacks to get you through the day. Low energy levels can be caused by a number of reasons, some of these include;
• Poor diet
• Not exercising enough
• Low testosterone levels
• Sleep apnoea
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Anaemia
• Thyroid disorders
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Certain medications
If you think you may be experiencing any of these conditions, have a chat to your healthcare professional.
B VITAMINS
Are the key nutrients that support the nervous system making them fantastic for stress support and boosting energy levels.
KOREAN/SIBERIAN GINSENG
Are adaptogen herbs. Adaptogens adapt to the body's needs. When you are feeling tired and run down, it helps to calm you and when you are tired or lacking energy it picks you up. It is great for physical and mental performance, so excellent for those who are working out and need more stamina, or those who need to focus more at work.
COQ10:
An antioxidant found in all cells, but predominantly found in muscle. It is needed to make cellular energy.
HEALTHY DIET
Having a healthy diet is also essential: consuming whole grains, good quality proteins and fats, fresh fruit and vegetables. Avoid processed foods, sugar, fried foods, soft drink and energy drinks.
REGULAR EXERCISE
Get in regular exercise; helps to boost endorphins and testosterone.
If you are on any medications or have any underlying health conditions, have a chat to your health care professional before taking any supplements.
Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in food and manufactured in the body. Good cholesterol is needed to make hormones, including vitamin D. It also forms part of our cell membranes. There are two types of cholesterol, they are; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) which is good cholesterol and low-density lipo-protein which is bad cholesterol.
Cholesterol can be raised by eating too many foods that contain saturated fats. These fats include; meat pies, sausages and fatty cuts of meat, butter, lard, cream, hard cheese, cakes and biscuits, meat, dairy and eggs. It can also be a hereditary condition.
Having high total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease. There are however some things you can do to lower your risk. This includes;
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day
• If you are a smoker, quit smoking
• Reduce your alcohol and salt intake
It's also important to maintain a healthy diet. Some helpful tips to follow include;
• The Mediterranean diet; this consists of having wholegrains, fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil and garlic.
• Increase your intake of fibre. Fibre binds to cholesterol and drags it from the body.
• Taking a supplement for liver support; something with globe artichoke can help with supporting healthy cholesterol levels. Always check with your healthcare professional before starting any supplements, especially if you are on any medication or have any underlying health conditions.
There is another nutrient that I feel deserves a mention as it plays such a vital role in men's health and that is zinc. Zinc is essential for hormonal regulation and the production of sperm and testosterone. It also helps with acne via hormonal regulation and wound healing. It boosts immune function, so great for cold and flu symptoms. Food sources of zinc include; seafood, especially oysters, meat, chickpeas, lentils, pumpkin seeds, nuts and dairy.
For more information on men's health come in store and have a chat to our naturopath.
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