Men – Is the Daily Grind Getting You Down?
Looking for information about men and energy, it’s easy to find terms like ‘warrior’, ‘leader’, ‘king’ and ‘power’. It’s certainly an inspiring call to the masculine idea of strong, energetic and vital men ready to do battle at a moment’s notice. For many men in today’s world, however, it’s a far cry from the dreary reality of low energy and vitality they are experiencing on a daily basis.
Lifestyle Factors
So why are so many men fighting the daily grind? Lifestyle factors are largely to blame. More men are leading busy and stressful lives working long hours and striving to meet multiple deadlines. This kind of mental/emotional stress often leads to reaching for quick energy fixes that come with high sugar and refined carbohydrate foods, caffeine from coffee and nicotine from cigarettes. Then there’s the after work relaxing beer or two and Friday night drinks to finish off the week. With all the work and family demands, making time to exercise can too easily be made a low priority as well.
It doesn’t take too long for this kind of lifestyle to start having an effect on the body’s ability to thrive and instead struggle to ‘just cope’ with the demands of the week. The long term effects of having a poor diet, little exercise and high stress can then lead to chronic health problems such as obesity and blood sugar metabolism problems. Not a great prognosis!
Andropause – a ‘New’ Men’s Condition
The increase in men, particularly those over 35, with lowered energy and vitality and corresponding hormonal changes has become so common it now has a recognised medical term, ‘andropause’. Andropause refers to the decline or relative decline of testosterone in relation to oestrogen levels in men and the symptoms that this reduced testosterone causes in men.
The classic symptoms of testosterone decline include reduced energy and strength, decreased enthusiasm, softer erections and reduced sex drive, loss of muscle, fatigue and mood changes. He is no longer sounding like a battle ready warrior!
Small Changes Add Up
Most people know what constitutes a healthy diet and most men know what habits would need to change for their own diet and health to improve. It’s often making the changes and finding a way to incorporate these changes into a full and busy schedule that can stop us from moving ahead. Sometimes drastic change can leave us overwhelmed and inert so making small changes until they become part of a new routine may be a more successful strategy. Choose something that seems doable and make a start. Small changes made consistently over time can really make a difference. It is often said that 30 days is all you need to make a change habitual so committing to one healthier habit for a month is a great start to get on track.
1. Keep healthy snacks like nuts, seeds and fruit on hand for when the sugar fix craving hits.
2. Increase fruit and vegetable intake – aim to have at least some fresh foods in every meal.
3. Include some protein in meals and snacks to help balance blood sugar metabolism.
4. Get to know which foods have a low glycaemic index and stick with these for sustained energy. Generally, the more simple and refined the food the higher the glycaemic index.
5. Drink at least 2L of water every day and add lemon juice or chlorophyll to the water for variety.
6. Find ways to incorporate exercise into your day – start walking or cycling to work, join a sports team or group fitness activity.
7. Approach issues with a new mindset – if you can’t change or have control over a situation, opt to change the way you deal with it
Herbal Help for Tired Men
Tribulus terrestris is an herb that helps support healthy testosterone levels in men and has been used particularly to support male reproductive health and help provide stamina. In the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, Tribulus is well known as a restorative herb which is beneficial during times of stress and nervous tension and for support when the body needs physical support during times of increased physical demand.
Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogen which means that it can assist the body and mind’s ability to adapt to the physical, mental and emotional effects of stress. Where there is fatigue that is due to stress, Rhodiola may be a beneficial choice.
Withania somnifera is also an adaptogen useful in times of stress with additional mild sedative actions making it a useful herb where chronic stress is causing nervous irritability and exhaustion.
Silybum marianum has a protective effect on liver cells so for men who have been ‘celebrating’ a little too much or too often, St Mary’s Thistle can be a great way to ease the burden on the liver.
Cordyceps sinensis is an herb traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support the immune system and help maintain stamina and endurance in times of physical stress.
The B vitamins, whilst not herbs, are important to mention as they act as cofactors which help enzymes act on chemical substances within the body which are involved in the daily cycle of energy production. It is very difficult for the body to maintain and generate energy without adequate vitamin B levels.
