Sometimes, your husband could use a little help with his health.
From mammograms to vitamin D, the health messages for women come in loud and clear. Men often put their well being on the back burner for different reasons, and your husband may need a little nudge to stay on top of his health.
Studio 5 Health Contributor Miki Eberhardt shared four nutrients many men are lacking and how you can help your husband with his health.
The Importance of Preventative Care
Men often overlook preventative care and nutrition. This is not due to a lack of concern, but more a tendency to prioritize work and other commitments. “They work, they’re busy, they don’t want to take time off,” Miki said. “Sometimes if you feel healthy, you just don’t think about it.” It’s important to encourage men to take preventative measures seriously, especially as they age. Miki gave the example of colonoscopies, and that they become increasingly important after the age of 45.
Screenings and Check-ups
Regular screenings and check-ups are important for men, especially between the ages of 20 to 39. This is the time to monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels. “This is a time you want to create and establish a relationship with a healthcare provider,” Miki stated. “If I go in at 40 and these things are high, I don’t know what the pattern has been in the past.”
As men reach their forties, screenings for colon and prostate cancer should be seriously considered, especially if there’s a family history of these diseases. “If you have a family history, screening age is at forty OR ten years before a family member got diagnosed with colon cancer, whichever comes earlier,” Miki explained.
Nutrition and Supplements
Nutrition is another area that men often overlook. While women tend to have a variety of multivitamins and supplements, men may lack certain nutrients in their diet. Miki broke down the four they are missing out on the most.
Potassium
Potassium is important for heart function, muscle contraction, and brain activity. “Research shows that men, in general, are only getting 60 to 70 percent of the amount of potassium that they should on a regular basis,” Miki emphasized.
This can be problematic, especially for men with high blood pressure, as potassium helps regulate this condition. “An increase in sodium will make that blood pressure worse, and what helps bring that down is potassium,” Miki explained.
Good Sources of Potassium
- Bananas
- Potatoes
- Avocado
- Beets
- Lentils
- Broccoli
Omega-3
Omega-3 affects overall heart health. “Heart disease is still one of those top takers of men and women,” Miki emphasized.
It is found in the diet by consuming fatty fish a couple of times a week, eggs, or things like flax or chia seeds. “If we’re not getting those things, then you can take a fish oil supplement,” Miki said.
B12
“B12 is in all animal products,” Miki said. “Typically, we’re going to get enough B12 unless we’re vegan or vegetarian.” It is a protector of the brain’s gray matter. A deficiency in B12 can lead to a loss of that brain matter in older years.
It’s important to note that common medications for heartburn and diabetes can inhibit the absorption of B12. “Even if you think you’re getting it, your body may not be absorbing it,” Miki explained. “This is another nod to get that appointment with your doctor. There is a blood test that will tell you if your B12 levels are good, or if you need to supplement.”
Vitamin D
Known for its role in bone health, a lack of vitamin D can also contribute to an increased risk of heart attacks. Depending on a man’s lifestyle and location, he may need to consider a vitamin D supplement, especially during the winter months. “Depending on where men are all day, if there is not enough vitamin D happening outside with the sun, this may be another supplement and something that can be tested with a doctor as well,” Miki said.
Find more nutrition advice from Miki on Instagram, @nutritionbymiki.
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