So, June is Men’s Health Month which means it’s time to lift the bonnet and check your filters, perform an oil change and perhaps even give the inside a hoover!
Now should be the perfect reminder to give your body the care it needs—much like servicing the car, our bodies need a bit of attention to make sure the engine is firing on all cylinders and there aren’t any leaks. Just as you wouldn’t ignore a warning light on your dashboard, you shouldn’t ignore your body’s signals either. Regular maintenance and attention to your health are essential for optimal function. Let’s dive into how you can keep your ‘engine’ running smoothly.
Your gut’s your engine
Your gut health is much like the engine of your body. If you don’t regularly service the engine and change the filters, you’re going to encounter some problems. Think of gut health as the core of your overall wellness. When it’s functioning well, everything runs smoothly, but if neglected, it can lead to a host of issues:
- Digestive Problems: IBS, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas
- Skin Conditions: Acne, eczema, rosacea and others
- Autoimmune Diseases: MS, diabetes, psoriasis and many more
- Chronic Fatigue: Fatigue, anxiety, depression, erectile disfunction
- Digestive Discomfort: Heartburn, indigestion
- Respiratory Issues: Mucus, rhinitis, sinus problems, asthma
The common root cause of these symptoms is excessive or chronic inflammation, which acts like a dirty filter in your engine.
Inflammation: The Car Alarm System
Inflammation is a necessary biological response and is vital for the body’s natural healing process. When the immune system encounters something harmful like a virus or bacteria, it sounds the alarm.
The immune system will partner up with the nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular systems, and together they expand the space in your tissues, imagine stretching the neck of a balloon (pain and swelling). It then increases blood flow to allow quick and easy access to remove the offending intruder. Once the intruder has been apprehended and removed, the body will then signal for inflammation to turn off, and over the coming days the tissue will heal and repair.
The problem today however is our environment, which has become increasingly toxic. Every time you stand in the shower for example, you are exposed to chlorine and other chemicals in the water. Every time you fill up your car, you inhale benzine, our food is contaminated with pesticides, antibiotics and plastic, and so the list goes on. Therefore, every toxin we encounter today initiates the same inflammatory response which becomes accumulative, and the resulting outcome is a blaring car alarm which never turns off!
Stress: Over Revving Your Engine
Stress is another important consideration. The adrenal glands (which aid in fight or flight) are still primitive, so not able to differentiate between external stressors. They don’t know the difference between a bear at the entrance to your cave, road rage, emotional stress, financial problems or chronic inflammation. It all looks the same to them!
So, while cortisol (your body’s hormone triggering fight or flight) is necessary for the body’s stress response, prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol can be toxic. This in turn can lead to a range of health conditions including chronic disease such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and other auto immune conditions.
We mention this, because there is no one single thing which leads to chronic inflammation, but rather a combination of many. Hence, it is necessary to consider the bigger picture when addressing inflammation and health related issues.
Your Annual MOT
Just as you wouldn’t let your car engine run continuously without maintenance, you need to manage inflammation in your body. In today’s world, food intolerances are a significant contributor to chronic inflammation.
Nearly everyone today is affected by a food intolerance which drives up inflammation. A food intolerance test can identify which foods are causing your engine to misfire, allowing you to make the necessary adjustments.
Reducing inflammation is like turning off the tap before the bath overflows, so focus on what you can control;
- Healthy eating: Avoid foods which trigger inflammation (intolerances).
- Hydration: Drink at least 2.5 litres of (just) water per day.
- Caffeine: This is a diuretic and will inhibit the body’s ability to remove toxins effectively.
- Manage stress: Practice stress reducing techniques like exercise, walking, deep breathing and meditation.
- Reduce toxin exposure: Minimise exposure to harmful chemicals and other toxic contributors.
Health Testing
To maintain good health, there are a number of home health tests available to us. As a result of ever decreasing services and testing available through our GP’s, laboratories have closed this gap by providing affordable blood testing solutions.
Checking for high cholesterol, testosterone, Liver and kidney function and deficiencies is a great way of monitoring what’s going on under the bonnet, providing access to powerful information enabling minor adjustments to diet and lifestyle.
By gaining insights to avoid health conditions, you are already ahead of the game, avoiding that inevitable breakdown or hefty garage repair bill is a big win!
Conclusion
This Men’s Health Month, take the time to perform a health MOT on yourself! Pay attention to your body’s signals and address them before they become a serious problem. Just as a well maintained car runs efficiently and reliably, a well maintained body will serve you better in the long run. Don’t wait for a breakdown, schedule regular check ups and testing and take preventative measures to keep your engine running smoothly.
Remember, your health is the most important vehicle you’ll ever own. Treat it with the care it deserves, and it will keep you on the road for a long, healthy and happy life – what could be more liberating!
TESTme’s Power Smoothie
- 2 small raw beetroot
- 1 Banana
- 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup of yoghurt (dairy free if needed)
- 1 tablespoon of organic honey
- pinch of fresh ginger
- Chuck into a blender and blitz. Pour over ice and enjoy!
Benefits:
- Beetroot: Rich in nitrates which help flood flow and lower blood pressure, promoting heart health. Also high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals
- Banana: Provides natural sweetness, potassium, and essential vitamins for energy and muscle function
- Unsweetened almond milk: A low-calorie dairy alternative rich in calcium and Vitamin D, supporting bone health
- Greek yoghurt: Adds protein and probiotics for digestive health and satiety
- Honey: A natural sweetener with antioxidant properties (optional for extra sweetness)
- Ginger: A powerful anti-inflammatory