Men’s Health: 8 Tips for Supporting a Healthy Lifestyle

Did you know that men are actually less likely than women to seek medical help?1 We can’t get them to their GP from here, but we can suggest supplements men can take to help support their bodies. We’re also chock-full-of tips for how to make smart choices about diet, sleep and exercise.

Let’s dive into it.

Supporting a healthy body

1. Try fish oil to support heart health*

Fish oil contains essential fatty acids including omega-3, which promote healthy functioning of the heart*. In particular, omega-3 helps reinforce the lining of blood vessels that transport blood*. Omega-3 also supports the heart’s ventricles, which determine how efficiently blood is pumped throughout the body*. Since omega-3 cannot be produced by the body, you need to get your daily dose through diet. Some omega-3 rich foods include flaxseed, chia seeds, soybean oil, canola oil, fatty fish and other seafood. Another way to get an extra intake of fish oil is with a supplement.

Sundown^Ⓡ Complete Omega Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil 1400mg Softgels help support heart, joint and skin health.* The supplement is concentrated and purified to eliminate heavy metal contaminants such as mercury.

2. Reach for probiotics to support gut health*

Adding microorganisms like live bacteria and yeast to your system might not sound appealing, but our bodies are actually made up of bacteria. In fact, there are trillions of bacterial cells in our intestinal tracts. Probiotics are essentially the good bacteria*. Healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract helps balance the good and bad bacteria in the body*. Probiotics help support the gut barrier, which is responsible for the absorption of nutrients*. You can find probiotics in many fermented foods, including yogurt, miso, kimchi, sourdough bread and other cheeses. Probiotic supplements can also help to provide an extra dose to the body.

Sundown^Ⓡ Probiotic Gummies contain a clinically studied strain to support digestive health.* With over 4 billion live cultures per serving, taking these gummies helps provide the friendly bacteria for your digestive system each day.*

 3. Look to saw palmetto to support urinary tract health*

Saw palmetto comes from a species of palm tree native to Florida, and can support urinary flow and help reduce inflammation.2 As men age, they may experience enlarged prostate growth, decreased urinary flow and blockage of the bladder, which makes it more difficult to urinate. Luckily, taking saw palmetto as an herbal supplement can support a healthy urinary tract.*

Sundown^Ⓡ Saw Palmetto 450 mg Capsules contain 100% saw palmetto, which has traditionally been used for prostate and urinary health*↟. It is also non-GMO^ and gluten-free.

 4. Don’t forget the vitamins & minerals that support immune system health*

With a healthy immune system, the body can better defend against foreign bacteria and viruses. Vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc can all help support immune system function*.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency affects more than 50% of people in North America.3 In the summer months, spending time outside can help increase vitamin D levels, as the body creates vitamin D from sunlight. In areas where sun is limited, sun exposure may not be enough to get your daily dose of vitamin D. As there are few foods naturally rich in vitamin D, you can also obtain vitamin D through supplements.

Sundown^Ⓡ Vitamin D3 1000 IU Softgels support bone, teeth and immune health.* Also available in 2000 and 5000 IU.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C assists in the creation and spread of white blood cells.4 Some vitamin C-rich foods include citrus fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, baked potato, and tomatoes. If your diet doesn’t contain adequate vitamin C, which is about 90 mg for adult men5, you can also obtain your daily dose through supplements.

Sundown^Ⓡ Vitamin C 500 mg Ascorbic Acid Tablets support immune health and antioxidant support.* Sundown Vitamin C is available as chewable tablets and time release capsules.

Zinc: Zinc plays a role in immune system health.6 In food, one of the most zinc-rich sources are oysters. Other foods include red meat, chicken, seafood, beans, nuts, whole grains and dairy. Taking a zinc supplement is another great way to introduce the mineral into your diet.

Sundown^Ⓡ Zinc Gluconate 50 mg Caplets support immune health and energy metabolism*, and is vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free.

Making healthy lifestyle choices

 5. Keep that diet balanced

Based on FDA food intake guidelines, a balanced diet contains fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium. Try incorporating vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, nuts and fish. While you’re at it, avoid saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars. While men usually need more calories than women, how much you should eat also depends on factors like weight, age, and level of exercise. If you aren’t able to eat a balanced diet everyday, multivitamins may help your body get the balance of nutrients it needs. 

Sundown^Ⓡ Multivitamin Gummies provide ten essential vitamins plus zinc to support overall health and wellness*, and comes in an assortment of grape, cherry and orange flavors.

6. Get your heart rate up

We all know how great exercise is for us, but over 40% of men don’t actually meet the federal guidelines for physical exercise, which is two and a half hours per week.7 Men who do have reported higher levels of self-esteem and mental wellness.8 In terms of what type of exercise is recommended, research shows that it’s important to engage in physical activity that builds endurance, strength, balance and flexibility.9

7. Fluids, fluids, fluids! 

Staying hydrated is essential for all bodily processes. Hydration helps ensure the efficient functioning of immune system cells, and that important nutrients are delivered to various vital organs.10 The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggest men intake 3.7 liters of fluids a day. A study on older men also showed that even a one percent loss of body water resulted in a lessened ability to perform physical activity11, so be sure to get your fluids in!

9. Catch those z’s

For a good night’s sleep, healthy adults should target seven to nine hours per night. Lack of sleep, especially when prolonged, shows an association with a compromised immune system and weaker immune system response. Studies have shown that even slight sleep deprivation also impacts mood and mental energy.12 If you aren’t able to get enough sleep at night, try a 15 to 30 minute power nap during the day to help with fatigue and alertness. Hit the snooze button when you can, and enjoy the benefits of staying well-rested.

 9. Speak with your healthcare provider

No two bodies work exactly the same! As the body ages and changes, it’s important to keep re-evaluating what will best benefit you to stay in optimum shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Before making any big changes to your diet, sleep or exercise, speak to a healthcare provider about what practices are best suited for your body. 

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