The contributions and achievements that men bring into the world are inundated with value, energy and success. Meanwhile, the whole concern about men’s health should not be left unattended. Predominantly, a deeper look on men’s health condition is of utmost importance to provide them with a better understanding to look after themselves. In fact, the bitter truth is that men are more likely to be affected with some chronic illness than women. Heart disease, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, to name a few.
Maintaining a clear work-life balance, adapting to a nourishing diet and altering lifestyle to a healthy level are the things men can do from their end to focus more on their health. Understanding and knowing one’s body and mind is a smaller step into this big picture. Onlymyhealth editorial team talked to Dr. Subbu KV, Lead Medical & Nutritional Affairs, EID Parry (India) Ltd, about causes for lifestyle disorders in men and how a low GI diet can help in prevention.
Causes of lifestyle disorders in men
When it comes to disease and disorders, there are certain illnesses which are more common for men. They are more likely to fall prey to heart diseases than women. On an average, the first heart attack strikes men at 65 and strikes women at the age of 72. Males coping with stressful events physiologically, behaviorally and emotionally differ from that of women. Hypertension is one such health condition found more common in men and the solid reason for that, lies in their hormones itself. Men respond to stress by producing adrenaline and cortisol, which is responsible for the fight or flight response, causing sweaty palms, and increased heart rate.
While women also produce the same hormones, their body undergoes the production of estrogen, which induces the bonding or affection for others. It is all about Androgen- estrogen balance in men and women that plays a vital role in behavioral patterns and physical characteristics. According to a WHO Report, men in their 30s have reported signs of cardiac risk due to increased sugar levels and bad cholesterol. As per a large survey conducted, 47% Indian men were found to be unhealthy and the health risk associating with aspects like immunity, lifestyle, nutrition and physical activity levels.
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1. Poor lifestyle
A series of factors contribute to men’s heart disease, such as food habits, work pressure, inability to maintain work-life balance, angry/hostile personality, high saturated fat diet, smoking, drinking and drug abuse, among many others.
2. Obesity
Apart from fatal heart disease the chronic health condition, diabetes, is also more common in males. Of the two diabetic types, type 2, which is due to increased insulin resistance, is frequently found in men. Overweight and obesity are other factors.
3. Unhealthy food consumption
India is the diabetic capital of the world, and among numerous factors contributing to this ‘title’, the primary factor is unhealthy food consumption. Eating disorder is a risk factor which has a direct influence on nutritional outcomes. Involvement of men in nutritional information and a healthy nourishing diet for the body is a measure to keep them away from such chronic illness and serious health conditions. A Low Glycemic diet, is a nourishing diet for the body which has plenty of benefits to keep these health conditions under control.
How can a Low GI diet help in preventing lifestyle disorders in men?
Obesity, overweight, heart problems, diabetes, cholesterol and what not. Males prone to these diseases are more common and a low GI diet can keep all this in check. That is why incorporating low GI foods to everyday meals is specifically important. A Glycemic Index diet is a specific food plan based on how certain foods affect the blood sugar level. It points out how quickly, moderately or slowly a food raises the blood-glucose level. On a scale of 1 to 100, in the glycemic Index, Low GI is anything under 55. Low GI foods include oats, barley, bulgar, butter beans, peas, kidney beans, non starchy vegetables, milk, sweet potatoes and most of the fruits.
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Assisting with diabetes prevention and management, Low GI food controls appetite and delays hunger, promoting the breakdown of fat. In a study in over two and a half lakh people, it was understood that the individuals with the highest glycemic index diets had upto 33% greater risk in developing type-2 diabetes when compared to those with lowest GI diets. Swapping high GI foods with Low GI food can be a simple beginning to a Low GI diet. Usage of low GI sugar, swapping potatoes with sweet potatoes, choosing basmati rice over normal rice are a few effortless things to do.
A Low GI diet improves the prevention of coronary heart disease and demonstrates benefits in terms of lipid metabolism. The diet which is low in its glycemic index score, helps losing fat while reducing levels of cholesterol. Low GI foods contain soluble fibre which reduces total cholesterol. While cholesterol is a major contributor for heart attacks and stroke, maintaining cholesterol levels must be kept on priority by men, as heart diseases are found more common in them. Adapting to a Low GI diet, is a simple and effective lifestyle change that a man can adopt as a sign towards healthy life and wellbeing.
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