Men's Health and Lupus

10 Foods to Boost Men's Health 

~ Oysters   (high in zinc)

~ Bananas   (high in potassium)

~ Fatty Fish   (high in Omega 3 fatty acids)

~ Broccoli  (heart disease and cancer preventing nutrients)

~ Brazil Nuts   (high in magnesium and selenium) 

~ Whole Grains   (high in fiber and Vitamin B)

~ Plant Stanols   (lower blood cholesterol levels)

~ Soybeans   (high in isoflavones) 

~ Berries and Cherries   (high in anthocyanin) 

~ Red-Orange Vegetables  (high in vitamin C and beta-carotene)

This week is National Men's Health Week, well depending on the source it is National Men's Health Month. This is the perfect time to address Lupus in Men.  Many think of Lupus as a women's disease.  Men can and do suffer from Lupus as well.  It can occur in men of any age, just as with women.  I have come across several men of various ages and ethnicities who have Lupus, and they have the same issues that women have. 

Before puberty, about 1 male will develop Lupus for every 3 females.  In teens and adults, 1 male will develop Lupus for every 10 females.  After the age of 50, 1 male develops Lupus for every 8 females.  These gender differences are seen in only systemic lupus, not in cutaneous (skin) Lupus.  

Males have similar symptoms as females, including joint pain, skin rash and extreme fatigue. The clinical course of Lupus is about the same in both genders.  Males are treated with the same therapies as females.  Some researchers have found that later manifestations of the disease differ between sexes.  Studies have found more severe kidney, nerve and blood vessel disease in males with Lupus compared to females with Lupus. However, there is no great evidence to support a significant difference in severity of Lupus in males and females.  

Researchers are now studying Lupus in aging males.  Young men with Lupus have normal levels of hormones.  Their Lupus activity is usually much worse than older men. Late-onset Lupus may depend on lower levels of male hormones.  (LFA)

Quick Facts:

~ Young men with Lupus have normal reproductive histories.

~ Lupus should not affect their ability to be sexually active.

~ Men with Lupus may not be able to continue working to support his family.

~ They may have difficulty with tasks requiring physical labor.

~ Stress may be caused by the inability to carry on the traditional male role.

~ Men can have hair loss, weight gain and skin rashes.

~ Men are more concerned with loss of job and change of job.

~ False sense of "loss of masculinity" and loss of independence is difficult. 

QUICK FACT 4

Foods That Cause Inflammation:
☹highly processed foods
☹red meat
☹candies
☹crackers
☹soda
☹trans-fat
☹sugary foods
☹healthy saturated fats
☹bread
☹salad dressings
☹baked goods
☹alcohol
☹fried foods
☹nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant,  peppers, etc.)

Anti-Inflammatory (Good) Foods:

☺Fruits

☺Vegetables

☺Omega-3 foods

☺Wild Caught Cold Water Fish

☺Fish Oil Supplements

☺Flax Seed

☺Raw Nuts

☺Olive and Grapeseed Oils

Choose wisely! If you cannot totally give up the bad stuff, at least have it in moderation, and eat all natural and organic foods. It will make a big difference.  Sacrifice will pay off in the long run!!!

Search Amazon.com for anti-inflammation diet and recipe book
Search Amazon.com for lupus diet

FLASHBACK #2

In 2007, I lived in Paris, France for 4 whole months.  It was an absolutely wonderful experience.  One aspect of this experience was a special blessing.  My health was GREAT!!  While in Paris I did not have all of the aches and pains that I deal with on a daily basis here in the US.  Why?  Well I think that all the walking and good food had something to do with it.  I had to walk everywhere and use the Metro for transportation.  I walked all day and all night.  But it felt great.  Once I walked all the way from my apartment (near Gare de Lyon) to Le Louvre.  I don't know how I did it, but I DID.  Not on purpose, I got lost coming from the Picasso Museum...anyhoo.  It was very rare for me to get turned around, but I did, silly me.  On to the Food.  Not only does it taste great; the French have very strict regulations on the quality of food that they can sell.  They aren't allowed to use all those additives and chemicals (even in their fast food) that the Americans do.  So the food is more healthy, AND tastes amazing Mmmmm!!

One other essential detail was my state of mind, attitude, mood, etc.  I was HAPPY!!  I loved every moment of it.  My good mood and positive attitude contributed to my physical well-being.  I have learned that it works here too. Just remember that even when your health is on the fritz and you feel terrible, sometimes all you have to do is think positive.  Smile and love your life, love yourself and the people around you.  Have the right mindset and know that you are in control.  Think happy thoughts and happiness will not be far behind!!

With Love ღ


Search Amazon.com for paris