Your Healthy Toolkit

The past few weeks we have been focusing on Men’s health in accordance with Men’s Health Month.

According to Dr. David Gremillion of the Men’s Health Network, “There is a silent health crisis in America, it’s that fact that, on average, American men live sicker and die younger than American women.” Men die at higher rates than women from 9 of the top 10 causes of death and are the victims of over 92% of workplace deaths. In 1920, women lived, on average, one year longer than men. Currently, men are dying an average of 5 years younger than women and lead in nine out of 10 of the top causes of death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Men are at greater risk for death in every age group. More males than females are born (105 vs 100), but by age 35, women outnumber men.

Men’s Health Is A Family Issue

To quote former Congressman Bill Richardson, “Recognizing and preventing men’s health problems is not just a man’s issue. Because of its impact on wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters, men’s health is truly a family issue.” Of the 9 million+ older persons living alone, 80% are women. More than 1/2 the widows living in poverty were not poor before the death of their husbands.

One of the problems is that men are less likely to invest time, energy and money into prevention and self care, than are women. Women are 100% more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventive services than men according to the CDC enabling them to address issues at early stages and adopt self care and health services to improve them. Depression in men is largely undiagnosed contributing to the fact that men are four times as likely to commit suicide. More than half of premature deaths among men are preventable. But you can’t prevent a problem if you don’t know it exists.   

The first step is becoming aware of the problem and taking steps for a healthier life., which is our definition for the Self Care Awakening. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “What price can you put on your health?

The last two weeks we blogged about Water Matters and Sleep Matters and how they relate to men’s health. This week let’s focus on Weight Matters and nutrition.

Weight Matters

According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), an estimated 160 million Americans are either obese or overweight. Nearly three-quarters of American men and more than 60% of women are obese or overweight. 

An excess of sweetened foods and beverages can lead to weight gain, blood sugar problems and an increased risk of heart disease, among other dangerous conditions. For these reasons, added sugar should be kept to a minimum whenever possible. Currently, Americans eat over 150 grams of sugar a day. That’s equivalent to nearly 38 teaspoons a day. Put another way, it is like eating two and a half teaspoons of sugar every waking hour.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the maximum amount of added sugars you should eat in a day are much less than this for men, 37.5 grams or 9 teaspoons per day and for women, 25 grams or 6 teaspoons a day.

There are over 600,000 food items sold in the U.S and over 80% of these have added sugar. If you want a self care awakening look at the nutrition facts label on the food in your cupboards, refrigerator and freezer. It will list sugar content expressed in grams per serving. Let’s use a few examples, one soda can have as much as 45 grams of sugar per 12 ounce serving, that is equivalent to nearly 12 teaspoons of sugar. Popular breakfast cereals are spiked with sugar, some being as much as 55% sugar. Some surprising foods with more sugar than a Twinkie would include yogurt, tomato sauce, granola bars, fat-free salad dressings, muffins and many canned fruits, typically containing 30 to 40 grams of sugar per serving.

Read labels and track your daily added sugar intake to keep it below the daily recommended amount. It’s important to note that there is no need for added sugars in the diet. The less you eat, the healthier you will be.

Sugar is highly addictive. Sugar activates the reward center in our brain the same way as many drugs, provoking similar cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Studies in rats have shown that sugar activates the brain's pleasure centers more than cocaine does.

To break the sugar addiction, let protein help. Eating protein is an easy way to curb sugar cravings. High-protein foods digest slowly, keeping you feeling full for longer. Protein doesn't make your blood sugar spike the way refined carbs and sugars do.  Protein shakes are ideal for this. The typical breakfast full of carbs and sugary or starchy foods is the worst option since you’ll have cravings all day. Having a good protein rich breakfast is vital to prevent sugar cravings and help reduce consumption. Our Nikken Kenzen Vital Balance is an excellent way to help break the sugar addiction.

Making healthy food choices is a challenge for many of us. Think about it, one of the most important decisions we make every day is what we eat and drink. It is everyone’s Choice to eat Healthy or not.

Men’s Health Month Tool Kit:

Nikken’s Core Nutrition Pack addresses our daily nutritional needs for healthy proteins, fruits and vegetables.

Kenzen Vital Balance® (our protein)

Kenzen Vital Balance® is a crucial component of Nikken’s Core Nutrition Pack. The formula contains organic moringa and naturally sweet monk fruit in addition to organic pea protein and organic vegetables. It is designed to help burn fat and boost metabolism as well as promote healthy brain function and the elimination of toxins in the body. With pre- and probiotics to assist in digestive and immune system activity, the Kenzen Vital Balance formula is food for action and food for thought.

*Note Special offer on Chocolate Kenzen Vital Balance®

From now through June 30th take advantage of our special on chocolate Kenzen Vital Balance® at 33% discount—Get 3 containers for the price of 2! Chocolate KVB is formulated and manufactured in the USA.

Jade GreenZymes® (our veggies)

Called "nature's perfect food," barley grass is said to have more nutrition than an equal serving of any other vegetable. The barley grass in organic Jade GreenZymes® is beneficial in helping balance pH, supporting a strong immune system, and assisting in maintaining blood glucose levels that are already in the normal range.

Made with organic barley grass and our proprietary blend of organic acacia and organic pearl barley seed extract powder. It is Kosher and vegan certified, USDA Organic, certified by QAI and Gluten-free.

We have two servings of Jade Greenzymes daily. This product also comes in a capsule form, but I personally love the fresh green taste in a glass of Nikken PiMag Water.

Kenzen Super Ciaga® (our fruits)

Super Ciaga is an organic mixed superfruit juice concentrate made exclusively with organic fruit content. This advanced formula is made with a select group of superfruits chosen for their nutrient and antioxidant characteristics. Highly concentrated, it has an exceptional ORAC value. Certified-organic, Super Ciaga supports individuals who want to feel more energized as well as those who need assistance with poor eating habits. A great replacement for sodas, simply mix an ounce of Super Ciaga to a glass of PiMag® water or seltzer for a naturally sweet and healthy beverage! One of our favorite beverages.

The Core Nutrition Pack is a vital part of our Nikken Wellness Home. These items are available at a 25% discount when placed as an autoship order. Contact the person that shared this blog with you to take advantage of the savings.   

Heather has created a Weekly Self Care Journal that can be downloaded by clicking here. You can also check out some of our other Freebies.

We hope that this month’s focus on men’s health has provided some insights and solutions for Being Healthy by Choice.