Men’s Health Week takes place from 13th - 19th June 2022, and organisers of this year’s event are urging men of all ages to get a health MOT. What’s more, the latest figures have revealed a shocking truth. Nearly half of men say they don’t visit a doctor and a third would be embarrassed to take time off work because of mental health.
In the deja-verse, we think it’s about time that we kickstarted taboo conversations - which is why awareness weeks like this are so important. Even better, we’re on a mission to show men of all ages that health and wellbeing doesn’t need to be hidden. In fact, by talking about it and taking a few small steps every day, you can build up your physical and mental state for the long run - and, of course, you better believe that Ayurveda’s got something to do with it…
Muscle and strength
Smashing weights hard at the gym is only the start if you really want to work on your fitness. According to Ayurveda, building up your body starts within, where you need to be nourishing and strengthening your tissue with certain foods. Maintaining a healthy digestive system also means that your body will be able to absorb nutrients into exactly where they need to be.
To do this, Ayurveda advises a well-balanced diet with plenty of greens, red and yellow vegetables as well as brown lentils and meat. Overly salty, sour or spicy foods should be limited as these have depleting qualities - instead of the building nature that your body wants. Having meat-free days can also help to reset the digestive fire and you should avoid mixing cheese with fried foods.
As well as drinking lots of water, Ayurveda recommends a seasonal cleanse to rid the body of any toxins and boost the digestive system. Triphala, a combination of Ayurvedic herbs, can also be taken regularly to keep the gut moving and prevent further build up of toxins and waste. Don’t worry though as our best-selling Rest and Digest capsules contain Triphala and a few other wonder herbs meaning it’s never been easier to get your fix.
Instead of reaching for a pre-made protein shake (which can be difficult to digest), you could also make your own. Ashwagandha, Shilajit, Honey and Ginger have strengthening abilities, will boost energy levels and help with healthy tissue regeneration - not to mention, taste great too. Daily self-massage with warm oils and stretching after exercise will prevent the buildup of lactic acid and preserve your tissue’s elasticity which is essential if you want to build and maintain muscle.
Passion and intimacy
Stress, emotions, even the food we eat can all have an impact on libido, male sexual health and sex drive. For men, this can result in erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation which cannot only be embarrassing, but also frustrating. Don’t worry though, as over half of the UK’s male population has struggled with erectile dysfunction (ED) or maintaining an erection at some point in their life and there’s a whole host of Ayurvedic medicines and ingredients to help.
In order to boost the mood and improve sexual dysfunctions, Ayurveda recommends a diet that supports virility and sexual performance. Think orange, yellow and red foods like carrots, squash, tomatoes, as well as dates, raisins, honey and cacao. Healthy fats are also super important for the production of testosterone and increased sperm count so try to include avocado, oils and omega-3 fatty acids.
There’s also a number of Ayurvedic superherbs which are proven to boost libido, testosterone levels, the male reproductive system and even sexual intercourse performance. This includes Ashwagandha and Shatavari. Our Cacao Latte Powder, which combines the two with Maca and Cacao Powder, could be just the aphrodisiac you need too. Simply mix it with your milk of choice, sit back and wait for the guilt-free indulgence to do its work…
Thick and healthy hair
Your parent’s genes aren’t the only thing that can lead to hair loss. In fact, excess heat in your head and stress have a lot to do with it. For this reason, stress-busting activities like regular exercise and a routine for sleep can help to calm symptoms. Regular head massages will also promote blood flow to the hair follicles and stimulate healthy regrowth.
Once again, Ayurveda says your diet and gut health can have a big impact on the health of your hair. For starters, your hair is made up of water and protein so eating a diet rich in protein, nutrients and omega 3 is advised. Ayurvedic practitioners also recommend regular detoxes. This is because it helps any nutrients to be absorbed fully, and hair is a byproduct of this.
If you want to go one step further, you could also steer clear of hair products that are packed with chemicals and instead look for natural ingredients. There is, of course, the age old combination of shampooing your hair with water and baking soda, and using apple cider vinegar as conditioner - but we think we might leave that one to you!
Mental health and wellbeing
One in eight men suffer from a mental health concern but only 36% of talking therapy referrals on the NHS are for men. Bottling up emotions is never a good idea but, if sharing your feelings doesn’t come naturally to you, Ayurveda does have a few other suggestions.
Take time each day to do something that makes you feel good - whether it’s exercise, a slow walk, a relaxing bath or even a hobby like cooking and reading. Fill any voids with enriching experiences and try to make peace with your past. Journaling and meditation can be effective here.
Finally, spending time with friends and family members can help and creating a space in your home where you can relax and really enjoy their company is great for finding comfort. Hey, who knew there was actually a need for Man Caves?!
A man is only as strong as the supplement behind him
Okay, so we might have altered that saying but it’s got a nice ring to it, hasn’t it? Plus, Ayurveda has been around for more than 5,000 years and, during this time, it’s supported thousands of men to be healthy and happy.
So, whether you want to press reset on your gut health with our daily capsules, want to reignite the spark in your bedroom or even just boost your immune system and ensure your body and mind is fighting fit, we have an Ayurvedic supplement to help.
If you have any questions about the above Ayurvedic treatments for men, don’t be shy to reach out. And remember, before trying any of the Ayurvedic treatments for erectile dysfunction, we do recommend that you get in touch with your doctor.