Are Men’s Hormones Under Siege? Special Episode for Men’s Health Month

When it comes to hormones, women are often the focus, but men (and boys) are facing a serious hormone and health crisis of their own. Since June is Men's Health month, this final episode of Season One focuses on the guys. I cover some shocking statistics, a few historical indications of trouble brewing, and some of the main ways men’s hormones are under siege. I provide actionable diet, lifestyle and supplement tips that help support men's hormones and health. I also briefly touch on ideological ways men’s health is under attack.

This podcast is general in nature, not medical advice, and for informational purposes only. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about how this information applies to you.

Links:

• Organifi Shilajit

Episode Goals Summarized:

• Maintain/Boost Testosterone levels & hormone balance
• Prevent Aromatization of T -> E
• Improve Body Composition (build muscle and lose excess adipose tissue, esp visceral fat)
• Reduce Stress
• Improve Sleep
• Balance blood sugar and avoid high sugar foods
• Reduce Inflammation & Oxidative damage
• Nose breathing to boost Nitric Oxide
• Avoid plastics, and hormone disrupting chemicals
• Support the body’s ability to detoxify daily
• Consider taking key supplements that support testosterone - including zinc, boron, and shilajit (like Organifi Shilajit)

Recommended Books:

• "The Perfect Metabolism Plan," written by Sara Vance. Millions of us have counted calories until we're blue in the face. We've cut fat, eaten less, and exercised more─and we're still heavier than we want to be. Or we lose the weight, only to see it creep back. It's frustrating, discouraging, and unhealthy. In Sara Vance's The Perfect Metabolism Plan, you'll learn that this inability to stay at a healthy weight is not about willpower and it's not your fault! When your metabolism is out of whack, your willpower, hunger hormones, insulin, and cravings all work against you. And you not only can't lose weight, you tend to feel foggy, sluggish, or generally unwell. It’s time to take control.
• "Male 2.0," written by Dr. Gapin, a board-certified urologist and men's health expert. Male 2.0 provides a holistic approach to the challenges men face in today's environment, including stress, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and hormonal imbalances. The book advocates for a personalized approach to health that integrates nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management and discusses the importance of hormone optimization, particularly testosterone, and provides insights into natural methods to enhance testosterone levels. "Male 2.0" aims to empower men to take proactive steps towards achieving optimal health, vitality, and longevity through sustainable lifestyle changes and informed decision-making.
• "Drug Muggers", by Dr. Suzy Cohen, Prescription and over-the-counter drugs help millions of people with diseases and chronic conditions. But in the process, these medications can also deplete the body's natural stores of vitamins, minerals, and hormones. Pharmacist Suzy Cohen calls these medications "drug muggers," and she says it's essential to replenish what they steal from your body in order to feel your best and avoid side effects.
• "The Ultimate MANual," Written by Dr. David Samadi, a renowned urologic oncologist and expert in prostate cancer treatment. A comprehensive guide to men's health, it covers topics such as diet, exercise, mental health, and preventive measures. The book emphasizes the importance of regular screenings for prostate cancer, discusses treatment options, and provides practical advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of disease.
• "Silent Spring" is a groundbreaking book by Rachel Carson published in 1962. It examines the detrimental effects of widespread pesticide use, particularly DDT, on the environment and human health. The book warns of the long-term consequences of pesticide pollution, highlighting how chemicals accumulate in ecosystems, harm wildlife, and pose risks to human health through food contamination and environmental exposure. "Silent Spring" sparked widespread public concern and led to increased awareness about the need for environmental conservation and the regulation of chemical pesticides. It is credited with catalyzing the modern environmental movement and influencing policies aimed at protecting ecosystems and human well-being from harmful chemical substances.

Recommended Films:

• "The Disappearing Male" - a documentary that explores the effects of chemicals found in everyday products on male reproductive health. It delves into how exposure to these chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenol A, may be contributing to a decline in male fertility and an increase in birth defects and reproductive disorders. The film investigates the potential links between these chemicals and conditions like testicular cancer and male birth defects, and it raises concerns about the impact on future generations.
• "Endocrination" is a documentary that explores the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on human health and the environment. The film introduces viewers to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which are substances that can interfere with the body's hormonal systems. These chemicals are found in everyday products such as plastics, pesticides, cosmetics, and food packaging.

• "Our Chemical Lives" is a documentary that examines the pervasive presence of synthetic chemicals in daily life, highlighting their potential impacts on human health and the environment. The film discusses how these chemicals, found in products ranging from cosmetics to food packaging, can act as endocrine disruptors and contribute to reproductive disorders, developmental issues, and increased cancer risks. It addresses the environmental consequences of chemical pollution, including bioaccumulation in ecosystems and harm to wildlife.

Supporting Research:

• Low Testosterone Men: 60% More Likely to Die Early
• COLUMN ONE : Sexual Confusion in the Wild : From gators to gulls, scientists say, pollution may be playing havoc with animals’ hormones. Some males try to lay eggs; some females nest together. Certain species may risk extinction.
• Why Are Testosterone Levels Decreasing?
• Transgenerational Effects of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals on Male and Female Reproduction
• You Might Want To Stop Using Your Plastic Chopping Board
• Men experience an abrupt decrease in testosterone levels after sugar intake, study finds