You At Your Best

BY KARen RiCe YOu At YOuR Best That work deadline, your bank balance, relationship challenges. Modern life brings with it a good deal of stress. In its 2017 Stress in America™ survey, the American Psychological Association (APA) found that the three most common sources of stress were the future of the nation (63 percent), money (62 percent) and work (61 percent). And while a little stress is okay and can even be beneficial (pushing you to achieve your goals), too much stress—distress—can lead to serious mental and physical health problems. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, routine stress that becomes chronic can suppress the immune system, disrupt digestion and have an adverse effect on sleep. Hormonal differences A study published in the July 2000 issue of Psychological Review found that although men and women are both exposed to stress, they handle stress differently. Hormonal differences between the two genders help explain this. When stressed, the hormones cortisol, epinephrine, and oxytocin are released in the bloodstream. Cortisol and epinephrine are responsible for elevated blood pressure and blood sugar levels and a decrease in the effectiveness of the stressed BY KARen RiCe YOu At YOuR Best When it comes to nutrition and dieting, the gender gap is alive and well. It's not only the assumption that females diet while men give little thought to the foods they consume. The truth is that men are more frequently overweight than women, while women are less satisfied with their weight and generally have more knowledge about nutrition. Women tend to eat more fruits, vegetables, cereals, milk, dairy products and whole grain products, whereas men consume more red meat, as well as pork, sausages, eggs, alcohol, and high sucrose foods. "Women have traditionally been the gatekeepers," said Thomas Dybdahl, director of research for Prevention Magazine. "It's just not 'male' to have that health consciousness. There's a sense that we're immortal, that food is not that important." Typically men's body fat is distributed viscerally, which is associated with a higher risk of health risks. On the other hand, visceral body fat can be reduced more easily, meaning men can drop weight faster. And, the potential benefits of weight loss are higher in people with visceral fat distribution. Diet? I'll try it Women are far more likely than men to have tried a different variety of diet plans, including Weight Watchers (7 percent compared to 1 percent), low-fat diets (19 percent and 8 percent), low-carbohydrate diets (16 percent and 7 percent) and vegetarian diets (4 percent and 0 percent). But while women are generally more health-conscious, recent evidence shows that men's interest in nutrition is growing. It's often spurred on by a health crisis or a desire to regain vitality and lost youth. As a result, many men have taken much more informed and active roles in regard to their diets. And it's not a moment too soon. Data from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says around 73.7 percent of men in the United States are considered to be overweight or obese. This may be driving the fact that more than one in three U.S. consumers followed a specific diet or eating pattern in 2018, according to the Annual Food and Health Survey, released by the International Food Information Council Foundation. As more men take control of their eating habits, these strategies can help them achieve optimal health. • Change the name. Men are often drawn to regimens that will help make them better at sports or increase energy. Referring to such changes as "food plans" or "lifestyle plans" may prove more effective than calling them "diets." • Work with a nutritionist. Everyone can use a little guidance when making initial changes to their diets. A nutritionist can help men weigh their goals and customize food plans that fit. • Pair dieting with exercise. Food choices play a major role in weight loss, but exercise is a key component of overall health and should not be overlooked. • Count calories. Using a food tracker is one of the best ways to measure calories and nutrients so you can have a better grasp on what you're eating and how it's affecting you. Men are taking active roles in choosing the foods they eat, and that increased interest can have lead to positive long-term results. Dieting & the gender gap Men & the stress response out: 6 | YOu At YOuR Best | YOuAtYOuRBest.nWAOnline.COM August - Men's HeAltH | sunDAY, JulY 25, 2021

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