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Our focus for today is Diabetes which as we know can have a number of effects on the human body.  Men who are predisposed to diabetes can practice proper nutrition and lifestyles changes which can assist in improving their overall health and lowering their risk of developing and avoid complications of the disease.

Most people suffer from type 2 Diabetes which develops in the body over time due to decreased insulin sensitivity of muscle and fat cells and the liver, or a decrease in the body’s ability to produce insulin that causes the blood glucose to become too high. Men who suffer from type 2 diabetes can be affected by additional effects which include Urologic issues caused by diabetic nerve damage. The effects of urologic issues are an overactive bladder, leaking urine or the inability to control urination and trouble urinating at times, and frequent Urinary Tract Infections.

Diabetes in men can also result in Retrograde ejaculation which causes the release of semen into the bladder rather than the urethra. Symptoms may include noticeably less or the absence of semen released during ejaculation. Some males may also experience Erectile dysfunction which is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. This is caused by diabetes-induced damage to the autonomic nervous system which controls the widening or constricting of the blood vessels, this can cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the penis. Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by other diseases and problems in the body such as high blood pressure or hypertension, kidney disease, circulatory conditions, and obesity or being overweight.

A person is at risk of diabetes if they have family members who have type 2 diabetes, have high cholesterol, high triglycerides, low HDL or “good” cholesterol and high LDL or “bad” cholesterol, have high blood pressure, do not exercise enough and eat a diet that is filled with refined and processed sugars and refined carbohydrates and is of African descent.

If you are pre-diabetic or predisposed to diabetes, you can manage your blood sugar levels by eating a wide range of foods in moderation, including fruits, vegetables, and some starchy foods like whole grains and whole wheat pasta, rice, root crops like sweet potatoes, tannia, yam, dasheen and green bananas, plantains, and minimize consumption of added sugar and foods that contain added sugars, fat, and salt. Avoid missing meals, especially if you take medicines for your condition. Speak to a nutritionist or dietitian for advice on ways you can manage your condition through diet and exercise.

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Regular physical activity and stress management can play a role in preventing diseases or reducing the effects of illness. Research studies has shown men are more susceptible to heart disease and heart failure throughout their lifetime, as this is the leading cause of death for men. The center for disease control states that heart disease is often a silent killer that isn’t diagnosed until signs and symptoms of heart attack, arrhythmia (an abnormal heart rhythm), or heart failure occurs.

Heart disease is a broad name used to describe a number of ailments which affects the hearts’ function. A man is at risk of heart disease if he has an unhealthy diet, if he has uncontrolled diabetes, is overweight or obese, if he doesn’t participate in regular physical activity, drinks alcohol, and smokes excessively. If your heart is unhealthy, you may experience symptoms such as feeling tired during the day, chest discomfort (particularly during exertion or activity), weakness or fatigue, swelling (in the legs, belly area, feet, ankles or hands), fainting and light-headedness, easily getting short of breath and fluttering in the chest.

One of the easier ways to reduce the risk oof heart disease is to have a healthy and balanced diet, that does not contain foods that are high in saturated fats, sugar, salt, trans fat and cholesterol. Instead, men should choose to eat more Whole grains such as plain oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-grain bread, ground provisions, more vegetables and fruits like leafy greens, carrots, bananas, oranges, plums, mangoes, and cherries.   more protein-rich foods such as fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, lean meats, eggs, nuts and seeds, and peas and beans. It is also importance to choose oils and oil rich foods that are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like canola, olive, sesame, sunflower, and soybean oils, almond Nuts, salmon, avocados and tofu.

Other things that can be done are to stop smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, keep active, and practice proper stress management. Stay updated with our social platforms during the month of June for more information.

The cashew fruit, commonly known in Grenada as French Cashew and Cashew nut are both very nutritious. Both elements of the fruit come with their own health benefits and can be made into an array of foods and Drinks for enjoyment. 

The cashew fruit contains loads of vitamin C which makes it a great antioxidant and immune system booster, it also contains minerals that support healthy hair and skin. It is rich in carotenoids, Vitamin A, potassium, and iron. Although acidic the fruit can be enjoyed by eating it fresh of the tree, it can also be juiced or made into marmalade and jams. 

Cashew Nuts, however, are packed with protein, calcium, fiber, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. It is a great addition to the daily diet as it helps support heart health and stroke prevention, joint health, managing blood sugar levels, and weight loss. The nuts can be enjoyed by itself as a snack or can be added to baked goods and smoothies. It can also be made into a butter using the same process as when making peanut butter. 

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Eating loads of fresh fruit and vegetables regularly can do wonders for the overall health of the body. Fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients, minerals and the antioxidants needed to support daily bodily functions. Women in particular can add more cruciferous vegetables to their daily diet to help manage hormone problems and prevent certain types of cancers.  

There are several cruciferous vegetables that can be sourced locally and at reasonable prices. Vegies like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, Kale, Bok choy and watercress are great sources of vitamins B9, C, K and fiber which all are beneficial to the body in different ways.  Research studies have shown that these vegetables can reduce the risk of heart disease and also contain a compound known as glucosinolates which may lower the occurrence of a number of cancers such as colon and breast cancers, pancreatic cancer, and cancer of the bladder. 

Eating these types of vegetables can also help to manage hormone imbalances in women as it helps to detoxify the liver to rid the body of excess hormones like estrogen which can cause serious health issues when there is too much of it in the body such as painful periods, weight gain, fibroids, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and mood fluctuations.  

It is advised to speak to a nutritionist of health care provider if you have issues with your thyroid such as goiters (Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism) or when taking certain medication to get proper direction on how these vegetables can be prepared and consumed without affecting you negatively. 

Fibroids which are called myomas, and leiomyomas can affect any woman, once they are within the age of procreation. Fibroids are not cancerous or life threatening but have been linked to cancers of the uterus and can cause reproductive complications and other health problems. There is no known cause of fibroids however the condition may also be genetic as a woman is at risk of developing the growths if her mother or sister has it. 

It is possible to treat and remove fibroids with medication and surgery, however there are simple changes one can make to their diet and daily life that can help to reduce the size of the growths. Stress management practices and moderate exercise which lasts for 30 minutes for 4-5 days weekly ( are also great things that can be implemented into daily schedules to help with managing fibroids. 

Implementing more fresh fruits and vegetables into the diet can help reduce the likelihood of developing fibroids, according to “Web.md” a recent study found that eating lots of fruits like apples and tomatoes, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage helps with lowering risks and also eating healthier choices like organic fruits and vegetables and whole-grain foods could help improve your symptoms. The source also states that proper blood pressure management can also help. 

Increasing the intake of potassium with foods like potatoes, avocadoes and banana, fiber rich foods like whole grains, vegetables and peas, as well as, dairy products and green tea can also assist in managing fibroids. It is important to avoid processed foods, red meats, and high-fat dairy, sugars, caffein and alcohol as these foods can make your fibroids worse.  

You can speak to a nutritionist of dietitian for help with formulating a diet plan to manage your fibroids. Follow the GFNC’s FaceBook, Instagram and TikTok for information.