Don't be fooled by these men's health myths

Don't be fooled by common health myths. That's the advice from Dr. Myles Spar, an integrative men's healthcare expert and the Chief Medical Officer of Vault Health. www.vaulthealth.com.

Here are a few 'facts' that are completely false, according to Spar.

Myth #1: Low testosterone only affects older men
Fact: In most men, testosterone begins to decline after age 30. Common symptoms of low testosterone include fatigue, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, erectile dysfunction, moodiness, inability to focus, lower energy levels, and the inability to lose belly fat.

Myth #2: Sleeping late on weekends helps you catch up.
Fact: Rather than depriving your body of sleep during the week and trying to make up for it on the weekends, it's best to try to stick to a schedule that allows you to get adequate rest every night.

Myth #3: Men hit their sexual peak at 18.
Fact: While it’s true that testosterone levels begin to spike around age 18, they continue to rise through the 20s and peak around age 30. This may explain why, according to one survey of over 12,000 people, men said they had the best sex of their lives at age 33.

Myth #4: More protein means more muscle.
Fact: Many people consume more protein than they need, believing it will lead to increased muscle mass. But research indicates that high protein intake doesn’t lead to bigger muscles.

Myth #5: A slowing brain, lower energy levels, decreasing libido, and drops in concentration are all normal parts of getting older that cannot be prevented.
Fact: If you’re feeling tired or have noticed a drop in your libido or concentration, there’s probably something going on with your health. It could be a change in diet, activity, increased stress, or something to do with hormones. Either way, it’s a big deal and should be addressed.

Myth #6: ED only affects older men, so I don’t have to worry.
Fact: Actually, mild and moderate cases of ED affect approximately 52 percent of men between ages 40 and 70. These can be caused not only by age, but also by stress, tension between your partner, alcohol use, depression, opioid use, smoking, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and many other conditions that can occur in young men, too.

Myth #7: Your genes decide your fate.
Fact: If you think genetic predisposition means certain conditions are inevitable, think again. Far from being at their mercy, you can up and down-regulate your genes through lifestyle choices like diet, exercise, and stress management.

Myth #8: There’s no such thing as too much exercise.
Fact: Over-training can lead to injury and may even be detrimental to your mental health.

Myth #9: Fat is bad.
Fact: Good fats like those found in olive oil have actually been shown to improve heart health. And, much like fish oil, olive oil seems to be of special help to people at risk of developing heart problems.

So, how many of those myths did you think were true before reading this? If you're anything like me (and the majority of people I know), then the answer is likely most of them.

"It might be tempting to rely on Dr. Google, but there's so much misinformation out there and people usually need an actual medical professional to provide an accurate diagnosis," says Dr. Spar. Here are his top tips to age gracefully:

1. Keep Moving
You lose 5-7 pounds of muscle mass every 10 years starting in your 30s, and this number only goes up after 50, according to Men's Fitness. Your metabolism also slows down, making it harder to keep your weight in check, and your aerobic capacity decreases.

2. Eat Well
Research suggests eating whole foods (with an emphasis on plants) is one of the best ways to improve your health—and possibly extend your lifespan. And many experts believe that intermittent fasting can lead to increased longevity, among other benefits.

3. Socialize
It’s probably a given that loneliness takes a toll on your mental health, but did you know it can actually affect your genes—and maybe even shorten your life? Loneliness can increase your risk of depression, cognitive decline, heart disease, and other serious conditions in ways similar to obesity and smoking. Schedule a dinner or Zoom call with a buddy you haven’t seen in a while or consider volunteering in your community, which gives you a chance to help others while you interact with them.

For more information about how men can live a long, healthy life and thwart the negative effects of aging, visit vaulthealth.com/consumer-health.