6 TexasHealthHuguley.org Fad diets are everywhere online. But are they actually good for you? When evaluating nutrition trends, Kelly LeVasseur, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES, suggests that you consider the following: Is someone selling something? “If you have to purchase something to follow their recommendation, then that’s an indication it’s not actually evidence-based,” Kelly says. Are entire food groups off limits? “We need all of the food groups to help create balance in our diet,” Kelly says. That’s among the concerns she has with the carnivore diet, which excludes carbs and allows only animal products. But at least one viral trend that adds nutrients to your diet—rather than removes them—may be beneficial. “The fibermaxxing trend is actually one I get behind,” Kelly says. Fibermaxxing is about eating more fiber, found in plant foods. If you decide to fiber up, do so gradually to avoid gas and bloating. What about detoxing? There’s no need to buy special products or follow a special diet to cleanse or detox, Kelly says. “Your liver and kidneys already do that for you.” To build a better diet, aim for balance and improve just one meal a day—breakfast, lunch or dinner. “Once that becomes a habit, move on to the next meal,” Kelly says. Did you know hidden health risks can build up without your noticing? Here are three key areas of your health you shouldn’t ignore. 1 Stress. Chronically elevated stress hormones raise your risk of everything from weight gain to erectile dysfunction. “Stress can affect the body in multiple ways,” says Joshua Richard, DO, a primary care and sports medicine physician. Take action Try progressive muscle relaxation. You can find simple instructions online. 2 Heart health. High blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels can quietly damage the body until a heart attack occurs. “These things are often silent—until they’re not,” says cardiothoracic surgeon Darien Bradford, MD. Also, some men downplay symptoms that may signal heart disease, such as tiredness, shortness of breath, indigestion, or chest or upper-body pain. Take action Talk to your provider about your key heart numbers, like blood pressure and cholesterol. Discuss any family history of heart disease and any concerning symptoms. Nutrition fads: Healthy or hype? Ask the experts Visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Nutrition to see how nutrition counseling can help. Schedule your men’s wellness check To learn more about Dr. Bradford, visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Bradford. For an appointment with Dr. Richard, visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Richard. Men: Three ways to stay healthy 3 Preventive care. Routine checkups and screenings can help uncover hidden health risks before they become bigger problems. Take action Schedule your annual checkup, and get age-appropriate screenings and guidance to stay well.
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