The modern world and its lifestyle are waging a silent war against the masculinity of modern man. The Introduction describes the problem. Men in the developed world have a declining sperm count. Erectile dysfunction rates are making drug companies billions of dollars. The prostates are growing while the libido is declining. According to Dr. Sears, 10% of his male patients have more estrogen than testosterone.
The first chapter, appropriately enough, addresses the topic of testosterone. Although it is often unfairly blamed for violence committed by men, it is what keeps us healthy and strong. Decreased testosterone levels cause “grouchy old man” syndrome.
An additional cause of low testosterone levels can be a low-fat diet.
Additionally, various pollutants in our environment lower testosterone and increase estrogen levels. Men are supposed to have some estrogen, but when our estrogen levels rise too high compared to our testosterone, we are no longer manly men.
That is when we begin to suffer many physical and emotional health problems. Lack of sexual desire is one of them, but so are obesity and chronic fatigue. We should have ten times more testosterone than estrogen.
As he does throughout this book, after describing a problem and its causes and effects, he reviews the solutions. He recommends various supplements and activities.
Some of these are debatable. For example, some authorities would not recommend taking DHEA because it is a hormone. Some claim that the herb Tribulus Terrestris does not raise testosterone levels, as is often claimed.
However, DIM and its precursor Indole-3-Carbinol help break down estrogen.
He goes on to criticize the modern trend of eating large amounts of carbohydrates, especially from grain sources. This is true for the general population who eat hamburger buns, pizza dough, spaghetti, rice, beans, soft drinks, and more. It’s also true for the health food population who consume whole wheat breads and pastas.
We need carbohydrates from vegetables and fruits, and men need protein from meat, fish, and dairy, including the fat that usually accompanies animal protein. A little fat is essential for good health.
Exercise is also important for gaining and maintaining muscle mass. Dr. Sears advocates a progressive sprinting program he calls PACE, rather than the modern trend of long, slow “cardio.” He also advises performing calisthenic exercises and taking certain supplements such as creatine.
Several chapters address one of the major health concerns of an aging man: an enlarging prostate. Closely related to that is the maintenance of sexual capacity.
The following are chapters on inflammation that causes joint problems and preventing loss of brain function.
Dr. Sears isn’t afraid to take on the conventional medical establishment or the alternative health establishment. That makes it refreshing to read.
There is a lot of advice here, and certainly many men will not accept it. They know they should exercise more, but they don’t. Men who are willing to exercise need to figure out what type of exercise will help them the most, instead of wasting time and perhaps hurting their hearts by jogging long distances.
He recommends many different supplements, but he doesn’t pretend they are magic bullets. They must interact with a good diet (remove carbohydrates from grains, increase protein intake, healthy fruits and vegetables) and adequate exercise.
I follow a diet similar to what he recommends, started exercising and taking some of the supplements he suggests. I’m still not the stud I used to be, but I feel and look better (I’ve lost 28 pounds).
I have no doubt that men who follow your program will have a huge advantage over those who don’t for years to come.