GI Health by Gender Part II: Men

In honor of Men’s Health Month every June, the Digestive Health Center in Reno, NV examines how to manage mens’ GI health.

The Male Digestive System

A man’s digestive system is less complex and only has to share the abdominal cavity with his prostate and bladder. Monthly hormonal fluctuations and pregnancy changes aren’t an issue for men, either.

While fewer men suffer from IBS, the incidence of colon cancer is slightly higher among men (4.7% vs. 4.4% in women). The difference may be because of the protective effect of estrogen against certain cancers observed in some landmark women’s studies. Men are often diagnosed with polyps at a younger age, too, so it’s important to avoid delaying that first-time screening colonoscopy beyond age 45.

Men are more frequently diagnosed with GERD-related diseases, yet less likely to report symptoms than women, which may be why men’s conditions often progress to more serious diseases like esophageal cancer. The message is: don’t ignore symptoms, seek advice, to ensure early diagnosis and treatment or prevention.

A Gut-Healthy Diet

Regardless of gender, a gut-healthy diet is the same.

What You Should Eat:

• A variety of raw and cooked vegetables, and fresh fruits
• Fiber-rich whole grains
• Lean animal proteins and/or plant-based proteins

What You Should Avoid:

• Sugars
• Excess saturated fats
• Low-nutrient starchy foods
• Artificial ingredients

The Male Diet:

Due to higher testosterone, men are more prone to abdominal weight gain, increasing their risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Men should avoid a high intake of fatty animal proteins.

Getting the Best GI Healthcare

You deserve the best GI care. You will meet Reno’s leading board-certified gastroenterologists and a medical team that specializes in gastrointestinal health at the Digestive Health Center in Reno, Nevada. Get top-level, expert care that fits your budget, and enjoy the comfort and convenience of safety-certified facilities, accessible parking, and curbside patient drop-off and pick-up.  Men who are concerned about their digestinal distress are encourages to schedule an appointment with one of our esteemed GI doctors local to Reno, including Dr. Erik De Johnge, Dr. Sam Nourani or Dr. Michael Gilles.