12 Secrets of Manhood by Al Sears, MD
The modern world and its lifestyle are waging a silent war against the masculinity of the modern man. The Introduction describes the problem. Men in the developed world have decreasing sperm counts. Erectile dysfunction rates are generating billions of dollars in pharmaceutical companies. The prostates grow while the libido is reduced. According to Dr. Sears, 10% of his male patients have more estrogen than testosterone.
The first chapter, appropriately, addresses the topic of testosterone. Although we are often unfairly blamed for violence by men, it is what keeps us healthy and strong. Decreased testosterone levels cause “grumpy 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, then we are no longer manly men.
That is when we start to suffer from many physical and emotional health problems. Lack of sex drive is one of them, but so is obesity and chronic fatigue. We should have ten times more testosterone than estrogen.
As you do throughout this book, after describing a problem and its causes and effects, review the solutions. Recommend various supplements and activities.
Some of them 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 increase testosterone levels, as is often claimed.
However, DIM and its precursor Indole-3-Carbinol help break down estrogen.
He continues 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, soda, etc. It is also true for the healthy food population that consumes whole grain breads and pastas.
We need carbohydrates from vegetables and fruits, and men need protein from meat, fish, and dairy products, including the fat that usually accompanies animal protein. Some fat is essential for good health.
Exercise is also important for gaining and maintaining muscle mass. Dr. Sears advocates a progressive speed program he calls PACE, rather than the modern trend for long, slow “cardio.” In addition, he advises doing calisthenics and taking certain supplements such as creatine.
Several chapters address one of the major health concerns of an aging man: a growing prostate. Closely connected with that is the maintenance of sexual ability.
Below are chapters on inflammation that causes joint problems and prevents loss of brain function.
Dr. Sears is not 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 appreciate it. They know they should exercise more, but they don’t. Men who are willing to exercise need to find out what type of exercise will help them the most, rather than wasting time and perhaps hurting their hearts by jogging long distances.
He recommends various supplements, but does not claim that they are magic bullets. They need to interact with a good diet (cut carbohydrates from grains, increase protein intake and healthy fruits and vegetables) and exercise appropriately.
I follow a diet similar to the one he recommends, I 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 the men who follow her program will have a huge advantage over those who do not in the years to come.
