Male Age Group Teenage Years

These are the formative years of independent adulthood, when many attitudes and behaviour patterns are established, both physically and emotionally. The maintenance of good health is not merely the absence of poor health but a time when positive nutritional foundations need to be laid for future years; a time of growing dietary independence and a time of special nutritional needs. The choices made during this time of life profoundly influence an individual’s health profile for years to come. 

There are significant peer-group pressures with regard to weight, and skin condition, which can be directly related to dietary intake. During these years, we have more control over our weight than in subsequent years, and we need to be aware of those factors that directly contribute to even mild obesity. 

The skin is the largest organ of the human body. Dietary factors influence many common skin complaints. Surveys have shown that over 80% of people between the ages of 12 and 18 are affected in some way by acne, and this is more common among young men than young women. It is notable that this skin condition is far more prevalent amongst individuals consuming a western diet than amongst those who live on a more natural diet. 

Much has been written regarding the adverse health factors associated with fast foods. While these can be enjoyable, they do not usually enhance optimum health. It is good to consider fast foods as one would a bank account, in that it is fine to indulge when our immune system is sufficiently in credit. 

Some of the fats and other additives used in fast foods can contribute to skin eruptions. High consumption of milk beverages is associated with poor skin condition and even forms of dermatitis including eczema. 

Most commercial hair shampoos and other hair preparations contain chemicals that are not only associated with poor hair growth, but that can also contribute to skin allergies, and are known to have detrimental effects on the eyes. Ninety per cent of commercial shampoos contain undesirable chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulphate and propylene glycol, which is associated with skin allergies and dermatitis, and dry skin has also been related to some of the detergent additives. 

Many toothpastes and mouthwashes also contain chemicals that can contribute to poor skin and also allergies. 

Before you start, you may wish to consider our Detox Formula which will cleanse your body and aide your gut's ability to absorb the nutrients within the Age/Gender program. It will also help replenish the intestinal tract with healthy flora and enhance your overall health and wellbeing. 

Table of Beneficial Nutritional Supplements

This information is offered as an introduction to supplements, herbs, foods and substances known to help with young males up to the age of 18. This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and it is suggested that sound advice is taken by an appropriately qualified practitioner. 

SUPPLEMENT SUGGESTIONS

Dietary Recommendations
 
Positive Foods

Cereal grains whole brown rice, barley, rye, oats and oatmeal.
Vegetables cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, lettuce, cucumber, miso, soya bean tofu, beetroot, celery, parsnip, carrot, cucumber, turnip.
Fruits freshly squeezed & diluted lemon juice, apples, dried figs, apricots (dried), ripe bananas, avocado, raisins, dates, olives.
Legumes dried peas, soybeans, haricot beans, chick peas, butter beans, lentils, black beans, green peas.
Teas, Herbs & Spices sarsaparilla, ginger, parsley, basil, green tea, turmeric, camomile, peppermint.
Nuts & Seeds sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachio and pine nuts.
Fungi Reishi mushrooms.
Fish oily fish (except mackerel), tuna, haddock, anchovy, and prawns.
Dairy three to four modest portions of organic live yoghurt per week.
Meats organic chicken, lamb.

Negative Foods

Cereal grains refined cereals, refined flour products.
Vegetables excess garlic.
Fruits orange, orange juice, grapefruit & grapefruit juice.
Legumes soya milk.
Teas, Herbs & Spices
Nuts & Seeds old Brazil nuts and high intake of peanuts.
Fungi
Fish mackerel.
Poultry battery chicken, hens’ eggs.
Meats pork & pork products, reduce intake of proteins from red meat, salami.
Dairy cow’s milk, reducing dairy to a minimum, reduce non-organic cheese.
Fats hydrogenated fats, refined cooking oils, fennel oil, trans-fatty acids, low fat foods.
Food Additives tartrazine, artificial sweeteners, sulphates (preservative).
Beverages avoid excess caffeine & alcohol; avoid artificially sweetened drinks. See Additional Comments below.
Avoid low fat foods, refined carbohydrates, white sugar (sucrose), high additive processed foods, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, pickled foods.
Cooking methods fried foods, barbequed foods.

Additional Comment

• As part of a healthy lifestyle, it is well understood that smoking is deleterious to good health.
• Being aware of appropriate weight management is also well understood. 
• Less well discussed in relation to good health, however, is the importance of our feelings and emotions. Lack of self-esteem is so often associated with poor eating and lifestyle habits. All of us have positive aspects to our life, and focusing on these will improve our well-being. 
• It is important that attention is paid to the balance between acid-forming and alkali-forming foods. The optimum balance is around 60% alkali-forming and 40% acid-forming. (See Acid-Forming and Alkali-Forming Food Charts and Guidelines on this site). 
• Adopt a diet based on organic wholefoods, vegetables, fruits and grains.
• Raw foods such as salads and fruits should be about 20% of the daily food intake for optimum health benefits.
• There is benefit in eating in a specific order: fresh ’live’ foods first such as salads to prepare the digestive system. Next follow cooked vegetables, then proteins. Anything starchy should be last. Eating in this order ensures food enters the digestive system in order of digestion time. 
• Chew foods slowly and thoroughly, as this increases their nutritional benefits, particularly as we get older. 
• Research has shown that reducing intake of dairy products in later life is beneficial. 
• It is best to reduce red meat within the diet to occasional intake. As a general guide, the best meat sources are lamb, and with regard to poultry, properly-fed and organically-reared chicken. 
• White fish are generally the better option. Coastal fish such as mackerel are best reduced, as they tend to contain more of the undesirable toxic pollutants. 
• As the years progress it is sensible to reduce the total intake of refined sugars.
• Avoid dehydration - take plenty of fresh water. Good quality still mineral water from a glass container is the superior form; though a good tap filter is also satisfactory. 
  During exercise, the body loses up to 3 litres and it is good to remember that muscles are composed of 70% to 75% water.
  Adequate water intake is known to help reduce the feeling of tiredness and fatigue.
  Increased intake of water can help to reduce weight.
• Foods cooked in aluminium cookware reduce water’s ability to be used by the body.
• Avoid high intake of beverages containing caffeine, e.g. excess coffee, artificially sweetened fizzy (carbonated) and still drinks, and soft drinks high in sugars ending in ’-ose’ such as ’sucrose’, ’glucose’ and ’fructose’.
• Take alcohol only in moderation as it can aggravate negative symptoms. Good quality organic wines can contribute to good health, spirits, beers and lagers less so. Organic red or white wine can be taken, but no more than 1 glass a day is suggested. Spirits should be avoided for a period of at least four months after dietary reform, and beer kept to an absolute minimum. 
• Take exercise as much as possible out of doors in clean air. Prolonged exercise in air conditioning with artificial lighting should be no more than an hour at one time. 
  Isotonic exercise has been found beneficial in reducing muscle weakness. 
• Sunlight has a beneficial effect on the whole person, and is also known to alleviate the experience of fatigue that can also occur with extended periods of exposure to artificial lighting. 
  Wearing sunglasses can reduce energy levels, as they block out some beneficial rays that can actually enhance energy. Men should try to avoid pink tinted glasses.
• Try to obtain cosmetics that are not full of chemicals. There is a saying: "If you can’t eat the ingredient safely, then it may be best not to put it on your skin."
• Avoid shampoos and soaps containing Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.
• Antiperspirants are usually applied to help reduce body odour. However, these preparations contain aluminium, which actually gets absorbed into the body. This metal is known to produce many undesirable toxic side effects.

Additional Help & Support

A health review with a medical homeopath is also an additional positive health step. 
Try to obtain hair products that are not full of chemicals. 

It is not commonly talked about, but adequate water and hydration help regulate weight. 
An adequate intake of magnesium and selenium as in the Multi-Vitamin & Mineral formula can help remove some waste materials from the body that are known to contribute to poor mental function and skin problems.