BayouHealth | For the Man Who Keeps Everything Running

Supporting the Health of the Fathers in Our Lives

BY SHANNON DAHLUM, FDN-P 

When I think about my dad, I think about the quiet, dependable ways he always showed up for our family.

He wasn’t one to talk much about his feelings, but he never missed an oil change. He made sure our cars were running, things around the house were fixed, and taxes were filed (and that I knew how to do them, too). My mom was the one usually preparing meals, but Dad was typically in charge of the meat; seasoning and marinating it (with plenty of garlic), firing up the grill, and making sure it was done to perfection. He was a steady provider, always taking care of the practical things that kept life moving smoothly.

Looking back, I realize how much love lived in those acts of service. He showed his love through action, and his consistency created a sense of stability that I now recognize as one of the greatest gifts a parent can offer.

In my work as a Holistic Health Practitioner, I often focus on women’s health; partly because women are more likely to seek out holistic care, and partly because their sensitive hormonal systems cause them to be more susceptible to the harmful effects of chronic stress. But this month, with Father’s Day approaching, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge and support the men in our lives- the fathers, husbands, brothers, and partners who may not always voice their needs but whose health matters deeply.

The Hidden Health Crisis for Men
While men may seem strong and resilient on the outside, the statistics tell a different story.

• Men, on average, die five years earlier than women.

• They are more likely to develop chronic conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, and type 2 diabetes.

• Men are less likely to visit the doctor, often waiting until symptoms are severe before seeking help.

• Male suicide rates are significantly higher than female, especially in middle-aged men.

And yet, culturally, we don’t often give men permission, or space, to take care of themselves in a deep and consistent way.

While I think a big shift is happening and younger generations are being given more permission to show vulnerability, many men today were raised to “tough it out.” They were shown there was strength in prioritizing work over wellness, and to see vulnerability as weakness. They may not feel comfortable expressing stress, fear, or exhaustion. But unaddressed emotional strain doesn’t disappear; it often shows up in the body as tension, burnout, inflammation, or disease.

So what can we do to help?

Whether you’re supporting a father, partner, or male friend, here are some common men’s health risk areas—and how we can help them build resilience and stay well.

Heart Disease & Metabolic Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the U.S. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and poor blood sugar control are key contributors, but often go unnoticed until they become serious.

How to support him:
• Encourage regular movement—not just exercise, but activities he enjoys like biking, walking, hiking, or even yard work.

• Support balanced meals with quality protein, fiber-rich carbs (like potatoes or squash), and healthy fats. Avoid excess processed sugar and inflammatory seed oils.

• Try to reserve alcohol for special occasions. Regular beer or cocktails can quietly add to liver strain and visceral fat, both risk factors for metabolic disease.

• Suggest routine checkups, even if he “feels fine.” Preventive labs (lipid panel, fasting glucose, A1C, CRP) can catch issues early.

Low Testosterone & Hormonal Decline
Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, but stress, nutrient depletion, poor sleep, and environmental toxins (like plastics and pesticides) can make that drop come earlier or harder. Symptoms can include fatigue, depression, weight gain, low libido, and brain fog, but many men don’t realize what’s going on hormonally.

How to support him:
• Nutrients like zinc, vitamin D, and magnesium support testosterone production. Include foods like oysters, eggs, leafy greens, and grass-fed beef.

• Prioritize quality sleep. Testosterone production peaks during deep sleep, so support a calming evening wind-down routine.

• Avoid endocrine – disrupting chemicals by switching to safer skincare, ditching plastic water bottles, and choosing organic when possible.

• Strength training (even just bodyweight exercises) can naturally help boost testosterone levels.

Stress, Depression & Emotional Health
Because many men today have learned not to express emotions, they may internalize stress or push through burnout without addressing it. This can lead to high cortisol levels, mood issues, substance dependence, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts.

How to support him:
• Create space for real conversations. Ask how he’s really doing; not just about work or logistics, but emotionally. Let him know it’s safe to open up.

• Encourage healthy outlets for stress like nature time, solo hobbies, workouts, or even therapy or coaching if he’s open to it.

• Reduce stimulants and screen time, especially in the evening. Over-reliance on caffeine or blue light exposure can further tax the nervous system. Try to incorporate board or card games as a family, or reading instead.

Digestive & Liver Health
Poor digestion, fatty liver, and gut issues often go unaddressed in men, especially if they’re not talking about bloating, irregularity, or reflux. Over time, liver overload and gut imbalances can affect energy, hormone balance, and even mental health.

How to support him:
• Bitter foods and herbs (like arugula, dandelion greens, or digestive bitters) support liver and bile flow.

• This is another good reason to back on alcohol as well as and processed meats, both of which can tax the liver and gut.

• Add fermented foods like sauerkraut, yogurt, or kefir for gut diversity.

• Encourage hydration with mineral-rich drinks like coconut water and lemon water, especially if he’s running on coffee and/ or sodas.

Also keep in mind that recognition goes a long way. I can’t remember where I heard this, but women typically desire safety while men desire appreciation. I don’t know if this holds true across the board, but as far as the people in my life go, I’ve seen this to be the case. The guys who silently yet steadily show up to provide for their families and friends feel most valued when their efforts are seen and appreciated, even though they may not ask for recognition.

The men in our lives may not always say they need support, but they deserve it just the same. Taking care of their health doesn’t need to feel like nagging; it can be a partnership, a shared goal, and even an act of love.

Sometimes it starts with a simple, genuine “thank you.”

Thank you for staying up late to fix the sink.

Thank you for showing up every day, even when it’s hard.

Thank you for being a safe place, even when you carry so much.

This Father’s Day, let’s celebrate the men we love not just with tools or barbecue sauce—but with deep care for their well-being. Let’s give back to the ones who hold so much, by holding space for their health- body, mind, and spirit.