Lifestyle Tips for a Healthy Prostate

Prostate condition is a common health issue among men. So, what is Prostate? It is a small gland the size of a walnut that is part of the male reproductive system that sits at the base of the penis.  It circles the urethra (the tube that urine comes from) just below the bladder. Its glandular tissue contributes fluid to the semen; muscles within the prostate help expel semen during ejaculation. This gland in men just happens to enlarge, rather than shrink, with age. This is

the cause of the urination issues that occur in half of all men by age 60 and in almost all men by age 80.

The common prostate conditions men suffer from are prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer.

Prostatitis is an inflamed condition of the prostate which occur in about 10% of men at least once in their lives. Prostate inflammation can be a bacterial infection or a noninfectious condition. Both cause pain with urination and ejaculation. Bacterial infection can also cause fever, chills, and muscle aches. Treatment for a bacterial infection is antibiotics, while the noninfectious treatment ranges from pain relievers to physical therapy.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or Prostatic enlargement is pretty much inevitable. For reasons still unclear, the prostate continues to grow bigger as a man gets older. For men over 50, prostate enlargement, or BPH, is a concern. About half of 50 to 60 year olds develop it; and if you’re above 80, the frequency is nearly 90 percent. It’s noncancerous, but annoying—causing painful urination and inability to fully empty the bladder. Medications can help reduce the prostate; sometimes surgery is needed. The urinary symptoms associated with it are treated with pills called alpha-blockers which essentially enlarge the urethral channel by relaxing the muscle fibers within it.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms, but this may include difficulty in urinating, and blood in the urine. However, if detected early the cure rate is extremely high. Attend to it before it disrupts the flow of your daily life. And that means taking great care of the body around it. In addition, the American Urological Association recommends screening for prostate cancer between the ages of 55 to 70 years. A yearly checkup is advised. This is usually a digital rectal exam in which the doctor estimates the size and texture of the prostate gland and blood testing for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels. Always discuss the need first with a doctor.

Lifestyle Adjustments for a Healthy Prostate

Although genetics play a role in the development of prostate cancer, and there is no absolute prostate cancer prevention, but there are few lifestyle changes you can adopt to keep your prostate healthy, and stay happy as you grow older;

• Eat fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants to protect your body from cancer causing oxidants. Tomatoes, watermelon, and other red foods owe their bright color to a powerful antioxidant called lycopene.  Pomegranate is another popular delicacy. Compounds in this fruit cause prostate cancer cells to die and also decrease the migration of the cells   Studies show that men who consume this fruit and tomato-based products have a lower risk of prostate cancer than those who don’t.

• Green vegetables contain compounds that help your body break down cancer-causing substances called carcinogens. Nutrients and vitamins contained in super fruits and vegetables may lower your risk of getting prostate cancer. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy and kale also are good choices.

• Soy and Green Tea may be especially good for the prostate. A nutrient called isoflavones has been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. Isoflavones are found in: soybeans, peanuts, chicpea, lentils, and alfalfa sprouts. Evidence have shown that men who drink green tea, or take green tea extract supplements, have a lower risk of prostate cancer than those who don’t.

• Eat more fish, a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3, may help reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer. Omega-3 is found in certain fish including sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout, and salmon.

• Limit your sugar intake. As obesity has been linked to prostate cancer, consider limiting sugar intake too.

• Replace animal fats with plant based fats whenever possible. Studies show a link between animal fat and increased risk of prostate cancer.

• Don’t smoke or stop smoking. Prostate cancer patients who smoke are more likely to have a recurrence of the disease. Smokers are also more likely to have an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

• Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight. Too much fat, especially in the middle of your body, is linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

• Talk to your doctor. Let your doctor know if you have a family history of prostate cancer.

• Get a PSA blood test and digital rectal exam annually, beginning at age 50. Men with a strong family history of prostate cancer should begin testing at age 45. 

As men reach a certain age, the health of their prostate becomes more important and a prostate support supplement may be beneficial to keep potential health problems to a minimum.

Natural foods such as Pomegranate, Broccoli, Saw Palmetto, Zinc & Lycopene have been shown to improve prostate health, but its often impractical to consume high amounts of these foods daily.

Supplementation in the form of a prostate support capsule is an easy way to support the health of your prostate.