Ways to keep your Prostate Healthy

Prostate Health – Young men may overlook their prostate since it frequently causes health concerns in the early stages. However, as you reach middle age, things change. As men enter their 40’s, 50’s & 60’s, many develop symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, such as difficulty urinating. Others have discomfort and swelling due to prostate inflammation, and some men have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the risk of which increases with age. Through this article, you will learn everything about prostate health.

What exactly is a prostate?

The prostate gland is small (about the size of a walnut), but its position almost ensures trouble if something goes wrong. It is found right under the bladder & in front of the rectum. The prostate gland additionally wraps around the top portion of the urethra, which transports urine through the urinary tract. That is, prostate disorders can impair urine and sexual function.

Common prostate problems

The prostate, a walnut-sized gland located directly under the bladder, releases fluid to preserve sperm during ejaculation. Though men might suffer from a variety of prostate-related issues, some occur more commonly. This includes:

Prostatitis: It is an infection or inflammation.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): It is an age-related swelling of the prostate gland.
Prostate cancer: It is the formation of malignant cells inside the prostate that can spread to other regions of the body.

The most common risk factors for prostate issues are genetics and age. Even while you can’t change your genes or halt aging, there are several lifestyle practices that can help you have a healthy prostate, alleviate symptoms, and lessen your chance of developing the condition.

Here are several techniques to maintain your prostate healthy and prevent these diseases:

Exercise regularly: Physical exercise can assist to lessen the likelihood of your prostate growing bigger as you age.
Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining your weight under control reduces strain on your bladder and the chance of a prostate alteration.
Maintain a healthy diet: Consuming fruits, vegetables, and lean meats can significantly improve your prostate health.
Stop using tobacco products: Smoking and using tobacco products can increase your chance of developing prostate cancer, so quit soon.
Get frequent tests: Starting at age 50, regular screenings can help identify any abnormalities in the prostate. If you have a family history, you may need to begin sooner.

Eat well for prostate health

Your diet can have a huge impact on your overall health, including your prostate. According to ACS (American Cancer Society), prostate cancer is the most frequent disease among men, affecting one in every eight men in the United States. Though the specific impact of nutrition on prostate health is unknown, various hypotheses exist. Some scientists feel that the Western diet, which is heavy in fat and sugar, may lead to a rise in prostate cancer incidence.

Foods to Boost Prostate Health

Green tea
Fatty Fish
Walnuts
Multicolored fruits and vegetables
Tomatoes
Nuts (particularly Brazil nuts which are rich in selenium – two a day is plenty)
Broccoli
Fiber (covered by eating fruits and vegetables)
Ground flax seed (1 tablespoon a day)
Legumes and soybeans
Soy products (soy milk instead of cow’s milk)
Pomegranate juice

Foods to avoid

Excessive sugar
Excessive caffeine
Red meat and other sources of animal fat
Excessive dairy products
Food dyes
Processed foods

Maintain a healthy weight for optimum prostate health

Obesity does not appear to increase the risk of prostate cancer, but in certain studies, it has been linked to a higher chance of having advanced prostate cancer and dying from it. Obesity may also contribute to BPH. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine discovered links between genetic susceptibility to larger waist circumference, sedentary behavior, and visceral obesity with BPH. In general, maintaining a healthy weight appears to enhance prostate cancer and BPH results, as well as overall health.

Stop smoking to maintain prostate health.

Maintaining a healthy weight and stopping smoking can significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Smoking can aggravate urinary symptoms and impact prostatitis inflammation, but the link to prostate cancer is uncertain. Some research indicates that it is not a substantial risk factor for the illness.

Smoking, like many other disorders, can make treatment for prostate issues more difficult. For these reasons, as well as its well-known influence on general health, it is frequently suggested that men suffering from prostate difficulties stop smoking, or better yet, never start.

Consider sex or masturbation to improve prostate health

No, seriously. Though additional study is needed, several studies indicate that ejaculation frequency may be associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. For example, in two Harvard studies – one published in 2004 and a follow-up published in 2016, researchers examined the ejaculation frequency of nearly 30,000 adult men over time. They discovered that individuals who reported ejaculating more frequently had a lower risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer than those who ejaculated less often.

It is crucial to emphasize, however, that when it comes to the prostate, safe sex should always be the first focus. Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can induce prostatitis and other complications.

A Note from Kamarth

Managing prostate health is also important. Foods rich in key components may help maintain your prostate healthy and lower your chance of prostate cancer. However, researchers need to conduct many more studies to determine exactly how nutrition influences prostate health. Before making dietary changes, consult with your doctor, especially if you are undergoing prostate cancer treatment. This is because some meals can interfere with certain medications and therapies. Healthy weight, quitting smoking, and staying sexually active can also contribute to prostate health. You can also go for a regular check-up if you have any issues or doubts. At last, Little change in habit can go on a long in protecting your future.

Some additional doubts

Question: How do I know if my prostate is ok?
Answer: You might be requested to provide a urine specimen for testing. Your healthcare provider may also do a blood test to determine the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. PSA levels can be elevated in individuals who have an enlarged prostate gland or prostate cancer. You may also require an ultrasound exam, which produces computer images of the prostate.

Question: How can I make my prostate healthy?
Answer: You may include items like tomatoes, green tea, and seafood in your diet. Also, quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight.

Question: What causes prostate problems in men?
Answer: Prostate problems include prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and others. Every problem has a distinct cause. However, doctors do not know the actual etiology of some conditions.

Question: What is the key to prostate health?
Answer: Experts frequently advocate following a heart-healthy diet to help safeguard your prostate. This includes eating more veggies, whole grains, seafood, and healthy fats like avocados and nuts while reducing added sweets, saturated fats, and processed and red meats.

Question: How can I check my prostate at home?
Answer: The prostate is snuggled between the bladder & the rectum. This is not possible at home. A doctor will examine you as you lie on your side, knees up.

Reference Links
https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/docs/Men%E2%80%99s%20Health
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/198487
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5199180/
https://translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12967-022-03722-y
https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/docs/Prostate-Health.pdf
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/tips-for-keeping-a-healthy-prostate
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prostate-health
https://medlineplus.gov/prostatediseases.html
https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/understanding-prostate-changes
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prostate-health/prostate-problems
https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate

Ways to keep your Prostate Healthy – Common Problem, Eat well, Food to avoid

Table of Contents

What exactly is a prostate?

Common prostate problems