As men age, it’s not uncommon for the prostate to enlarge, leading to a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although the condition isn’t cancerous itself, it can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms that make daily life difficult.
The good news? There’s a lot you can do to support prostate health throughout your life, potentially reducing the risk of BPH and other prostate concerns.
With a growing focus on men’s health, the search for natural solutions to prostate discomfort has seen a rise in the popularity of supplements. Supplements like Prostate911 are targeted products that aim to offer relief from symptoms associated with BPH. When combined with a better lifestyle than the one you currently have, supplements can work wonders for your prostate health.
A recent study by The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer predicts a significant rise in prostate cancer cases. The report estimates nearly double the number of diagnoses by 2040, jumping from 1.4 million cases in 2020 to 2.9 million annually. This alarming trend highlights prostate cancer as a leading concern for men’s health globally. Already the most common cancer in men across 112 countries, prostate cancer also accounts for roughly 15% of new cancer diagnoses in the United States.
We need to start looking at health with a holistic approach. One that combines a balanced diet, exercise, and healthy habits. Let’s talk about how you can empower your prostate to stay healthy.
Dietary Choices for a Thriving Prostate
While prostate cancer rates show a decline, a different story emerges for BPH. Statistics from the American Cancer Society suggest BPH is significantly more common, affecting roughly 6 out of 10 men over 65, compared to 1 in 8 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Here are our easy-to-apply diet recommendations:
● Go Mediterranean
Fill your plate with the goodness of the Mediterranean diet — fruits, vegetables, oils, and nuts. This is a heart-healthy approach to food. The abundance of antioxidants and other helpful compounds in these foods could potentially reduce inflammation and cell damage in the prostate gland.
● Cruciferous Champions
Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables are your friends. Studies suggest these vegetables contain sulforaphane, a compound that might have a role in prostate health. Aim to incorporate these cruciferous superstars into your meals a few times a week.
● Limit Red Meat and Processed Meats
While occasional indulgence is okay, focus on chicken and fish, which are lean proteins. Moderation is key. While red meat and processed meats can be part of a balanced diet, indulging too often might be linked to a higher risk of prostate problems.
Exercise: Your Body’s Ally for Prostate Wellness
Keep moving! The goal should be a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise. We know the benefits all too well — a healthy weight, reduction in body inflammation, and improved overall well-being. All these things can then benefit your prostate.
Strength training matters too. Include strength training exercises that target your core and lower body muscles. This can improve urinary function and potentially reduce BPH symptoms.
Our tip: do activities that you enjoy. It’s easier to stick to an exercise if you’re having fun with it. Do you enjoy long, brisk walks? Do it. Cycling is your thing? Go for it. You enjoy swimming. Swim! It boils down to choosing activities that you find fun.
Habits For A Healthy And Happy Prostate:
● Manage Stress
Stress creeps up in the form of illnesses and diseases. Your prostate health gets impacted too. Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help manage stress and potentially improve urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
● Keep The Pounds In Check
Maintaining a healthy weight or shedding extra pounds can significantly benefit your prostate health. Obesity is a risk factor for most health conditions that plague us today, including BPH and prostate cancer.
● Don’t Smoke
Smoking is linked to various health problems, including prostate cancer. The simple message here is loud and clear — quit smoking. This would be one of the best things for your overall health and your prostate.
● Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps dilute urine and may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, which can be more common in men with BPH.
● Health supplements
Talk to your doctor to understand what vitamins and minerals you could start taking as supplements. As per PhytAge Laboratories, prostate health supplements can do a lot to improve prostate health, specifically for related problems like the Frequent urge to urinate, Painful ejaculation, Dribbling of urine, etc.
Regular Checkups: Your Partner in Prostate Health
Don’t wait for symptoms to arise before talking to your doctor. Try to plan regular checkups, especially as you age. During these checkups, discuss any concerns you have, and your doctor can recommend screening tests like a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, if appropriate for you.
On the other hand, combining a PSA test with an MRI scan of the prostate would make screening more accurate, especially if the dual test was recommended only for those at high risk of the tumor. A group of experts called the Lancet Commission on Prostate Cancer has made this recommendation in a new report.
FAQs
How Often Should The Prostate Be Checked?
This answer varies depending on age, family history, and overall health. Generally, men over 40 should discuss prostate screening with their doctor. Factors like African American ethnicity or a strong family history of prostate cancer might warrant earlier conversations.
What Is A Routine Prostate Exam?
A typical prostate exam involves two parts: a digital rectal exam (DRE) where the doctor feels the prostate for abnormalities through the rectum, and a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Discuss the test with your doctor to know what’s best for you.
What Does The Prostate Gland Do?
This gland lies beneath the bladder. It produces seminal fluid, a nourishing and protective milky liquid for sperm during ejaculation. Essentially, it is a multi-tasking organ, creating a supportive environment for sperm and aiding in their delivery.
In conclusion, prioritizing your prostate health is taking control of your well-being. By adopting these dietary changes, exercise routines, and healthy habits, you can give your prostate a significant boost. Remember, a healthy prostate translates to a better quality of life for you. So, fuel your body with the right nutrients, move your body regularly, and prioritize healthy habits. This proactive approach, along with regular consultations with your doctor, will empower you to keep your prostate healthy throughout your life.
