Smart ways to improve prostate health
It’s not unusual for many men, particularly those under 50, to rarely think much about their prostate gland. Yet, when this obscure gland does have problems, it’s often occurring in men past fifty, noticing something is wrong. Unfortunately, these problems have likely been developing for years. That’s why men, who proactively make intelligent lifestyle decisions when young, can help protect and improve prostate health from conditions that eventually get a man’s attention.
The prostate gland has three main issues men face: prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer. Even though each of these conditions affecting the prostate gland is unique, all three share some commonalities regarding specific symptoms – burning sensation when urinating, an urgent need to urinate, and difficulty with starting a urine flow.
To reduce the chance of developing any of the above three scenarios of prostate gland malfunctioning, a man does have some ways he can rely on to improve his prostate health. The earlier in life a man can begin practicing these steps, the more likely he will avoid serious prostate issues. Keep in mind there are risk factors that also affect the health of the prostate gland that are out of a man’s control, such as his age, family history, and ethnicity.
Here are the best things a man does have control over to care for his prostate:
Eat a variety of antioxidant-rich foods
We indeed are what we eat and when men make healthy food choices daily, the better for their prostate gland. Numerous studies clearly show a strong association between eating anti-oxidant-rich foods that promote prostate health – tomatoes, pomegranates, legumes, broccoli, green tea, fatty fish, all berries, and watermelon. Consuming these foods will nourish the prostate and will keep it functioning at its optimal best.
Vitamin C is another critical nutrient men should pay attention to. This nutrient is highest in bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, snow peas, cauliflower, kale, and tomatoes.
Zinc is a mineral not to overlook for men’s prostate health. Prostate cells have the highest zinc concentration than anywhere else in the body. So, choose zinc-rich foods, which include oysters, crab, baked beans, duck, lamb, and lean beef.
Men should aim for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, looking for produce with deep, bright colors indicating a high amount of antioxidants.
Maintain a healthy body weight
Everything in moderation has always been the mantra when it comes to eating. This statement is also true for men in terms of prostate health. Overeating will only lead to excessive weight gain, which is not good for the prostate. The excess weight a man carries means an excess production of hormones known to be risk factors for various cancers, including prostate cancer.
It cannot be stressed enough for men to reach and maintain healthy body weight, reduce belly fat and watch portion sizes of food eaten. Avoid eating more calories than you need, which can help avoid excess weight gain.
Get in an adequate amount of vitamin D
Studies have shown a correlation between men with prostate cancer having lower levels of vitamin D. In contrast, men with healthy levels of vitamin D have lower death rates from prostate cancer and less aggressive cancers.
Whether vitamin D supplements or more sun exposure help protect the prostate from cancer is unknown. Therefore, men should discuss with their physician whether to take a vitamin D supplement, get more sun exposure, or both.
Embrace exercise
Exercise us likely to have a positive impact on prostate health. Studies examining a correlation between regular exercise and the prostate have found that physically active men are less likely to suffer from BPH, prostatitis, and prostate cancer progression.
Men, who participated in low- to moderate-intensity physical activity, such as walking or bicycling regularly at a moderate pace, had good results in all three prostate conditions. A well-rounded exercise program that includes thirty minutes of physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week has better health benefits. All men should talk with their physician before beginning an exercise program to develop a routine based on their health and fitness level.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911. =