Every person is in charge of maintaining their own good health. Following a balanced diet, having adequate amounts of exercise, and letting go of unhealthy habits are necessary to help ensure a long and happy life.
While lifestyle choices may be the catalyst for diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, certain conditions are of higher risk to people as they get older. For this reason, staying health conscious is a must.
The Role of the Prostate Gland
For males, one organ with a higher risk of developing a condition over time would be the prostate. Located below the bladder and behind the rectum, this walnut-sized organ secretes alkaline fluids that provide lubrication and nourishment to the sperm. As a man gets older, cells in the prostate may function abnormally, causing various health issues.
Research shows that 1 out of 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is one of the most prevalent forms of the disease in American men and the fourth leading type of cancer in Filipino men. While there are treatment options for prostate cancer, there are many ways to prevent this. Here is a handy guide to help maintain a healthy prostate.
6 Natural Ways to Keep a Happy and Healthy Prostate
1. A prostate-healthy diet
The first step to attaining prostate wellness is to reassess food intake. Following a balanced diet makes it easier to maintain a normal weight, which also helps avoid several conditions through the years.
For starters, there should be leafy greens, berries, and fish included in the diet. These contain vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that protect against free radicals and regulate inflammation. There should also be less intake of fatty foods and dairy. Some studies suggest that men who consume a lot of fat have the highest risk of contracting prostate cancer.
2. Staying active
Generally speaking, staying active promotes a healthy body overall while improving mood and cognition. Studiesshow that men who get regular physical activity have a lower risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. In the case of a packed schedule, something as simple as walking for 30 minutes every day can already make a huge difference.
3. Frequent ejaculation
Whether it happens during intercourse or through masturbation, several studies show that frequent ejaculation may have a positive effect on the prostate.
Men in their 40s who ejaculate 21 or more times in a month on average are 32% less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who only do it for seven. More research is required to support this claim, but this static indicates that sexual activity may play a massive role in keeping a healthy prostate.
4. Consume more green tea and coffee
Green tea is dubbed by many as one of the healthiest drinks in the world. Since the beverage is loaded with antioxidants called catechins, having a few cups a day is a great way to cleanse the body. A 2008 study shows that men who consume green tea extracts are less likely to develop prostate cancer.
Coffee can also do wonders for one’s health. Studies show that drinking two (2) to four (4) cups of coffee daily can lower the risk of contracting prostate cancer. But while this benefit may sound like a dream for coffee lovers, it is crucial to practice restraint, especially for those with cardiovascular conditions. Keep in mind that excessive caffeine consumption can be harmful.
5. Manage mental health
Stress is a precursor to many different illnesses, including prostate cancer. Men who have difficulty dealing with pressure and anxiety produce hormones that encourage prostate growth over time.
With that said, prioritizing mental health will help avoid prostate-related diseases. When handling stressful situations, getting in touch with loved ones can make a huge difference to one’s mental and physical health.
6. Let go of smoking
Following the previous point, some men treat smoking as a common coping mechanism. While a cigarette or two may help calm one’s nerves after a stressful day, doing so is still highly detrimental to their health. Besides damaging the respiratory system, medical research has found that smokers have an 80% increased risk of dying from prostate cancer.
Instead of lighting a stick, healthier practices such as journaling and meditation will help manage both physical and mental well-being.
7. Get regular prostate checkups
Men who go to regular checkups help foster excellent prostate health. An annual prostate exam for men aged 50 and older and younger men who have family history is crucial. The checkup involves a digital rectal exam (DRE) where a doctor’s gloved finger is inserted into the rectum and physically feels around the prostate for any abnormality.
Another part of the exam is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to check for high levels of PSA, which is an indication of prostate infection or cancer.
Keep Your Prostate Healthy
As with all diseases, prevention is better than undergoing treatment for prostate cancer or any other related condition. Now that you are aware of how common prostate issues are, keeping a proactive approach to your health is an absolute must. Following these tips will help prevent prostate diseases, enabling you to live comfortably for many years.
If you are starting to experience any discomfort or symptoms in the general groin area, do not hesitate to seek help. Reach out to Makati Medical Center for proper diagnosis and urinary incontinence treatment related to renal and prostate conditions.