6 Ways to Keep Your Prostate Healthy
According to the American Cancer Society, at least 190,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Don’t be discouraged, though. There are plenty of things you can do to avoid being a statistic and to keep your prostate healthy. Follow these tips and you’ll see plenty of benefits to your overall health as well.
- Lose the extra weight.
Weight loss has many benefits to your health, the positive effects to your prostate health being just one of them. According to Prostate.net, “Being overweight and storing excess body fat causes the body to release growth factors called adipokines. Some adipokines promote inflammation, which is important because chronic inflammation contributes to prostate disease and chronic prostatitis.”
- Exercise regularly.
According to Harvard Health, a well-rounded exercise program consisting of 30 minutes a day can do wonders for your health. In fact, there are specific exercises you can do to specifically help your prostate health.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Many fruits such as watermelon and grapefruit contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant with many health benefits. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, also known as cruciferous vegetables, are also very beneficial.
- Clue your doctor in on family health history
If your father or a brother has had prostate cancer then your risk of developing the disease is more than doubled. Tell your doctor if you have a family history of prostate cancer. This will allow him to test you early and often to stay ahead of potential problems.
- Do not smoke.
Although it’s a known fact that cigarette smoke is directly linked to many forms of cancer, it has an especially negative effect on the prostate. If you are a smoker, or used to be, tell your doctor right away and get tested for prostate cancer, or other prostate disorders.
- Check ups.
Beginning at age 50, and every year after, you should get a PSA blood test and digital rectal exam. If you are high risk, you should start getting tested even earlier, at age 45. This includes high risk African American men, or men with a strong family history of prostate cancer.
Prostate health, although not a popular topic, is crucial to living life on your terms. Like any physical health risk, the best way to stay ahead is to keep your overall health in great shape. The easiest way to prevent prostate problems, and most problems for that matter, is to simply take care of your body. Feed it the right nutrients and exercise it regularly. The older you get, the more necessary these things are. Talk to your doctor about more ways to keep your prostate healthy.
As always, talk with your doctor before making changes like weight loss, diet, and exercise.
