Lifestyle Changes for Maintaining a Healthy Prostate

The walnut-like tiny prostate gland is an indispensable part of the reproductive system in men. Since it is physically present right above the urethra, any issue with the prostate can mean there is some problem with the urinary system too. This gland mostly continues to work without any hiccups for the most part, but its function can get reduced as you age. Ageing itself can cause the prostate gland to become enlarged- called benign prostatic hyperplasia. Most men don’t bother about the prostate unless there is some problem and we are here to tell you that since it is a vital gland, the laissez-faire attitude won’t cut it. You need to get more proactive about taking care of your reproductive health, starting with the prostate from now on.

Healthy Habits For Optimal Prostate Function

The prostate is mainly responsible for producing the white, thick, sugar-rich fluid commonly called semen, in which the sperm swim in and try to reach their egg-y destination. So, it is a form of sustenance for the highly energetic sperm cells. In India, many studies have shown that over 90% of older men suffer from some kind of prostate related issue- mostly hyperplasia. Most of them get affected even before they turn 60 and once they do, there is almost a 92% chance that they will continue to have related problems when they turn 85 years of age. Preventive healthcare is the best way to remove major risk causing factors. This means that your diet, your lifestyle, availability of nutrients, your general health and getting screened annually once you are above 40-45 years of age – are all crucial factors that need regular assessment and are highly dependent on you.

How To Improve Prostate Health Through Diet

You should aim to get plenty of fresh produce- like fruits and vegetables which are rich in nutrients and antioxidants which can prevent any kind of inflammation in the body. Curiously though, Vitamin E supplements are NOT recommended for men. We don’t know how they are related but studies show that men who take Vitamin E supplements are at a higher risk of suffering from prostate cancer. Some commonly found staples in our Indian kitchens that are excellent superfoods include sesame seeds, nuts, tofu, tempeh, fruits and greens, berries etc. Zinc is an essential mineral that the prostate needs and it is abundantly found in sesame seeds. Deficiency of Vitamin D is also a common issue associated with prostate-related conditions.

Lifestyle Changes To Prevent Prostate Problems

Making changes to your routine that you can sustainably stick to are the best ways to ensure that you can prevent prostate problems. You should focus your efforts in the following areas- 

• You should try to exercise and manage your weight. Prostate function reduces when you are obese or overweight as the gland itself is larger in size in larger men.
• Eating the right kind of fresh fruits and vegetables and paying attention to your diet is a great place to start at.
• You should try to avoid eating highly processed foods and red meat very often.
• If you have a familial history of prostate issues, then you should take early screening seriously. 
• You should drink enough water to support all bodily functions, including that of the prostate. 
• Stressing endlessly about work or commitments can be bad in the long run and so you should try to destress regularly. Too much stress means high levels of cortisol= higher  inflammation=higher probability of disease. 
• You should stop drinking and smoking- substance abuse can affect the prostate in a bad way. Inhaling smoke, even second hand can damage the prostate and body.

Conclusion

Many of the tips we have given you can be thought of as general tips for good health and not just to have better prostate health. If you don’t take care of your prostate, it can grow much larger and press on the urethra, causing you to have the urge to pee very frequently. Prostate cancer is another problem that most men face, after other more common types of cancers. Symptoms may resemble urinary tract issues, so you may go to a urologist first for help. Preventive screening normally checks for the presence of certain prostate related molecules in blood. A biopsy or a rectal exam may also be done if needed. Whatever the symptoms, know that your condition can be managed with the right kind of help and treatment.