Prostate issues are some of the most feared issues as men age. They range from benign conditions such as enlarged prostate to severe illnesses such as prostate cancer. The best way to fight against them is by living a healthy lifestyle.
You may already be showing signs of such issues. Even in that case, there are things you could do to ease your symptoms and prevent it from worsening. Here are four fields you could work on to better your health and diminish your symptoms.
Nutrition
Your diet is crucial for your prostate health. To improve it, you should eat a healthy, plant-based diet rich in prostate-friendly foods. The best examples are the Mediterranean and Asian diets. Both are rich in plant-based foods, fish, and low in sugar and saturated fats.
Whichever you pursue, though, try to avoid processed foods present in the traditional Western diet. Also, replace the salt in your dishes with other herbs and spices. Cut down on processed carbs and sugar; try to opt for whole grains and healthier options.
Exercise
Staying physically active is another essential factor when it comes to your prostate. First of all, exercise does wonders for your overall health. Moreover, it helps you lose weight, which can also target some conditions. The reason behind this is that excess weight can put pressure on your bladder.
If you’re overweight, losing fat can reduce the risk of developing urinary tract symptoms. Even if you’re not, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days to safeguard against the symptoms.
Supplements
Your prostate needs many nutrients and vitamins. As you age, that demand rises, and sometimes, it can be challenging to get everything from the food you eat.
To help your body, you could take green tea leaf extract, zinc citrate, and vitamin D3. These supplements are excellent for general health, which includes your prostate.
However, there are also supplements, such as Prostagenix, that aim directly at bettering your prostate health. You should always consult with your doctor before you start taking any medication.
Screening
Regular visits to the doctor grow in importance with age. As a man, you should also get yourself screened for prostate cancer. When you start with this practice depends on your risk group. Men at high risk should begin as early as 40, while those at average risk can wait until they’re 55.
Higher-risk group includes:
- African-Americans,
- People of Scandinavian origin,
- anyone with a family history of this type of cancer.
These screenings include a digital rectal exam and a blood test specific for prostate antigens (known as PSA blood test). Talk to your doctor about whether you should begin your screenings, and follow up on them regularly afterward.
The Bottom Line
All these pieces of advice are affordable, not time-consuming, and you can start following them today. Prostate issues are a reality, but with a healthy lifestyle, they’re far from inevitable. Take control of the risk factors and enjoy a more comfortable life from now on.