The
prostate is a small walnut-sized gland that is located below the bladder and in
front of the rectum. It plays an important role in the male reproductive
system.
The prostate plays a major role in the male reproductive system. The most important function of the prostate is that it produces a fluid that gets mixed up with the sperm cells from the testicles and also fluids from other glands collectively forming the seminal fluid. The prostate muscles make sure that the semen is forcibly pumped into the urethra and expelled out during ejaculation.
Apart from producing seminal
fluid, the prostate also produces prostate-specific antigen (PSA) a protein that helps keep semen in a liquid state,
making it easier for sperm to move and function effectively after ejaculation.
The secretions of prostate
gland contain substances with some antimicrobial properties that could help in protecting
the urinary tract from some infections. The prostate surrounds part of the
urethra and plays a role in urinary function. This is why the enlarged prostate
can affect the urine flow. The prostate provides fluid to semen and its muscles
contract during ejaculation and this helps in propelling semen through the
urethra.
Common prostate problems include acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, non-bacterial chronic prostatitis, and BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) also known as prostate enlargement.
Considering the various roles they play in our lives, it becomes very important for us to take good care of the prostate glands to avoid future problems. The following are the easy and proven tips for taking care of prostate glands effectively. Let’s dive into the subject right away.
1. Weight loss and exercise
Studies show that moderate or vigorous exercises as possible, reduce the risk of urinary symptoms and BPH and help with prostatitis too. Consistent regular exercise will have a positive effect on cardiovascular health, which will prevent sexual health problems such as erectile dysfunction. The exercises can include aerobic exercises such as walking, hiking, biking, and swimming for at least 30 minutes a day. Kegel exercises for men are much helpful in strengthening the pelvic muscles, which control the urine flow. Kegel exercises are considered to be the most effective methods of controlling incontinence and these could avoid the need for medication or surgery. To do Kegel for incontinence, men should squeeze their pelvic muscles as they do to hold the urine, hold the position for a few seconds, and then release.
People who are overweight, especially with high abdominal fat, are more prone to problems like prostatitis, BPH, and prostate cancer. Lifestyle changes towards reducing weight should be given due importance both for prostate health and overall health.
2. Prostate-friendly diet
Prostate health is closely linked to diet. A poor diet can lead to an imbalance in the levels of certain hormones, which can adversely affect prostate health. The prostate-friendly foods that can prevent cancer and slow down the growth of prostate cancerous cells include oily fish (high in omega-3 fatty acids), cruciferous vegetables, berries, broccoli, green tea, legumes, soya beans, sesame seeds, bell peppers, avocados, nuts, olives, Asian mushrooms, tomatoes, walnuts, pomegranate juice, etc. Thus, the best foods for prostate health should be low in sugar, low in processed foods, low in saturated fats, and high in fiber. Fish and plant-based sources of protein are the best for prostate health.
The foods that need to be
avoided are red and processed meat like pork, beef, lunch meats, hot dogs,
etc., high-fat dairies like whole milk, full-fat yogurts, full-fat butter, and
full-fat ice cream, etc., alcohol, sugary foods, and other processed foods.
Garlic contains some compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and some studies suggest that diets rich in garlic may help with overall health. Thus, it should not be mistaken that garlic can be considered as a treatment for prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
3. Reduce stress
Stress impacts prostate health. When under stress, some people unknowingly tighten their pelvic muscles. This tightening of muscles can cause some pelvic floor muscle problems and this can become one of the causes of chronic prostatitis. In people with BPH, stress can worsen the symptoms such as urinary urgency, urinary frequency, pain, etc. Living with a prostate problem itself can increase stress and anxiety, which can worsen the condition as stress impairs the ability of the immune system to fight against the illness.
Thus, it is important to manage the stress level, get relieved from tension, and take good care of emotional health. Some relaxing techniques that could help include meditation, deep breathing, activities like exercises, yoga, music, getting involved with favorite hobbies, etc.
Maintaining social relationships and having someone to talk to about the fears, frustrations, etc., becomes important, especially when dealing with prostate problems.
4. Tea
Either hibiscus or green, both teas are good for prostate health as they both contain antioxidants. Green tea is helpful in BPH and prostatitis. Some research suggests that compounds in green tea may support prostate health and may influence biological pathways involved in prostate cancer development. However, caffeine-free sources of tea should be the choice as caffeine could adversely affect prostate health. Thus, cutting back on energy drinks, soda, and coffee would be a good choice for prostate health.
The best drink for the prostate is water, important for hydration, which is the essential requisite for urinary health, and drinking water should not be neglected or ignored fearing increased urine flow.
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important role in overall health, and some studies suggest that it may help support prostate health by influencing normal cell growth and function. An amount of 600 IU/day for people below 70 years of age and 800 IU/day for people above 70 years of age is the recommended dosage of vitamin D.
Moreover, getting
regular sunlight exposure helps our body to produce vitamin D naturally, could
support prostate health and may contribute to healthy functioning of the heart,
kidneys, pancreas, and overall well-being.
6. Avoid tobacco and alcohol
Smokers are at an increased risk of prostate cancer that could be fatal, due to the circulating hormone levels. The risk will get considerably low once smoking is stopped. Studies suggest that nicotine and other non-combustion-related components of tobacco play a major role in the progression of prostate cancer. In smokers, there is twice the risk of kidney stone formation than others. The bladder gets irritated by smoking and this causes frequent urination. Considering all the ill effects, and in the best interest of not only prostate health but also the overall health, smoking should be stopped.
Excessive alcohol intake interferes with the ability of the prostate muscles to relax, irritates the bladder, and worsens the symptoms of BPH or enlarged prostate. With an obstructed urinary tract, alcohol can cause a complete blockage. Some studies also suggest that alcohol does not worsen the symptoms of enlarged prostate. As such, there is limited research at our disposal on the effects of alcohol on prostatitis.
7. Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men worldwide. Prostate cancer begins in the prostate gland cells and sometimes starts without symptoms.
The warning signs include frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream, blood in urine, blood in semen, and pelvic discomfort.
The two main tests for screening for prostate cancer are DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) and PSA (prostate-specific antigen). Though these tests may not be confirmatory the tests can indicate if further steps are needed, as various other factors may influence the results.
Treatment modalities for prostate cancer differ depending on the stage of cancer. They include surgery, chemotherapy, non-invasive radiation therapy, radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), etc.
Prostate cancer can be cured if detected early. Most prostate cancer cases are detected in their early stages, allowing the tumors to respond well to the treatment.
Prostate cancer has one
of the highest survival rates among common cancers when detected early, thanks
to advances in screening, diagnosis, and treatment options that have
significantly improved patient outcomes.
Most prostate
cancers are diagnosed before they have spread to distant parts of the body, and
when detected at an early stage, treatment is often highly effective, resulting
in excellent long-term survival rates for many patients.
8. Get regular prostate check-ups
As per general guidelines, men after attaining the age of 55 should get a regular checkup for prostate problems at least once every two years. Taking into consideration the necessary parameters, the doctor would assess the risk factors for prostate problems by looking for early signs of the disease and would recommend the necessary plan of action. Thus, regular checks are important to detect any future problems and to avoid complications.
However, in 2018, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended that for people in the age group of 55–69 years, it should be the individual's decision whether to undergo screening for prostate or not. This is recommended because screening could sometimes lead to false-positive results, and this could result in unnecessary biopsies. Sometimes, these results could also lead to overtreatment of low-risk diseases.
9. Get educated on prostate
Knowledge about the prostate gland, its functions, its importance in human life, its capabilities and limitations, etc., becomes quite important given the psychological changes the people with prostate problems undergo once they come to know about their status. Some of the changes include anxiety, depression, guilt, remorse, fear, etc., which are all related to either diagnosis or treatment of their conditions. Issues like impotence, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and other sexual issues make the matters worse. Proper education on prostate health does help a lot.
10. Positive attitude towards life with prostate problems
Having a positive attitude towards life when one needs to live with a prostate problem becomes inevitable. The exchange of social support and information is the key tool. Exchange of information with emotional support increases the patient's knowledge about the problems, helps manage the side effects effectively, helps in preventing future complications, and helps in coping with the problems. A positive attitude can also be developed by way of counseling, through lectures, written materials, videos, audios, etc., and group discussions on successful coping behaviors by group members. Such information sharing among members is valued and cared for, and provides good moral and emotional support.
Conclusion
Though the problems seem to be tough to cope with, the prostate problems have become easy to deal with, thanks to the advancement in medical science. It is in the best interest to take care of prostate health in the first place, as prevention is always better than cure.
The above-mentioned simple tips
on lifestyle modifications can help a lot in the process of achieving better
prostate health. However, you can experiment with one method at a time
and slowly keep adding more methods as you continue to progress on your journey
towards better prostate health.
Though the results may
vary from person to person, These lifestyle changes can contribute to a better
prostate health and overall well-being when practiced consistently.
We wish you all the very best in your journey towards better prostate health.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding diagnosis, treatment, or management plans.
