A prostate is unusual in that it is a male-only organ, yet it is an essential one. This walnut-sized organ, located behind the bladder and below the rectum, secretes an alkaline lubricate that feeds sperm. As a man ages, the cells in his prostate may begin to operate improperly, resulting in various health problems. However, if you follow our six tips to keep your prostate healthy, you can be proactive and prevent complications.
Studies show that 12.5 percent of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in American men. For this reason, every man must know how to take care of his health, especially as he gets older. With that said, there are things that you can do right now to prevent issues later in life.
1. Physical activity
Staying active supports a healthy physique while also enhancing mood and cognition. Men who engage in regular physical exercise have decreased risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Make it a habit to perform activities that cause you to break a sweat. Obesity is one of the most significant risk factors for BPH and prostate cancer, and it may be reduced with more activity and a healthier diet.
If you are not doing something already, it is time to start working out. You do not have to be rigorous. A walk around the block every day could be enough if you have been living a sedentary life thus far.
2. Stop unhealthy habits
If you want to keep your prostate healthy, you must eliminate all the unhealthy habits in your life. Unhealthy habits include binge eating, smoking, or drinking, among other things. We understand that some unhealthy habits are a form of a coping mechanism and can help in their own way. However, for example, smoking is still highly harmful to your health. Aside from causing respiratory problems, smoking has been linked to an 80% increase in the risk of developing prostate cancer, according to a few studies.
Getting rid of bad habits is one of the most challenging things for people to do because the harm they cause is not immediate. It could be years before you notice the harmful effects of smoking or a poor diet. However, if you want to live longer, we recommend that you stop smoking right now.
3. Have a healthy diet
Similarly, the less processed and calorie-dense food you eat, the healthier you will be. The one major issue with dieting today is that there are so many different diets available that people may find it challenging to choose one. People switch from diet to diet as soon as they notice they aren’t losing weight.
Another issue that prevents people from sticking to a diet is a lack of knowledge about how to properly track what they eat. No matter which diet you choose, having a meal plan will help you a great deal. With that said, the diet we would recommend to most people is the paleo diet. It contains all the foods that can be helpful for weight loss or lowering insulin resistance and blood pressure. Most people struggle to stick to a diet because it is too restrictive. The paleo diet will provide you with everything you require while keeping you healthy and full.
4. Get regular prostate check-ups
Most people don’t even consider having their prostate checked before turning fifty. Only when they start having trouble peeing, do people schedule a visit to the doctor’s office. Regular prostate exams for men contribute to good prostate health. A yearly prostate check is recommended for males over the age of 50, as well as younger individuals with a family history of prostate cancer.
The examination consists of a digital rectal exam, abbreviated as DRE. During the examination, a doctor will use his finger to feel any abnormalities on the prostate itself. The procedure may be unpleasant, but it is necessary to make sure your prostate stays healthy.
5. Mental health
Stress has been linked to several diseases, including prostate cancer, in recent years. Men who suffer from stress and worry release chemicals into their bodies, leading to prostate enlargement and other health problems. Having said that, taking care of your mental health is one of the most effective ways to prevent stress from occurring.
- Incorporating measures to maintain your mental health into your daily routine can help to create the most favorable environment for the prevention of prostate-related disorders.
- Keeping in touch with family and friends can have a significant impact on one’s emotional and physical well-being.
- Getting in touch with a mental health professional on a regular basis is also a wise decision.
6. Sexual activity
Whether during an intimate relationship or masturbation, numerous studies have shown that frequent ejaculation is beneficial to the prostate gland. According to research, men in their 40s who ejaculate 21 or more times per month have a 32% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than men in their 40s who ejaculate only seven times per month.
More peer-reviewed studies are needed to back up this assertion, though. Despite this, the evidence suggests that sexual activity may play a significant role in maintaining a healthy prostate gland.
Conclusion
Even though the prostate is a vital organ, few people discuss it. Men must be aware of the importance of prostate health to stay as healthy as possible. If left to its own devices, the prostate can cause you many problems later in life.
Because of this, we have created this list of the six tips to keep your prostate healthy. If you decide to follow our list, you will be amazed at how much your quality of life will improve over time.
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