Prostate cancer is a major issue affecting many men globally. However, it is not the only prostate health complication affecting men, as urological problems are also common. This means that maintaining optimal prostate health is vital to your overall wellbeing as a man, and that is why El Centro men’s health specialists advise prostate screening as part of preventive men’s health. Also, it is critical to go for annual physicals and practice some measures to improve the health of your prostate. Here are certain patterns you can take to improve your prostate health and minimize risks for developing complications.
Improve Your Diet
Eating healthy is generally good for your overall health. But to improve your prostate health, you will need to invest in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Products rich in lycopene such as red peppers and tomatoes are highly recommended. Lycopene gives fruits and vegetables color, and therefore, the brighter and deeper the color, the better. Although there are no current guidelines on the amount of lycopene you should get each day, research shows that you need to eat foods with lycopene all day to attain the level needed. Additionally, invest in cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts.
Reduce Your Caffeine, Alcohol, and Sugar Intake
Some sugary and caffeinated drinks, such as sodas, may not have any nutritional benefit to your health. Excessive alcohol is detrimental to your overall health, including your prostate health. Although you do not have to cut off such drinks from your diet completely, try to limit your intake and take them as a treat. You can stick to small glasses of alcohol a week and one or two cups of coffee a day.
Take More Supplements
Although cancer researchers have always emphasized getting nutrients directly from food, sometimes supplements can be the better option. But remember to discuss with your doctor any supplement you might want to take. Zinc supplements are essential in maintaining good prostate health. Also, you can communicate to your doctor about taking saw palmetto berries to ensure they are right for you. Note that some supplements like vitamin E are associated with high risks of prostate cancer.
Quit Smoking
The relationship between prostate cancer and smoking has been long debated, and several theories exist. However, there is a high belief that tobacco causes oxidative damage due to the free radicals to your body cells. Additionally, some meta-analysis research done concluded that cigarette smoking significantly increases the chances of prostate cancer.
Practice Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises are important in strengthening and tightening your pelvic floor muscles. The exercises are performed by holding the muscles in contraction as if you are pausing the flow of urine shortly and then releasing them. Doing the exercises is often critical and not difficult as you can do them anywhere, for you do not require special equipment.
Ejaculate Often
Recent researchers have found that frequent ejaculation, whether through masturbation or during sex, helps reduce the chances of developing prostate cancer as it flushes out carcinogens. Additionally, ejaculation helps minimize physical tension, which slows down cancer cells growth. However, the research is still in the early stages. Experts recommend other factors such as maintaining good health and making healthy lifestyle changes to maintain good prostate health.
Reach out to Prabhdeep Singh, MD, FACP today to learn more about maintaining good prostate health and other measures you can take to practice preventive men’s health. Remember that men’s health needs are unique, and you need a specialist who can understand you better.
