The prostate is a male-specific sex gland. Its size and shape at youth are of an average walnut. The prostate is located deep in the pelvis, just at the urinary bladder outlet. It surrounds the bladder neck controlling the urine outflow. In fact, urine flows out of the bladder through the prostate lobes.
A healthy prostate plays a big role in the production and maintenance of semen and, therefore, fertility. During ejaculation, the prostate squeezes its secretions into the urethra (the outer urinary passage), forming nearly two-thirds of the volume of the semen. Prostate secretions are crucial for semen acidity and consistency.
Prostate Health: Common Types of Prostate Diseases
Prostate gland diseases manifest as urinary and/or fertility ailments.
Urinary problems may be in the form of reduced urine output, trouble urinating, or voiding red urine. The entire pelvis, along with the area between the thighs and anus, can become achy, too.
Common prostate diseases include inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis), senile prostate enlargement (SPE), and prostate cancer. Prostatitis can occur in youngsters as well as older men. Prostatitis is a self-limited infectious disease that can be treated efficiently by antibiotics. There are no consequences if the microbes are completely eradicated.
Conversely, senile prostate enlargement, as the name implies, is a disease of the elderly. Genetically, SPE is not related to cancer. They are two distinct diseases. Although there is a higher incidence of death in men from prostate cancer, prostate enlargement is more dangerous than the public may be aware of. It can progress dramatically to urinary retention and eventually to renal failure.
Prostate cancer generally affects men over forty. But this may largely depend on other variables such as lifestyle, eating habits, and so forth. For instance, in the United States, prostate cancer accounts for 32 percent of all cancer cases in men, whereas in China, the reported incidence of this cancer is, stunningly, less than one percent.
The Effects of Diet on Prostate Health
These figures support the claims that the Western diet poses a great risk for the development of prostate problems, primarily cancers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “diets high in red meat, dairy products, and animal fat have frequently been implicated in the development of prostate cancer.”
On the other hand, Asian cuisine such as Japanese, Tai, and Chinese dishes is notably healthier. They typically are low in sugar and saturated fat, consisting of sea vegetables and seafood that are fiber-rich and contain a small amount of soy. Steamed rice, soup, and green tea are commonly found on the table in Chinese homes. The meals have all the bells and whistles you need for a healthy prostate.
How to Improve Prostate Health Naturally?
Regardless of age, all men should care about their prostate health. Here are some tips on how to improve your prostate health.
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1. Drink Fresh Water
Fresh water on its own is indispensable for prostate health. It helps to drink plenty of water, especially right before meals, as this gives you the feeling of fullness.
Some people may eat too much, confusing thirst with hunger. Often we’re overeating unhealthy foods because we’re dehydrated, whereas all we need is a nice tall glass of water.
2. Increase Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables
Recent studies suggest you increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, as they are excellent sources of anticancer and anti-inflammatory compounds such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
3. Eat Slowly Using a Small Plate
Watch portion sizes. Stop eating when you are about to feel full.
Fat is probably the worst food to fill your belly with. Dietary fat may increase the production of male sex hormones, which are linked with prostate cancer.
4. Focus on Early Prevention
If you are age 50 or beyond, it is wise to annually have your doctor check the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in your blood. High PSA levels may indicate the presence of a prostate tumor.
This early detection method can help diagnose prostate cancer in its early stages. If your urine turns red, or if the flow of urine gets weaker, see your doctor as soon as possible.
5. Take Supplements
Studies have unearthed the secrets of pumpkin seeds, berry fruits, and zinc supplements in improving prostate health. Since many supplements are over-the-counter medications, stick to your doctor’s or pharmacist’s directions for use.
6. Stay Active
If you want to improve prostate health, you must stay active.
Studies have shown that regular exercise decreases your risk of having deadly problems such as prostate cancer. In other words, say bye-bye once and for all to your couch potato lifestyle.
7. Limit the Consumption of Caffeinated Drinks and Alcohol
Cut down on coffee and tea and stop drinking alcohol.
Both caffeine and alcohol trigger your bladder to urgently contract and cause frequent bathroom visits due to increased urine production.
8. Eat More Fiber
By eating fiber, you avoid constipation and improve your prostate health.
A full gut causes pelvic congestion and bladder irritability.
9. Don’t Delay Going to the Bathroom
When nature calls, be sure to answer right away.
Failure to do so may make you unable to void normally and may lead to a medical condition called urinary retention.
Concluding Thoughts on Tips to Improve Prostate Health
Prostate cancer and other prostate diseases are very common in America, but you don’t have to be one of those suffering.
Follow these tips, and you’re sure to improve your prostate health and decrease your chances of battling prostate disease.
