The prostate gland plays an important role in male health and sexual wellness. But as men get older, prostate problems become more common, and it becomes even more important to take steps to maintain prostate health and, ideally, prevent those problems from occurring.
Alfred Shtainer, MD, FACS, is a leading provider of prostate screenings and treatments aimed at helping patients at Adult and Pediatric Urology avoid and manage prostate issues at every stage of life. With Men’s Health Month behind us and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month just a few weeks away, now is the perfect time to learn five simple things you can do to support lasting prostate health and better overall wellness.
Nutrition has a powerful impact on your prostate health. A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables provides powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support better cellular health, too. For prostate-specific benefits, add in more cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
On the flip side, it’s important to limit certain foods that can increase inflammation, like red meat, processed meats, and high-fat dairy. Replace those foods with lean proteins or plant-based proteins, like beans and nuts. Opt for olive oil and other healthy fats, and go easy on the salt.
Regular physical activity is great for overall wellness, but it also offers targeted benefits for your prostate. Specifically, regular exercise reduces inflammation, balances your hormones, and makes it easier to achieve the next item on this list: a healthy weight.
For maximum benefits, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week — just a half hour five days a week will do it. Walking, swimming, and bicycling are ideal for improving circulation and reducing inflammation. Strength training can assist in balancing hormones, too.
Being overweight or obese carries lots of health risks, including an increased risk of prostate problems. In fact, research shows men who are obese may be prone to an especially aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Being overweight can affect the prostate in other ways, too, making it harder to balance key hormones and leading to higher levels of inflammation.
Losing weight, however, helps reduce inflammation and support optimal prostate health. You don’t need to lose a major amount to reap those benefits, either. Even modest weight loss can help.
Staying hydrated supports optimal urinary tract health and function, flushing toxins and wastes from your body. Drink plenty of water each day to help reduce urinary symptoms associated with prostate enlargement. It also reduces inflammation and helps maintain optimal fluid balance.
Avoid sugary drinks that can lead to weight gain, and limit caffeine and alcohol, both of which can lead to bladder irritation. Carry a water bottle with you, and add in chunks of cucumber or fruit for added flavor.
Now for the easy one: catching those all-important Zs. Good sleep habits support better health in lots of ways, like reducing inflammation associated with many prostate-related health problems. Poor sleep has been linked with an increased risk of prostate cancer, as well.
While taking a rest is always welcome, getting good sleep and prioritizing stress management aren’t always easy goals to achieve. Fortunately, the internet is here to help. Check out the Sleep Foundation’s website for some simple sleep tips that can help you get the rest your body needs.
One of the best things about these prostate-health tips is that they improve your overall health and wellness, too, multiplying the benefits of every change you make. Combined with regular prostate screenings beginning at around age 50, you can help your prostate stay healthy and avoid serious prostate-related medical issues.
To schedule your prostate exam or to have your prostate symptoms evaluated, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Shtainer and the team at Adult and Pediatric Urology in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, New York, today.
