In today's society, prostate cancer is not something we talk about very often. It's probably because it's a rare disease that usually affects men older than 50 years. While it can be prevented through regular checkups and screenings, it does not seem like a topic that should affect many men in the U.S.
Prostate cancer is one of those preventable conditions that can be helped with simple lifestyle changes. The best news is that men can make small decisions that will have a big impact on their health and well-being! Here are some tips to keep you prostate healthy and happy.
1. Let go of smoking.
Smoking cigarettes is a common practice that many men partake in. While smoking can help calm one’s nerves after a stressful day, doing so is still highly detrimental to their health. Smoking can affect your prostate which may lead to lower levels of testosterone and higher amounts of estrogen in the body. People who smoke have shown significantly lower testosterone levels than those who do not smoke.
2. Stay active, exercise regularly.
Studies show that men who get regular physical activity have a lower risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. In the case of a packed schedule, something as simple as walking for 30 minutes every day can already make a huge difference.
3. Know your risk and get tested.
Men who go to regular checkups help foster excellent prostate health. An annual prostate exam for men aged 50 and older and younger men who have family history is crucial. The checkup involves a digital rectal exam (DRE) where a doctor’s gloved finger is inserted into the rectum and physically feels around the prostate for any abnormality. Another part of the exam is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to check for high levels of PSA, which is an indication of prostate infection or cancer.
4. Opt for a prostate-friendly diet.
It's important to acquire a prostate-healthy diet, because a diet deficient in certain nutrients and lacking healthy fruits, vegetables, and fish can lead to problems within the prostate gland. If you have a history of not eating right or eating too much meat, then you should make sure that your new diet includes extra leafy greens, berries and fish. There should also be less intake of fatty foods and dairy. Some studies suggest that men who consume a lot of fat have the highest risk of contracting prostate cancer.
5. Frequent Ejaculation.
Whether it happens during intercourse or through masturbation, several studies show that frequent ejaculation may have a positive effect on the prostate. Ejaculation may protect the prostate by flushing out harmful chemicals that build up in semen. Men who ejaculate more may have healthier lifestyle habits that decrease their odds of being diagnosed with the disease.