The prostate, vital for reproduction and urination, is prone to various health issues as men age.
Around half of men over 60 and 90% by age 80 experience an enlarged prostate, with 1 in 8 men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Regardless of age, maintaining prostate health is crucial.
Though there’s no fail-safe method to prevent prostate problems, adopting certain habits can mitigate risks.
Here are practical ways to promote prostate health:
1. **Maintain a Nutritious Diet**: Consuming a diet rich in healthy plant foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes can safeguard against prostate problems, notably prostate cancer. Steering clear of processed foods and sugary drinks is also essential.
2. **Regular Exercise**: Being physically active reduces the likelihood of an enlarged prostate. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to support prostate and overall health while managing weight and averting cardiovascular diseases.
3. **Moderate Alcohol Consumption**: Excessive alcohol intake heightens the risk of prostate issues, including cancer and enlargement. Limit alcohol intake or consider abstaining entirely, opting for water instead to stay hydrated.
4. **Quit Smoking**: Smoking adversely affects every part of the body, including the prostate. While not directly linked to prostate cancer development, smoking can exacerbate its severity. Quitting smoking reduces this risk and enhances overall health.
5. **Screening**: Regular screenings for prostate cancer, starting at age 50 or earlier for high-risk individuals like those with a family history, are crucial. Although screenings don’t prevent cancer, they aid in early detection, when treatment is more effective.
Adopting these habits, along with regular screenings, can significantly contribute to prostate health, fostering overall well-being.