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Natural Ways To Promote Better Prostate Health
The prostate, a walnut-shaped organ, is an important part of the male reproductive system. It is located in front of the rectum and below the bladder. It wraps around part of the urethra; a urinary tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. The prostate gland does an important job and helps to make some of the thick, milky-white liquid that becomes part of the semen which flows out during sexual activity. The prostate health is pertinent and any problem in this gland will disturb urination and sexual function. The prostate is usually vulnerable to three medical conditions, which are; prostatitis, enlarged prostate due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer.
Studies suggest that in most of the cases, prostatic issues are directly related to the patient’s age. It is very rare that a subject younger than 40 years old develops prostatic cancer. Many facing these issues might inquire about how they can improve prostate health, naturally. Well, there is good news. There are various natural ways that may help to promote better prostate health. Using prostate health supplements and changing your diet might be good for your prostate health. This article sheds some light on the issue and offers some possible natural solutions for good prostate health.
Improvement in Prostate Health Naturally
The answer to the question, ‘how can I improve my prostate health naturally?’ lies in adopting a healthy lifestyle; one which is closer to nature. A habit of exercise and eating a balanced diet may induce positive effects on a healthy prostate. Modern synthetic drugs are not always the only solution to prostatic medical problems. There are various natural remedies that may help in fighting prostate concerns and thwart the symptoms from getting worse. Therefore, health care professionals emphasize upgrading the lifestyle and altering the diet; which can go a long way in relieving the situation.
Some studies suggest that diet plays a key role in fighting against prostatic issues. Watermelons, tomatoes, and other red foods contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene. Research suggests that men consuming watermelons and tomato-based food products are less likely to get prostate cancer. A recent study suggests that consuming tomatoes increases the body’s ability to absorb lycopene. Fruits and vegetables have plenty of nutrients and vitamins, and some green vegetables contain compounds that may help our body to break down cancer-causing compounds called carcinogens.
Prostate Health Supplements
A variety of prostate health supplements are available in the market and may play an important part to inhibit the enlargement of the prostate and ease urination. These supplements are mostly based on natural ingredients. Some frequently used natural supplements are Beta-sitosterol, pygeum, Rye pollen extract, and saw palmetto etc.
Beta-sitosterol is a compound found in many plants. Studies suggest that although it does not affect the size of the prostate, it might help to improve urination flow and hence improve other BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) symptoms.
Swedish flower pollen extract is another natural ingredient that may prevent prostate enlargement. It is very popular now and many studies are being conducted on its efficacy.
Saw Palmetto is a small tree that’s found in North America. Small scale studies have shown interesting results that saw palmetto may improve prostate health by increasing the urinary flow. However, studies do not show its significance in reducing prostate size. Men may use it hoping for relief in common urination abnormalities such as: having a hard time getting pee to start, a weak stream, and an urgent urge to urinate. Normally, using saw palmetto may take 4 to 6 weeks to show considerable results.
Pygeum is obtained from the bark of the African plum tree. It seems to help men with an enlarged prostate to have a stronger urine stream, urinating fewer times during the day and avoiding bladder overload.
Ten Worst Foods for Prostate Health
Some of the foods can help with prostate issues but others might aggravate prostate problems. Here is a list of ten worst foods for prostate health. No need to further ask how I can improve my prostate health because we have sorted out foods for you that should be avoided for a healthy prostate. In case of the inevitable consumption of these foods, care should be taken to avoid their overuse.
#1. Red Meat
Patients with mild prostate symptoms should avoid non-grass fed red meat, like lamb or beef because it can increase the risks of prostate cancer.
#2. Dairy
Try to limit dairy consumption. Studies suggest that consuming large amounts of dairy products may increase the chances of getting prostatitis and also prostatic cancer.
#3. Saturated Fats
Saturated fats are mostly found in meat, dairy foods, salad dressings, and bakery products. They are mostly associated with heart diseases but some studies show a link between saturated fats and increased risk of prostate cancer.
#4. Canned Foods
Canned foods contain synthetic estrogen (xenoestrogen) and other biochemical substances which may stimulate carcinogens. Patients with mild prostatic symptoms should avoid canned food and are encouraged to consume fresh food.
#5. Alcohol
Research suggests that heavy alcohol drinkers are twice as likely to be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer as moderate drinkers. Many other drinks like non-alcoholic wines, fresh fruit juices, tea, and coffee can be used in conditions of an enlarged prostate.
#6. Table Salt
Table salt contains 98% sodium chloride. This high amount may affect the ratio of sodium and potassium in the body and may lead to health conditions like high blood pressure, prostate, and kidney disease. Instead of processed table salt, use an alternative like unrefined salt such as Himalayan salt.
#7. Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners
Sugar consumption has not been proven to be directly linked with prostate cancer but studies suggest that excessive intake of sugar causes two types of diabetes and mainly it causes obesity and as we’ve mentioned, obese people are more prone to prostatic problems. Also, research shows that cancerous cells use sugar in much higher quantities than normal cells.
#8. Heated Oils
Vegetable oil like canola, soy, or corn oils are good for health only when taken uncooked and in small amounts. Heated oils may convert good cholesterol to bad LDL cholesterol which may lead to heart disease and cancer. Switch to oils like coconut, peanut or sesame.
#9. Soy
Fermented soy products are good for health but genetically engineered soy is grown to make soy protein withstand large amounts of herbicide and therefore may add risk for prostate conditions.
#10. Non-organic Vegetables
Non-organic vegetables play an important role in weight loss because they have a low carbohydrate ratio but in order to promote a healthier prostate, one should ensure that vegetables to be consumed are untreated and organic.
How to Have A Healthy Prostate? Going the Natural Route
‘How to have a healthy prostate?’ is a question asked by many men and the simple answer lies in a natural lifestyle. The most important factors in maintaining a healthy prostate are explained below.
Control BMI
Men with BMI (body mass index) 30 or higher are more likely to develop prostate symptoms as compared to men with normal BMI. The best way to have a healthy prostate is to combine a balanced diet with regular exercise and to maintain your BMI in the normal range. Walking, running, swimming, and bicycling are the basic exercises to lose weight and maintain BMI.
Use Healthy Food
- Eating clean is another way to ward off issues like prostate enlargement and other related problems.
- Avoiding foods like red meat (or at least adding hormone free meat) and increasing fruit and vegetable intake may help in countering the prostate issues.
- Pomegranates juice may reduce the recurrence attack after primary treatment.
- Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons contain hundreds of bioactive compounds such as monoterpenes and flavonoids that act as a shield against DNA.
- Prostate cancer is aggravated by eating red meat i.e. lamb, beef due to the presence of heterocyclic amines that are the main carcinogens causing prostate cancer. However, omega-3: that is found mostly in certain fish, like tuna, sardines, trout, and salmon, may help to reduce risks of developing prostate cancer.
Studies have linked a balanced diet plan to reduced chances of getting prostate problems. For a healthy prostate, your diet should contain mostly plant-based food, plenty of fruits and vegetables, also it should contain high fiber content and low fat and a limited amount of simple sugars. Studies suggest that including cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and tomato in daily routine may help because these vegetables contain antioxidants and inflammation-reducing properties which boost up immunity to fight against prostatic issues. Carrots contain antioxidants beta–carotene that may lower the risk of prostate cancer. Mushrooms contain beta glycan which may help to kill the cancer cells and boost immunity.
