7 Preventative Measures to Maintain Prostate Health in Middle-Age

Prostate problems are common in old age, but they are often preventable. Taking a few preventative steps now can maintain your prostate health for years.

The Prostate

The prostate is a small gland about the size of a golf ball that plays an important role. This gland helps produce semen, and due to its location near the bladder and urethra, it can also affect urinary function. The prostate can be at risk of developing a few issues over the years, so it is important for men to take the time to care for their prostate. Here are seven things you can do to sustain prostate health throughout the rest of your life.

Reduce Alcohol and Caffeine Intake

Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics that affect the fluid balances in the body and cause you to urinate more often. Because of their effect on the urinary tract, these items can greatly worsen prostate enlargement systems. Having one to two drinks of alcohol per day and a cup or so of coffee is fine, but excessive amounts can cause issues. Remember that caffeine can hide in unlikely sources, like sodas, energy drinks, energy bars and chocolates.

Avoid Exposure to Environmental Toxins

There are several different environmental toxins linked to prostate enlargement, so try to avoid these whenever possible. Mercury, pesticides, phthalates, and bisphenol-A are all linked to prostate problems, even if you are only exposed to small amounts.

Have an Active Sex Life

Because the prostate produces fluids used in ejaculation, its health is affected by your sex life. Men who want to avoid prostate enlargement should make sure that they are ejaculating frequently. A 2016 study from European Urology found that men who ejaculate 21 times or more a month have far less risk of prostate cancer than men who only ejaculate 7 times per month.

Eat a Prostate-Healthy Diet

There is a lot of research linking diet with prostate cancer. According to the World Health Organization, high levels of animal fat can increase cancer risks, possibly due to heightened levels of growth factor and leucine in meat and dairy. A good diet for keeping your prostate healthy has minimal amounts of red meat, poultry, pork, milk and cheese. Instead, it has high levels of fruits, vegetables, grains and fish.

Pay Attention to Your Hormones

Most men tend to experience a slight drop in testosterone as they age, and this has a fairly complicated effect on the prostate. Typically, those with lower levels of androgen hormones have less of a risk for prostate cancer, so normal testosterone replacements may not be wise for those concerned about their prostate. However, there are some natural herbs such as saw palmetto that has been linked to both a reduction in prostate swelling and an increase in naturally produced testosterone, so these may be a wise option for men dealing with hormonal imbalances.

Keep Your Weight at a Healthy Level

One of the highest risk factors for prostate enlargement is being overweight. This can increase prostate problems because extra weight can alter your hormones and increases inflammation throughout the body.

Take Helpful Supplements

Supplements that decrease inflammation may be helpful with preventing prostate enlargement and cancer, but avoid falling for fake supplements that are not backed up by research. Since supplements are not regulated like medication, you need to read up on everything to ensure they are safe and helpful before taking them. Natural supplements linked to a reduction in prostate problems include green tea extract, saw palmetto, cranberry, stinging nettle root, zinc, beta-sitosterol and vitamin D.