As men age, levels of a potent form of the hormone testosterone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, increase and can cause prostate gland problems. Problems of the prostate include enlargement of the gland, known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH. Other problems include infection and cancer, but the National Cancer Institute notes that most prostate problems do not indicate cancer. Obesity, excess weight, a poor diet and a lack of exercise can increase the risk of problems. Balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can improve and maintain prostate health.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Dr. Neal Barnard, a physician and writer at The Cancer Project, advises that obesity, excess weight and high cholesterol can extenuate natural hormonal changes that occur as men age. This can cause severe imbalances in testosterone levels in the body that can lead to problems such as BPH. Other prostate problems such as cancer may also be linked to hormonal imbalances, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Nutrition
The right nutrition helps to maintain healthy hormone, cholesterol and fat levels in the body, reducing the risk of prostate problems. Barnard notes that a diet that is rich in vegetable and essential fatty acids, as well as minerals such as zinc helps to maintain healthy hormone levels in men. Healthy, balanced sources of essential fatty acids include nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil, olive oil and walnut oil. The antioxidants vitamin E and selenium are also recommended to help reduce the risk prostate cancer in older men.
Prevent and Treat Infections
Dr. Geoff Hacket says at the NetDoctor website that infections in the body such as sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract infections may increase the risk of prostate gland infections or prostatitis. Prevention and early treatment of body infections is important for prostate health.
Prostate Health Check-up
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine says that medical tests for prostate gland health such as serum prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, tests, physical rectal examinations and ultrasounds are able to detect prostate changes early for better treatment prognosis. The study observed that a combination of PSA tests, physical rectal exams and ultrasounds are more effective at gauging prostate health than any one test alone. PSA is used as measure because it is only secreted in the bloodstream if there is an incidence of diseases such as BPH and prostate cancer. Men with PSA values equal to or higher than 4 are considered to be at risk of prostate disease and given further examinations as well as biopsies.
