As men age, three problems can arise with the prostate: prostatitis, which is inflammation; benign prostate hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate; and perhaps the most feared, prostate cancer. Men are right to be vigilant about prostate cancer. According to MayoClinic.com, cancer is one of the top three health threats for men, with prostate cancer second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer death for men. As you age, several simple activities can help you protect your prostate from these threats.
Step 1
Visit your doctor. If you have not had an annual physical lately, it might be time to take out his phone number and call for an appointment. Health Central recommends annual exams if you are over age 50, exams every two years if you are between 40 and 49, and exams every three years if you are between 20 and 39. Risk for enlarged prostate increases 4 percent a year after age 55. By age 60, half of U.S. men will have an enlarged prostate. By age 85, that number rises to 95 percent.
Step 2
Get a prostate cancer screening. Risk for prostate cancer increases with age as well, according to MayoClinic.com. Your doctor will measure levels of PSA -- prostate specific antigen -- and conduct a digital rectal exam. Keeping up with doctor visits and screenings is key because early detection is critical for optimal outcomes with prostate cancer.
Step 3
Ask about supplements. Certain supplements might help with prostate problems, such as saw palmetto extract for enlarged prostate, although MayoClinic.com cautions that there's no evidence that dietary or herbal supplements are useful in treating this particular condition. Inflammation, or prostatitis, might be caused by bacterial infection and might be helped by 500 mg of quercetin taken twice a day. MayoClinic.com recommends vitamin C and zinc for prostate health.
Step 4
Eat fruits and vegetables and avoid high fat foods. For general prostate health and to avoid developing an enlarged prostate, try to eat five or more servings of veggies a day.
Step 5
Reduce exposure to potential cancer-causing substances such as radon, asbestos, radiation and air pollution. Don't smoke or use tobacco products and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Limit your sun exposure and use sunscreen. Use alcohol only in moderation, such as two glasses a day.
Tips and Warnings
- Exercise daily. MayoClinic.com reports that a high level of physical activity and lack of belly fat correlates with prostate health. Maintain a healthy weight.
- Problems urinating, such as not emptying your bladder or having to strain to urinate, might indicate prostate trouble and warrant an immediate doctor's visit.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamin C supplement
- Zinc supplement
- Fruits
- Vegetables
