The prostate is the male gland responsible for the production of semen. The prostate is located around the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder and expels it from the body. A healthy prostate gland in a young man should be the size of a walnut. Its size increases with age. If it becomes too large, common in men over 50 years, it can cause health problems. Exercise can benefit prostate health by maintaining good circulation and preventing obesity.
Enlarged Prostate Gland
Not all men with an enlarged prostate experience symptoms or discomfort. Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include weak urine flow, difficulty starting or cutting off urination, frequent urges to urinate, blood in the urine, needing to strain to urinate, formation of bladder stones and abnormal kidney function. If you are experiencing these problems, you should seek medical advice.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States, accounting for 32 percent of all newly diagnosed forms of cancer. For each 10 years over age 50, the incidence of prostate cancer increases significantly. Prostate cancer is a slow-growing form of cancer that requires radiation treatment and sometimes surgery. Because of modern screening methods, most cases are caught early on are treated before they become fatal.
Exercise and Weight
Exercise is important for the maintenance of good prostate health. According to the Prostate Cancer foundation, excessive belly fat can cause inflammation of the prostate glad, which increases the risk of prostate cancer. The hormones produced by belly fat reduce the body's ability to take up insulin. This leads to excessive insulin in the blood which may also stimulate the growth of prostate cancer. Regular exercise can help prevent becoming overweight or obese and reduce these risks.
Exercise and Circulation
According to Dr. Dana Myatt, if you wish to significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer, it is important to make some lifestyle changes. One of the most important is to maintain your optimal weight and body mass index. Maintaining a healthy diet that keeps you insulin and glucose levels balanced in equally important. Regular exercise is not only vital for maintaining a healthy weight, but it is also good for blood circulation to the prostate if it uses the leg muscles. Exercise such as jogging and walking are the best for this.
References
- Medline Plus: Prostate Diseases
- Dr. Myatt's Wellness Club: Prostate Cancer; Dr. Dana Myatt
- Prostate Cancer Foundation: Nutrition, Exercise and Prostate Cancer; David Herber et al; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Prostate Health; 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Prostate Gland Enlargement; Symptoms; 2009
