subject: Seven Things Every Man Should Know About Prostate Health [print this page] Seven Things Every Man Should Know About Prostate Health
The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have investigated the natural preventative remedies available for men's prostate health. Here is one in a series of reports on this subject:
The Problem Defined
Prostate health plays a significant role in the quality of a man's life and, contrary to popular belief, prostate problems are not an inevitable part of the aging process. After puberty there is typically no change in the size of the prostate until a man reaches the age of 40 when it slowly begins growing again.
This growth is not a problem for some men but about half of the male population eventually develops problems such as an enlarged prostate, prostatitis or prostate cancer. It is never too soon to make lifestyle decisions to prevent, and in some cases, reverse prostate health problems.
Here are seven things every man needs to know about prostate health:
1. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common malignancy among American men and it is the second leading cause of deaths from cancer. Recent ACS statistics estimate 192,280 cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed this year and 27,360 men will die from the disease. Most cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65 but it is becoming more common in men between the ages of 55 and 65.
2. Family history plays a role in prostate cancer. Men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease.
3. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) is a condition that generally affects men between the ages of 40 and 60. Millions of men in this country suffer from this problem. Because an enlarged prostate affects the urethra and disrupts the flow of urine, men with this condition may experience symptoms such as an urgent need to urinate or they may have difficulty passing urine or experience pain when urinating.
4. A healthy diet can play a key role in the prevention and treatment of prostate problems. Because high dietary fat is directly associated with an increase of prostate cancer and benign prostate disease, proper nutrition is extremely important. The diet should include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains. Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel contain essential fatty acids that enhance prostate health. Soy beans and legumes contain plant-based chemicals called phytoestrogens that are also beneficial.
5. Regular exercise is vital for prostate health (and overall good health). Studies have shown that men who participate in moderate exercise, such as walking, for 30 minutes a day have a 25 percent lower risk of developing benign prostate disease, prostate cancer and other prostate problems.
6. Nutritional supplements can help reduce your risk of developing prostate problems. ProstaEz, which is available through the Institute for Vibrant Living, contains potent natural ingredients such as saw palmetto and stinging nettle that can help reduce the size of the prostate and treat the symptoms of benign prostate disease.
7. Knowledge is power. Although there are some risk factors such as age and family history that you cannot control, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to minimize your risk of developing prostate problems. A proper diet, nutritional supplements and regular exercise are powerful weapons in the fight against prostate cancer and benign prostate disease.
