How to Keep Prostate in Good Health ?

Vinod Varshney

Prostate problems are increasing due to a sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition. There are many easy tips to avoid prostate dysfunction early in life.

Most men face the problem of prostate dysfunction as early as 40 years though these days even younger men are being afflicted with this problem. Prostate is a gland about the size of a walnut which is a part of the male reproductive system. It wraps around the tube that carries urine out of the bladder and is situated between the rectum and the urinary bladder. The prostate’s most useful function is producing an alkaline fluid for the protection and transportation of the human sperm.

  The two most common problems with prostate are its enlargement and its getting inflamed with some bacterial infection. When the prostate gets enlarged, it leads to difficulties in proper urination. The flow of urine is poor and remains incomplete; dribbling occurs even after it is over. Many a times this is a cause of embarrassment. During the night a person with an enlarged prostate feels the urge to urinate several times thus disturbing his sleep.
  The reasons for a prostate getting enlarged are largely age or hormone related but sometimes it could also happen due to an infection. Enlargement is also taken as an early symptom of prostate cancer. One should be wary of this as prostate cancer is quite common. Therefore, health experts advise a routine annual PSA test to rule out any such eventuality. If this test is clear then the enlargement is considered benign (non-cancerous) and can be treated with medicines and exercises of the pelvic region. Medicines help shrink the prostate and relax the muscles near the prostate for easy urination. However, sometimes the symptoms get so aggravated that it becomes difficult to pass urine. Sometimes the problem takes the shape of involuntary urination (incontinence). In both types of problems---total stoppage or incontinence--- the solution involves inserting a catheter in the urethra to remove the urine.

  Change your lifestyle for a healthy prostate Surgery is ultimately recommended in such cases. Due to advancements in medical science, surgery has become less problematic and hospital stay has been reduced to just one or two days. However, sometimes it is also found that a few years after surgery the symptoms return. It is, therefore, useful to know how to avoid the problem. If certain changes are made in lifestyle then the onset of the problem gets delayed.
  Sometimes the problem of enlargement is because of prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) which generally occurs due to bacterial infections. Along with obstruction in urine flow one can also have fever and chills or just pain. Sometimes one notices blood in the urine. Antibiotics are given in such a condition. Normally, if a full course of antibiotic is taken, the problem gets resolved. But sometimes the infection occurs repeatedly. This situation is harder to treat. Antibiotics have to be given for a longer period and patience is of essence in treating such a condition.
  There is one more prostate dysfunction called the Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. It causes pain sometimes in the lower back, in the groin area or at the tip of the penis. Ejaculation also becomes painful at times. Such people have the urge to urinate frequently. This condition again demands patience for a complete cure. Cure can require both medicines and surgery. Early Detection is the Key  The worst problem related to prostate is its getting cancerous. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men the world over. Early detection is the key to fighting prostate cancer. For the sake of early detection a PSA blood test should be done routinely every year if one is above 40 years of age.
  Believe it or not but following a healthy diet and some exercises can keep the prostate in good health. The prostate remains healthy if there is good blood circulation to bring oxygen in this region. A sedentary lifestyle creates congestion and stagnation in the prostate.
  Foods rich in antioxidants and with low sugar and low fat content can protect against prostate woes. Food should be rich in omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, selenium and vitamins C & E. Prostate issues are also very commonly associated with zinc deficiencies. Unfortunately grains like wheat have less zinc due to modern agricultural practices which have depleted nutrients from the soil. So more often than not, people suffer from zinc deficiencies. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc and studies have shown that they can diminish chances of prostate enlargement. Similarly ginger and green tea act as good anti-oxidants.
  Workouts and aerobics help increase the blood circulation to the prostate and its surrounding areas. For this Kegels should be done regularly. And since prostate is involved in semen production having sex also becomes a healthy exercise for the gland.

Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises are good not only for strengthening pelvic floor muscles which support the bladder but they also help in a good flow of urine.
To do a Kegel exercise correctly, squeeze and release the muscles that you would use to stop urination or keep from passing gas.
Alternate quick squeezes and releases with longer
contractions---hold for 10 seconds, release, and then relax for 10 seconds. One should do 10-15 Kegel exercises two to three times every day..........

Useful tips to avoid an enlarged prostate

One should have a normal amount of vitamin D level in the body. Exposing the body to the sun can ensure this level. If the lifestyle or living accommodation do not allow any exposure to the sun, then it is better to have vitamin D supplements. Phytonutrients act as an anti-inflammatory diet. Tomato can be a good source for this. Diet should also have omega 3 fatty acids which are found in plenty in flax seeds, walnuts, sardines, salmon, tofu, soybeans and some dark green leafy vegetables. Regular exercise is very important for maintaining blood circulation in the prostate and its surrounding areas.