Prostate Cancer Prevention: 12 Ways to Protect Your Prostate Friday, 17th of August , 2018
The prostate gland is an organ only found in men and is essential to the male reproductive system. This walnut-sized gland is located just beneath the bladder and secretes prostate fluid, a major component of which is male sperm. Inflammation and cancer of the prostate are all too common health concerns amongst men today. However, prostate cancer prevention and even reversal is possible through a healthy lifestyle. Most men experience some level of prostate enlargement by the age of 45, but many do not have symptoms. But by the age of 60, about 80% of all men experience urinary problems as the result of prostate enlargement. Some of the most common symptoms associated with the enlargement of the prostate include the following:
- Urgency to urinate
- Inability to urinate
- Difficulty starting
- Frequent urination
- Reduced force of urine stream
- Terminal dribbling
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder
The Prostate Gland Filters Toxins
In order to produce the highest quality sperm for conception and the successful reproduction of a healthy species, the prostate gland was designed to detoxify impurities and toxins out of the semen. Synthetic or man-made estrogen mimicking compounds known as xenoestrogens are the most abundant toxins found in our bodies today.
Xenoestrogens interfere with the healthy and normal male estrogen-to-testosterone ratio and lead to unwanted prostatic growth. Oxidative stress is a key stimulator in any degenerative disease and the prostate gland does not go unaffected. Excessive free radicals and inflammation causing agents promote oxidative stress and encourage prostate cancer and prostatitis (swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland).
The Link Between a Sedentary Lifestyle and Prostate Health
The health of the prostate is dependent on oxygenation from the circulation of fresh blood to this region. Living a sedentary lifestyle promotes stagnation and congestion in the prostate. Specific population groups are affected by a higher risk than others.
People who spend long periods of time in a seated position and whom have increased pressure from automobile vibrations have a higher risk than others. Examples of some of these occupations and lifestyle settings include bus drivers, truck drivers, motorcyclists, pilots, and men who have long daily commutes. Bicyclists also experience increased pressure to the groin when they ride and are also at an increased risk for prostatic complications.
Which Foods Promote Prostate Health?
Consuming an anti-inflammatory diet including fruits and vegetables is critical to receiving cancer-fighting phytonutrients. A healthy diet consist of good fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados. Eliminating all processed dairy products, meats, and grains is essential to optimal health.
It is important to choose products that are free-range and grass fed as such foods are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids and zinc and promote prostate function. Incorporate anti-inflammatory herbs into your diet every day including rosemary, oregano, turmeric, garlic, and cinnamon.
Super Nutrients for a Healthy Prostate
Specific nutritional compounds are especially critical to preventing inflammation of the prostate and reversing health problems. Foods such as broccoli sprouts, broccoli, collard greens, cabbage, and kale are rich in super nutrients for supporting the prostate.
These cruciferous vegetables and others are contain high concentrations of sulforaphane, isothiocyanates, and Indole-3-Carbonyl which promote the removal of excess toxins and estrogens from the body. Some of the best source of these vegetables are broccoli sprouts and kale sprouts.
Lycopene and Green Tea
Another nutrient that promotes prostate health is lycopene. Good sources of lycopene are raspberries, goji berries, tomatoes, watermelon, red pepper, and grapefruits. Notably, cooked tomatoes contain more lycopene than raw. Although these food sources are high in this powerful nutrient, be careful to not add too many of these foods into your diet as they are also highly concentrated in sugar.
Green tea is also an excellent nutrient for prostate health. Green tea contains polyphenolic antioxidants called EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate. Researchers have concluded from epidemiological studies that men who drink green tea regularly have a lower risk of prostate complications.