How To Improve Your Prostate Health

Karl Marvin Tan MD

April 19, 2021

Prostates are one of the most common causes of health problems of men as they age. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is the most common prostate disease.

BPH can make it difficult for men to urinate and, if left untreated, can become a serious problem. Prostate inflammation and cancer are two other fairly common problems associated with this important male reproductive organ.

Because of its position in the lower abdomen, underneath the bladder and in front of the rectum while surrounding a portion of the urethra, the prostate is especially prone to causing problems with vital organs and tissues. Let’s look at some of the stuff you can do to help keep your prostate and your overall health in good shape:

It is in the best interest of all men to maintain their prostate health. Certain basic health practices will help you reduce the risk of developing prostate-related health conditions. These healthy practices include the following

For men ages 51 to 60 years old, 50% will have an enlarged prostate.
  1. Weight Management

Obesity has a negative impact on your health as well as your appearance. Overweight men are more likely than men who are below their ideal weight range to develop prostate disorders. This is because having too much body fat activates many inflammatory pathways in your body, which can raise your risk of serious issues including prostate cancer.

If you have a high body mass index (BMI) and you have so much fat in your body, now is an excellent time to lose weight. The best results come from a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise. You push the body to burn fat reserves by minimizing your caloric intake while increasing the calories you expend through physical activity. It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor about your weight-loss goals.

If you have a healthy BMI, make sure to keep it within a healthy range. When we get older, it becomes more difficult to maintain a healthy weight, so keep consuming healthy foods and living an active lifestyle. (Source: Eur Urol 2013 May;63(5):800-9. doi: 10.1016/j.eururo.2012.11.013. Epub 2012 Nov 15.)

2. Healthy Diet

Lean meats, broiled fish, grains, fruits, and vegetables can be substituted for fatty foods. Antioxidants are found in abundance in these healthy foods, and they help to prevent damage caused by free radicals.

Antioxidants provide electrons to free radicals, effectively neutralizing them, preventing them from stealing electrons from the body’s healthy molecules. This is how eating a balanced diet lowers the risk of prostate cancer.

Also, caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee and cola should be avoided or consumed in moderation. Caffeine causes the prostate and bladder to irritate by increasing urine production. Be sure you drink plenty of water to keep your system clean. (Source: Pelser C, Mondul AM, Hollenbeck AR, Park Y. Dietary fat, fatty acids, and risk of prostate cancer in the NIH-AARP diet and health study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2013 Apr;22(4):697-707. doi: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-12-1196-T. PMID: 23549401; PMCID: PMC4129658.)

Some would also add supplements that you can try here.

3. Exercise 

Physical exercise is beneficial to the whole body. It improves the efficiency of your cardiovascular system by raising blood circulation in your body. It also aids in weight maintenance.

Several studies have discovered that both routine aerobic exercise and strength training help to improve prostate health. Exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor, in particular, will help you control the symptoms of prostate disease and relieve urinary incontinence.


When To Visit a Urologist?

Early medical intervention of prostate issues can help you stave off BPH and similar prostate problems. If you live in the Philippines and are looking for a qualified and highly skilled urologist, we are ready to serve you. We specialize in treating men’s issues such as infertility, low-T, erectile dysfunction, penile implants, Peyronie’s disease, and prostate health.

Contact us by scheduling an appointment online. A lot of urologists are also available and you may browse through the official website of the Philippine Urological Association, Inc.