What steps should I take to maintain good prostate health?

The prostate gland is a small, walnut-shaped gland found only in men. It sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body.

Photo courtesy: City of Hope

The prostate’s main function is to make fluid that helps form semen. This fluid nourishes and protects sperm. It is important for male fertility. As men age, the prostate can grow larger, which may cause urinary problems or other health issues.

Maintaining a healthy prostate is important for overall wellness, especially as men get older:

1. One key step is to keep your vitamin D levels in a healthy range, ideally around 50 ng/mL, as vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune health and inflammation control. Spending some time in the sun can naturally boost your vitamin D levels.

2. Eating a healthy diet full of organic, unprocessed foods provides your body with important nutrients and antioxidants that protect prostate cells from damage.including certain foods like tomatoes, broccoli, green tea, and nuts can provide extra protection due to their rich supply of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

3. Limiting sugars and refined grains can help prevent insulin spikes and reduce the risk of prostate enlargement and cancer. Avoiding exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides and heavy metals, can further reduce stress on your prostate and overall body.

4. Managing stress is also essential since chronic stress can negatively affect hormone balance and immune function, which may impact prostate health. Practicing good sleep hygiene is also important, as quality sleep supports hormone balance and cellular repair.

5. Regular exercise supports healthy hormone levels, improves blood circulation, and strengthens your immune system, all of which are beneficial for the prostate. Strength training and aerobic exercises can also help maintain a healthy weight, which is important because obesity is linked to prostate problems.

6. Staying well-hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day helps flush toxins and waste products from your body, reducing the risk of infections and supporting urinary health.

7. Maintaining a healthy sex life is another important, often overlooked, way to "exercise" the prostate and keep it functioning properly.

8. Finally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake can help lower your risk of prostate issues and improve your overall health.

Regular medical checkups and discussing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests with your doctor can help catch any problems early.

By combining these strategies, you can support a healthy prostate and improve your quality of life as you age.