Prostate cancer risk rises rapidly after age 50, and almost two out of three incidences of prostate cancer occur in men over age 65. Prostate cancer is also more common among African-American men than men of other races. (CHEN and HOLICK, 2022)
It is important to know what risk factors to look for when managing your prostate health. These are a few symptoms that all male patients over the age of 50 should be aware of:
- Urination pain
- Erectile dysfunction
- Seeing blood in your urine
- Pain during ejaculation
- Lower back pain
Remember that the first step towards better prostate health is to talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you have about your prostate gland.
Prostate health depends on a wide range of factors—such as your diet, lifestyle, and genetic makeup—and it can be challenging to monitor them all. Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to help safeguard your prostate health. This article will share some natural care for prostate health you can start today.
Avoid red meat
To improve prostate health, it’s important to cut down on red meat. Red meat is not only a known carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) but contains hormones, can be hard to digest and has been linked to heart disease as well. This is why it is important to avoid eating red meat by finding other sources of protein that are easier for your body to digest and don’t carry the same risks. A few replacements are fish, poultry, or beans.
Add soy to your diet
By adding soybeans, such as edamame to your diet, you will get phytoestrogens that may lower testosterone levels. Testosterone sometimes fuels the growth of prostate tumors, and some studies show that many men with prostate cancer have high testosterone levels. The phytoestrogens in soybeans can partially block the effects of testosterone in the body. Soybeans are also rich in dietary fiber, which may help lower your risk of developing prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Fiber helps to remove excess estrogen from your system; it binds with estrogen-type compounds and then carries them out of your body in waste products during bowel movements.
Try green tea
Green tea contains potent antioxidants. Studies show that green tea can help prevent prostate cancer from forming and may also slow the growth of aggressive prostate cancer. Green tea can also benefit men with BPH and prostatitis. It is important to choose caffeine-free sources of tea, though. Caffeine can irritate both the prostate and the bladder.
Eat more vegetables
A diet rich in vegetables can decrease your risk of developing prostate cancer by 65. Two important cancer-fighting compounds found in vegetables are lycopene and selenium. Lycopene is beneficial when it comes to preventing the spread of prostate cancer cells, while selenium can prevent DNA damage and slow tumor growth. You’ll find lycopene in tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, apricots, and papaya, while selenium is abundant in Brazil nuts, mushrooms, and onions.
Following these natural guidelines for better managing your prostate health can significantly impact your overall health. They are easy and affordable to implement, and they are things you can start doing today. You can use these techniques at home to achieve better health. Simply try a few of these natural therapies for preventative measures of your overall prostate health, to reduce your prostate cancer risk, and to ease any associated pain or discomfort in the prostate. Trying these natural remedies will place you a few steps ahead towards better prostate health and a greater sense of wellness.