Here at Montes Medical, we work hard to ensure our male patients are properly cared for when it comes to their health and well-being. Our men’s health exams are a great way to find treatments for potential health concerns before they become serious problems. This is even more important for prostate health, as prostate cancer can show no symptoms at the onset.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men, lagging behind only lung cancer. Thankfully, this disease can be prevented if men make simple lifestyle changes or detect it early on. In fact, millions of American men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer are still alive today. So what are some great ways to improve prostate health? Keep reading to learn more!
Maintain Healthy Body Weight
Men with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 have been linked with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. In fact, obesity in men has been linked to multiple prostate issues. To avoid these problems, it’s important to keep body weight at a healthy level by eating properly and staying active.
Ask Your Doctor About a Prostate Exam
Prostate cancer risk varies from man to man. Some have an increased risk of developing this disease and could benefit from learning about ways to lower their risk levels. For these reasons, it’s important for each person to talk to their doctor about whether a prostate exam is right for them.
Certain groups of men have an increased risk of prostate cancer. This includes African-American men, those of Scandinavian descent, and anyone with multiple family members that were diagnosed. For those with a very high risk of prostate cancer, there may be other options for risk reduction, such as medications.
If you think you have a high risk of prostate cancer, discuss it with your doctor. High-risk individuals generally consider prostate cancer screenings starting at forty years old. For men with normal risk levels, screenings can start closer to the age of fifty-five.
Make Prostate Friendly Dietary Changes
There are certain foods that can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Vegetables in particular are full of powerful vitamins and antioxidants that promote optimal health. Avoiding processed and charred foods can also make it easier for the body to avoid unnecessary problems.
Making smart nutrition choices can look like this:
- Eating lots of colorful vegetables
- Reducing excess sugar consumption
- Avoiding sources of processed carbohydrates
- Limiting amounts of animal-based protein
- Cutting down on red meat
Staying Active and Hydrated
Men that exercise regularly can look forward to a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer and other chronic diseases. Staying active also makes it easier to maintain healthy body weight over time. Doing so can reduce the risk of aggressive types of prostate cancers that have been linked with obesity.
Men can consult with their doctors to discuss an exercise plan that would benefit them in the best way. Together, they can set achievable goals and get support from specialists as needed. When starting a new regimen, it’s always a good idea to start slowly and build up strength over time. Additionally, staying hydrated before, during, and after a workout can help the body function in the best ways possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great ways to promote prostate health. Taking the time to visit your doctor and discuss your risk is a great first step. Dietary changes can make it easier to get important vitamins and antioxidants into the body and reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods. Regular exercise can help men maintain healthy body weight and keep unwanted diseases such as prostate cancer and other chronic diseases at bay.