October 05, 2022 • Viva Nutra

A Healthy Prostate is a Healthy Man: Tips on How to Protect It

Nowadays, many men and women are adopting a healthier lifestyle due to the increasing number of health conditions and risk factors present in their everyday life. One of the prominent causes of mortality worldwide is cancer, specifically prostate cancer when referring to the male population.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men, falling behind lung cancer by just a small margin. Approximately 200,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, while about 34,000 deaths are reported as well. In other words, 1 out of 9 men will suffer from this health issue in their lifespan.

Thus, it is important to take safety measures and adopt certain habits to reduce this probability. Let's provide you an insight on certain tips for healthy prostate status.

Risk Factors

Before anything, you should understand that some men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than others because of certain risk factors. In simple terms, a risk factor is any aspect of an individual that increases the likelihood of a disease or condition to appear, whether it is a habit, other health issues, or family background. The most studied risk factor in prostate cancer are:

Age

Age is and will always be an accountable risk factor for any disease, including prostate cancer. Approximately 80% of all the cases are diagnosed in men older than 65 years and the reported cases usually begin after they reach 50 years old. Men under 40 have low risks of developing prostate cancer, but having other risks can cause an early onset of this health condition.

Family History

If there is a family history of prostate cancer, men have a higher risk. The chances increase up to eight times if you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with prostate cancer. Additionally, the risk doubles if you have a second-degree relative (uncle, cousin, grandparent).

Diet

Although studies are inconclusive, research has revealed that a high-fat and meat-based diet augments the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. As reported by Medscape, charred processed meats produce high amounts of substances known as N-nitrosamines. These compounds are carcinogenic and can lead to other forms of cancer, like lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer.

Race and/or Ethnicity

Apparently, prostate cancer is more frequent in African-American and Caribbean men. In addition, cases are less common in Hispanic and Asian men than non-Hispanic whites. However, studies have reported increased diagnosis in Asian-American men and it is linked to the adopted Western diet.

Genetic Mutations

Every person has its own DNA coding, which practically dictates all the biochemical reactions that occur in their bodies. However, these genes may have flaws that boost the chances of developing cancer or can be damaged by environmental factors, like smoking, toxins, pollution, and other substances. Additionally, these genetic mutations can also be passed to their young, which further confirms the family history risk factor. Until now, scientists have identified more than ten genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and HPC1, that are associated with an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.

 

Tips for Healthy Prostate Habits

There are some practices that you can employ in your everyday life to reduce the probabilities of developing prostate cancer.

Medical Check-ups

Prostate cancer screening is essential to detect undiagnosed cases at early stages so proper treatment can be provided beforehand. According to screening guidelines, all men above 50 years of age must receive a yearly assessment to evaluate prostate health. Men who are 45 years or older are also advised to commence screening if they have another risk factor, like a family history of prostate cancer or are African-American. Even more, urologists recommended all men who reached 40 years of age to begin checkups twice a year if they meet any of the following statements:

1. Possess more than one first-degree relative with prostate cancer
2. Family history of prostate cancer detected before the age of 50
3. Previous prostate conditions, like prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Those who meet the previous criteria are more susceptible to develop prostate cancer at a younger age. Thus, it is vital to contact their local physician to understand the initial symptoms and establish their medical appointments. Prostate health assessment includes physical examination, blood exams, and biopsies.

Establish a Healthier Food Regimen

As said previously, high-fat and red meat-based meals increase your chances of developing prostate cancer. Therefore, you should limit your red meat consumption and choose healthier meat alternatives, such as chicken, turkey, fish, soy, and tofu. Additionally, you can incorporate more fiber in your diet because it promotes gut health and strengthens the immune system.

Some clinical trials have shown that consuming fruits and vegetables on a regular basis decreases the likelihood of many types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of antioxidants, compounds that repair DNA damage, reduce premature aging, and fight carcinogenic cells.

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise offers many health benefits, such as promoting cardiovascular health, stabilizing mood swings, and aiding in weight loss. However, physical activity also regulates hormonal imbalances that may affect various organs and can ultimately lead to cancer. According to Harvard Medical Publishing, performing about180 minutes of moderate exercise per week reduces the likelihood of certain prostate illnesses, like benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Incorporating DHT-Blocker Supplements

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a waste compound produced from the hormone testosterone. Research has demonstrated that high DHT levels cause the prostate to increase in size and can alter its cellular composition. Some of the most aggressive subtypes of prostate cancer are linked to high DHT levels. Thus, it is quite promising to consume DHT blockers to prevent prostate cancer.

One of our products Prevention Prostate Supplement contains an important substance known as beta-sitosterol, which interferes with the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. For this reason, it can prevent prostatic cells from multiplying or suffering damage from exposure to DHT. Additionally, Prevention contains other naturals extracts, such as saw palmetto berries and green tea leaves, that improve urinary symptoms and promotes prostate health. Furthermore, it has great nutritional value due to its content in zinc and selenium, minerals that possess anti-carcinogenic properties.

A healthy prostate is a healthy man and you must try to live your life to the fullest without any regret. By incorporating certain changes in your diet or habits and consuming supplements, like Prevention, you can take a step further into a healthier lifesyle.