Problems with the prostate gland can be extremely irritating if not downright painful for a man. Even a mild case of prostatitis or BPH can cause significant discomfort and inconvenience since it involves the increased urge to urinate and the feeling that the bladder is never completely empty. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is not generally considered a serious disease but it can lead to bladder stones and infections of the kidneys or urinary tract. More serious problems such as prostate cancer can, of course, prove fatal. Therefore if you are male then preventing future prostate problems should be high on your list of priorities.
A Healthy Lifestyle
It may sound obvious but the key to preventing prostate problems is leading a healthy lifestyle. That means eating a diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats and avoiding fast food. A healthy lifestyle also comprises of regular exercise, safe sex practices and avoiding cigarettes and excessive alcohol intake. Living a healthy lifestyle is not just a good way of preventing prostate problems. It will also protect you from several other diseases and ailments.
Vitamins And Supplements
Preventing prostate problems entails taking the right vitamins, herbs and supplements. Vitamins A, C, E and D are thought particularly beneficial when it comes to preventing prostate problems. Selenium protects against cancerous cells developing on the prostate. Herbs such as black seed, bitter melon, pumpkin seed extract and saw palmetto are all thought to help maintain a healthy prostate gland.
Tests And Checkups
Even if you happen to take all of the aforementioned steps with the aim of preventing prostate problems that does not circumvent the need for regular examinations and tests. Men of all ages should ask their health care provider about prostate specific antigen tests. This test checks for high levels of seminoprotein in the blood because since this can be a sign that there are cancerous cells on the prostate gland.
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Men over the age of forty need regular prostate examinations. Some men are reluctant to have this test done because it is a rectal examination. However the few seconds of embarrassment and discomfort each year are worthwhile because the test can detect prostate problems such as the presence of cancerous cells. If an examination gives a doctor reason to believe there is a problem he or she will order a prostate biopsy. This involves the removal of a small portion of the prostate gland for the purpose of analysis.
In the end preventing prostate problems really isn’t difficult. By living well, taking certain vitamins and supplements, avoiding toxins and excesses and having regular tests and checkups a man can avoid many of the health conditions associated with prostate problems. It is only when a man neglects his health and does not take any responsibility for his own wellbeing that complications occur.
