The prostate is a gland, typically the size of a walnut, that is a part of the male reproductive system, which comprises the penis, seminal vesicles, prostate, and testicles.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This gland, which typically weighs about 30g (1 ounce), sits below the bladder and above the base of the penis. More precisely, it is located right in front of the rectum.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The prostate gland<\/a> surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. Since the urethra goes right through this gland, the prostate affects the urine flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The primary role of the prostate is to produce prostatic fluid<\/a> that, together with sperm cells, makes up semen. Prostate\u2019s muscles make sure the semen is forcefully pressed into the urethra and expelled when a man ejaculates. The gland contributes 20% to 30% of fluid to the total semen volume. The remainder comes from testicles and seminal vesicles.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prostatic fluid is abundant in enzymes, citric acid, and zinc<\/a>, all of which are necessary for the survival of sperm cells. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is one of the most important enzymes, and its role is to make semen thinner and more fluid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prostate also functions to close the urethra during ejaculation, and it participates in hormone metabolism. The gland contains a 5-alpha reductase enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a biologically active form of the hormone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [bensnaturalhealthIinlineLeadGen id =”1″ event=”Prostate eBook Download” image=”https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/PSA-cover.png” title=”Sign Up For Our Newsletter!” content=”##Receive 10% off our best-selling supplements ##Get Your FREE PSA Lowering Diet Plan ##Be the first to hear about sales and promotions ## Stay up to date on our latest health news”]<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the prostate gland has an important function in the male reproductive and overall health, it\u2019s prone to several problems that impair its activity. The most common prostate problems include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prostate problems manifest themselves through various symptoms whose intensity ranges from mild to severe. Below, you can get more details about symptoms of prostate problems.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms of prostate enlargement<\/a> develop gradually and tend to worsen over time. In most cases, the symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the early stages, prostate cancer is usually asymptomatic. As the disease progresses, various symptoms<\/a> may occur, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms of prostatitis<\/a> may vary from one type of condition to another. Generally speaking, they include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n When left unmanaged, prostate problems can significantly impact a man\u2019s daily life. However, in a vast majority of cases, these problems can be prevented. For instance, a review<\/a> from the Journal of Urology<\/em> confirmed that BPH disease is both predictable and preventable.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, the Lancet Oncology<\/em> published a study<\/a> that showed various lifestyle modifications could prevent prostate cancer<\/a>. Even though the exact cause of prostate cancer is unclear, a healthy lifestyle can significantly decrease the likelihood of developing this disease and thereby protect your prostate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoiding risk factors<\/a> of prostate problems such as cancer can help prevent them and help you have a healthy prostate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As seen above, you can protect your prostate and cut down the risk of common diseases that affect this gland. A proactive attitude is necessary.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n A common problem for many men is that they don\u2019t focus on prostate health until problems occur. There\u2019s a lot you can do to protect this walnut-shaped gland naturally.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simple and subtle lifestyle changes and modifications can go a long way. Scroll down to see our health tips on how to naturally protect your prostate against common diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evidence shows 50% of American men aged between 51 and 60 have enlarged prostate. Although the risk of developing BPH is higher with age, it\u2019s not a normal part of aging. Below, you can see how to naturally protect your prostate against BPH:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Excess weight increases the intra-abdominal pressure, thus worsening symptoms of an enlarged prostate such as poor urine stream, nocturia<\/a>, urinary hesitancy, among others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, overweight and obesity promote inflammation and oxidative stress, which also aggravate symptoms of BPH. Being overweight puts a man at an increased risk of BPH, or it worsens the symptoms of this disease by changing the androgens to estrogens ratio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since excess weight is a major risk factor for BPH and it worsens disease in men who have it, it\u2019s crucial to maintain weight in a healthy range. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Overweight or obese men should employ weight-loss strategies to slim down. A well-structured plan consisting of a healthy diet and exercise can help you lose weight<\/a> and protect your prostate against BPH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People with lower levels of sedentary time are at a lower risk of developing BPH than their counterparts who are more sedentary. First of all, a sedentary lifestyle leads to overweight or obesity. As seen above, excess weight and BPH are strongly connected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, sitting for long periods puts pressure on the prostate and may inflame it eventually. To protect your prostate against BPH, make sure to increase physical activity levels and focus on regular exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid activities that require a lot of sitting, such as bicycling<\/a>. Go for activities and exercises that make you move more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Increased physical activity can help you maintain weight in a healthy range also supports prostate health. That way, you can reduce the risk of developing BPH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Men with BPH or those who want to reduce the risk of developing this problem should avoid drinking alcohol or decrease consumption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Alcohol can hinder the ability of a prostate muscle to relax and thereby irritates the bladder. As a result, symptoms of BPH worsen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n High alcohol intake may also lead to obstruction of the urinary tract and trigger complete blockage. Since alcohol is bad news for general health and causes prostate problems, it\u2019s a wise choice to avoid it. If you wish to drink alcohol, keep the intake at a minimum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The food you eat has a major impact on prostate health. To manage BPH or prevent it, you may want to modify your diet. To protect your prostate against BPH, you may want to avoid or reduce consumption of red meat, dairy, and sodium. Foods to eat to protect your prostate against BPH include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides a healthy diet, you may also want to try that contain vitamins, minerals, and extracts from plants that promote prostate health.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look for supplements that deliver vitamins and minerals such as zinc, beta-sitosterol<\/a>, pygeum<\/a>, saw palmetto<\/a>, and rye pollen extract<\/a>. Stinging nettle<\/a>, pumpkin seeds<\/a>, and red clover are also found in many .\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States and worldwide. Although symptoms of prostate cancer can be severe, this disease is often preventable.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below, you can take a look at things you can do to protect your prostate gland against cancer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A growing body of evidence<\/a> confirms excess weight is associated with a higher risk of prostate cancer, especially aggressive prostate cancer. Overweight and obesity are linked to prostate cancer through several mechanisms.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are associated with lower levels of physical activity and higher concentrations of insulin and insulin-like growth factor, which inhibit apoptosis<\/a> and promote carcinogenesis.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n To decrease the risk of prostate cancer, you need to focus on maintaining a healthy weight. Overweight or obese men may need to slim down, whereas those with a healthy weight need to maintain it in the normal range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Men who exercise regularly<\/a> have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Vigorous physical activity has the best effect, which is why you may want to do cardio training. Find an activity you like and strive to practice it regularly. Exercise can also help you lose weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fatty fish is abundant in , which are associated with a lower incidence of prostate cancer and better survival among men who have the disease.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The exact mechanism through which Omega-3s are linked to prostate cancer prevention is unclear, but it could be due to anti-inflammatory effects. Enrich your diet with salmon, mackerel, and other fatty fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Smoking<\/a> is a significant risk factor for prostate cancer. Not only does it increase the likelihood of this disease, but it\u2019s also associated with more severe outcomes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s unclear how smoking contributes to prostate cancer; various mechanisms could be involved. Smokers inhale cancerous pollutants, which are then excreted in urine to some extent.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, to be expelled in urine, these compounds need to flow through the prostate first because this gland surrounds the urethra. Also, smoking boosts inflammation. To protect your prostate from cancer, you may want to consider quitting smoking<\/a>. While it seems difficult, this is an achievable mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RELATED: <\/strong>How To Quit Smoking: Top Tips<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fresh fruits are essential aspects of diet to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, especially citrus fruits. These fruits reduce the risk of cancer, but more research is necessary to uncover underlying mechanisms. High levels of vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant, could be involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RELATED:<\/strong> Prostate Cancer Diet: 10 Foods To Eat and Foods You Should Avoid<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They contain high levels of the antioxidant lycopene<\/a>, which reduces the growth and progression of prostate cancer cells. The redder the fruit or vegetable, the more lycopene it contains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Saturated fats and animal fat are linked to prostate cancer. That\u2019s why you may want to decrease fat consumption and make sure you don\u2019t overcook the meat when you decide to eat it. Ideally, you should focus on healthy fats and reduce your meat consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drinking coffee<\/a> can reduce the risk of prostate cancer, and the same applies to green tea<\/a>. Both beverages contain chemicals with cancer-fighting properties.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind that coffee can worsen some prostate conditions, so the best thing to do is keep your consumption moderate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n BPA in plastic bottles is a good example of an estrogenic compound that may affect hormonal balance and increase the risk of prostate cancer.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid plastic bottles, exposure to heavy metals, and the use of products with harsh chemicals to protect yourself and your prostate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some supplements can support prostate health and thereby reduce prostate cancer risk. The best include lycopene, sulforaphane, pomegranate, vitamin D, vitamin E<\/a>, among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reality is that patients often receive invasive diagnoses and undergo uncomfortable diagnostic tests they don\u2019t really need.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prostatitis is a good example of that problem. A healthy lifestyle has a far better impact on prostate health than invasive procedures that mask the symptoms rather than protect the prostate and improve its health and function.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n To protect your prostate against prostatitis, you should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many cases of prostatitis are caused by common strains of bacteria. To reduce the risk of infection, it\u2019s crucial to keep the genital area clean. That\u2019s why you need to practice good hygiene and wash your genital area regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Too much sitting<\/a> can put pressure on the prostate gland and cause inflammation. Be more active and try to stand up frequently.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a desk job, ideally you should set up a reminder to get up and move around every 30 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bacteria that reach the urinary tract can cause infection. If you don\u2019t drink plenty of fluids, these bacteria start multiplying and causing uncomfortable symptoms.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why you need to stay hydrated throughout the day. The best option is water. It will help flush bacteria from the bladder and support general health and wellbeing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drinking a lot of water<\/a> is also good for weight loss, which is also necessary for protection against prostatitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Engaging in a few hours of exercise a week can reduce the risk of chronic prostatitis<\/a>, but make sure to avoid activities that require sitting for long periods.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In many cases, spicy foods can worsen symptoms of prostatitis. That\u2019s why you may want to eat your food on the milder side.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you love spicy foods, make sure not to overdo it and try to limit their consumption to once or twice a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alcohol is bad news for your prostate, whereas caffeine can help reduce prostate cancer risk. At the same time, caffeine could contribute to prostatitis by irritating the bladder and urinary tract. The most important thing here is to reduce the consumption of these beverages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are abundant in nutrients that fight inflammation and help your body, including the prostate. Healthy eating supports prostate health and makes it less likely to deal with uncomfortable problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sexually transmitted infections<\/a> can contribute to prostatitis. For that reason, you need to practice safe sex to prevent bacteria from getting into the urethra.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unmanaged stress makes you more likely to deal with prostatitis. Stress<\/a> isn\u2019t something you should ignore.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meditation<\/a> and other relaxation techniques<\/a> can help you manage your stress<\/a> adequately and protect against prostatitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prostate conditions are common, but there\u2019s a lot you can do to protect this gland naturally.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n A healthy lifestyle is crucial because it tackles the main causes of prostate problems. If the uncomfortable symptoms persist, make sure to consult your health care provider. But keep in mind doctor-recommended treatments are not a replacement for healthy lifestyle measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\nProstate problems that affect men\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Symptoms of prostate problems\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of BPH<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Symptoms of prostate cancer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Symptoms of prostatitis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Can prostate problems be prevented?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to naturally protect your prostate<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to protect your prostate against BPH<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Maintain weight in a healthy range\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"prostate](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Prostatitis-In-Line-Ad-V2-1.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n2. Increase physical activity levels\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Avoid or reduce alcohol intake<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Modify your diet\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5. Try supplements\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to protect your prostate against prostate cancer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Lose weight\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Exercise more\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"prostatitis](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/6-exercises-that-are-good-for-prostatitis-1024x256.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Eat more fish\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Quit smoking<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Add citrus to your diet\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Prostate](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Prostate-Cancer-Diet_11zon-1024x256.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n6. Eat red fruits and vegetables\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Reduce fat intake\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Drink coffee and green tea\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Reduce exposure to estrogenic compounds\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Use supplements\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to protect your prostate against prostatitis\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Have good hygiene\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Avoid sitting for long periods\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Stay hydrated\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Exercise\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"exercise](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/exercises-to-boost-your-immune-system-1024x217.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n5. Reduce consumption of spicy foods<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Eat more fruits and vegetables\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Practice safe sex\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Manage stress\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Explore More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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