Medical science today knows that the prostate gland is a unique organ embedded deep between the bladder and the penis. It's often seen as the elusive gland that happens to be the size of a ping-pong ball.
Despite its modest size, this gland is crucial to protect male sperms. It is said to be smaller in size and weight among younger men and may grow as you age.
A poor diet increases the risk of cancer and even benign issues like prostatic hyperplasia. A healthy diet, regular sun exposure, and supplements like Prostate 911 can protect prostate health.
In this article, we will observe how what you eat or drink may be impacting the health of your prostate. Additionally, we will discuss four tips in detail to prevent further damage and safeguard this vital organ’s health.
Prostate issues among men are more common than you may think. They usually escalate with age. For instance, - Yale Medicine shares that prostatic hyperplasia affects 50% of men between the ages of 51 and 60. This percentage shoots up to 80% among those aged 70 and older.
Moreover, the American Cancer Society states that even prostate cancer incidences are growing each year. In 2024, over 299,000 new cases were diagnosed. Out of these, more than 35,000 resulted in deaths.
By such figures, it is clear that prostate health is not something to be taken lightly. Nobody wants to be diagnosed with the aforementioned conditions but our food and drink may be welcoming the inevitable.
The Standard American Diet (SAD) is dangerous for the body. If you consume such a diet regularly, you're unknowingly sabotaging your prostate health. Let's discuss the top four foods that are harmful to your prostate gland.
There is much debate in the health community regarding meat consumption. Even if meat in moderate quantities is good for health, the same should not be processed.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines processed meat in clear terms. It is considered to be meat that has been transformed using methods like fermentation, curing, or salting. Such processing aims to enhance the meat’s flavor once it's cooked.
Usually, beef and pork meats are highly processed. The organization warns against excessive consumption of such meat, including red meats like lamb or goat. They may lead to prostate cancer in the long run.
Upon cooking on high flame, such meats release what is known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs). These are carcinogens often linked with various types of cancer.
What shall we even say of alcohol? This item has been linked to various physical and mental health problems. Now, how exactly does alcohol increase the risk of prostate cancer?
The primary ways it makes the body inflamed and toxic are DNA damage, the creation of reactive oxygen species, and impaired nutrient absorption. Occasional drinking may not be that harmful.
However, heavy drinking is to be avoided. If someone is addicted, they must seek help to overcome their problem. Heavy drinkers would include those who consume more than 3 drinks in a day or over 20 shots in a week.
Most people tend to avoid saturated fats due to their association with heart disease. These fats may also have some link with advanced prostate cancer. Research is still underway in this area.
However, those who consume saturated fats in high amounts in the form of baked goods, salad dressings, etc. must take note. All greasy products like oils, butter, and lard will have saturated fats in them.
Consumption of too many dairy products can also harm prostate health. Research published in the Journal of Nutrition particularly criticized whole milk as a cause of prostate cancer. Even skimmed and low-fat milk can contribute to the early stages of the disease.
The situation only gets worse when one consumes all kinds of processed dairy. This may include yogurt, cheese, cream, and custard.
Prevention is always better than cure. If you have abused your prostate health with overconsumption of the above-mentioned food items, it's time to do one-eighty.
With some changes, you should still be able to enjoy good prostate health. Let's look at four tips to prevent further damage.
Research in the area of diet to prevent prostate cancer is being vigorously conducted. One diet that has emerged as a champion is the Mediterranean diet. Even in general, this diet is considered to be extremely healthy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, this diet is predominantly built around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. Meats, poultry, and dairy are consumed but in moderate amounts. Though seafood is preferred, it is also consumed in limited quantities.
Though a healthy diet is predominant in maintaining prostate health, it may not always be enough. You can take relevant superfoods or supplements that provide your prostate with all the nutrients required to stay healthy.
According to PhyTage Laboratories, you could find support if you're facing issues like -
Keep in mind that supplements may not cure a prostate-related disease. However, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, they can prevent future issues and help manage symptoms.
High levels of stress in the body mainly impact hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Since more cortisol is produced due to stress, it may lead to prostate enlargement and cell growth. The pelvic floor tension also increases and inflammation levels rise.
If your lifestyle is stressful or you’re used to worrying too much about things, this is your cue to manage stress. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or tai chi. Get sufficient sleep, at least seven to nine hours each night. Seek professional help or counseling if the issue seems to be getting out of hand.
Also, avoid all kinds of stimulants, including alcohol. It will not only affect prostate health but also disrupt your sleep patterns.
Did you know that studies have found that there is a link between Vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of prostate cancer? This vitamin, absorbed mainly through sunlight, is responsible for regulating cellular processes and immune surveillance.
The problem is that most people do not get enough sun exposure these days. There are not many other sources to get your daily dose of Vitamin D. So, you must make a deliberate choice to get more of the sun. Healthline suggests safe ways to draw the benefits of Vitamin D from the sun.
Those of us living far away from the equator naturally make less of Vitamin D in our bodies. Hence, such folks need to spend more time under the sun than others.
Let’s close with what the esteemed Johns Hopkins Medicine has to say on prostate cancer. This condition is called the ‘disease of aging,’ which means older men are at greater risk of developing it.
You may not be able to control your age or genes but you can take charge of your diet and lifestyle changes. This will significantly reduce your chance of developing cancer or any other condition associated with the prostate gland.
