The brisk pace is important: One study found that men who walked three or more hours a week at a brisk pace after diagnosis had a 57 percent lower risk of having prostate cancer recur than men who walked at a slower pace, for less than three hours a week. “Just walking, not running! Walking is so common.
Exercise that is good for your heart is also good for prostate and sexual health. Do 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, like swimming, biking, speed walking, or hiking on most days of the week. You can also add in strength training exercises like working with free weights or weight machines on alternating days.
A comparison group did non-aerobic exercise (leg lifts, sit-ups, and stretching) three times a week. At the end of 18 weeks, men in both groups felt better, but those doing aerobic exercises reported less prostatitis pain, less anxiety and depression, and better quality of life.
People may find that yoga helps them to manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, but there are also other exercises that may help. Another exercise people can try are Kegels. These are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors.
These medicines shrink the prostate. They do this by preventing hormone changes that cause the prostate to grow. Examples include finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart).
Medication is often the first step of enlarged prostate treatment. There are multiple drugs that can help reduce BPH symptoms, including: 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that help shrink the prostate. Alpha blockers that relax prostate muscle fibers and bladder neck muscles.
Drinking water is essential for prostate and overall health. On average, it is recommended to consume at least eight cups of water daily. Be sure to drink water during and after exercise.
Physical activity like walking and riding a bicycle has been found to increase PSA levels. Because of this, men should avoid physical exercise, especially cycling for at least 24 hours before having a PSA level drawn.
One study found men who exercise the equivalent of only one to three hours of walking each week have an 86% lower risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Further research has demonstrated three or more hours of vigorous exercise lowered the risk of prostate cancer death by 61%.
When you sit for long periods, it puts pressure on your prostate gland and inflames it over time. Try to avoid long bike rides and sitting down for too long.
In fact, daily meat consumption is believed to triple the risk of prostate enlargement. Dairy: Similarly to meat, regular consumption of dairy has been linked to an increased risk of BPH. Cutting out or reducing butter, cheese, and milk may help reduce BPH symptoms.
To help relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, watch how much fluid you drink, especially before bedtime, or before going out. Minimize alcohol and caffeine, as well as over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines. They can make your symptoms worse.
To relieve this pressure, get up and move around at least once every hour. In the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, researchers found that the more hours a study participant watched TV -- a measurement of inactivity -- the more likely symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) would develop.
The principle behind reflexology is that the hands and feet contain sensors that connect to all other parts of the body. By massaging the reflex points related to the prostate, you send a signal to the gland that stimulates healing. The point for the prostate is located at the base of the heel on either side.
Try NOT to take over-the-counter cold and sinus medicines that contain decongestants or antihistamines. These drugs can increase BPH symptoms. Keep warm and exercise regularly. Cold weather and lack of physical activity may worsen symptoms.
Research shows that three to five cups of green tea a day can reduce inflammation in the prostate gland. After a period of study, levels of kappa B, a protein linked with inflammation, were lower in men who had been drinking green tea regularly in comparison to those who had not.
Drinking green tea regularly can ease inflammation in the prostate gland. This, in turn, reduces pressure on the urethra, thus easing common enlarged prostate symptoms such as needing to use the loo at night.
Thus it might be useful for preventing overgrowth of the prostate and in prevention of BPH as a functional food for people who want to control their quality of life. The common banana (Musa spp.) is a tropical fruit that grows in the western hemisphere.
Can an enlarged prostate go back to normal? In some people with mild BPH, their symptoms went away without treatment. If your symptoms don't go away during a watchful waiting approach, you and your healthcare provider should start discussing treatment options.
Egg yolks are rich in arachidonic acid, a substance that increases inflammation which can affect the prostate gland. Nonetheless, the entire content of an egg has been shown that aggravates BPH symptoms. On the whole, eggs are part of the worst foods for prostate health.
If you are struggling to urinate, you are straining or you have a weak stream, a simple yet effective trick is to run some water when you go to the toilet. You could also try placing a hot water bottle on your lower abdomen as this relaxes the muscles there making it easier to urinate.
The bottom line with prostate massages is that it's not an effective treatment for prostate problems or pelvic pain. Using it with a consenting partner during sex is OK, but don't rely on it as a medical therapy.
Cruciferous vegetables.
Bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage and kale are high in essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help reduce inflammation and maintain a healthy prostate. These vegetables also contain phytochemicals that are known to prevent the growth of cancer cells.