How to Maintain Prostate Gland Health

In 2009, the American Cancer Institute reported more than 192,000 new cases of prostate cancer and about 28,000 deaths caused by prostate cancer. Although issues such as an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer are most common in middle-aged men and seniors, it is important to maintain good prostate health at any age. Good prostate maintenance provides a preventive measure to help avoid prostate problems later in life. There are many effective methods to maintain the health of your prostate.

Things You'll Need

• Zinc supplement
• Saw palmetto

Instructions

1. Get a prostate exam regularly to stay up to date on your prostate's health. The American Cancer Society recommends men over the age of 50 visit a urologist for a prostate exam once every year. Many men avoid getting their annual prostate test because it is uncomfortable, but the exam should not be avoided. Catching prostate problems early can save your life.

2. Add plenty of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet. Tomatoes, strawberries, cabbage and broccoli are all beneficial to prostate health. Vegetables such as tomatoes contain Lycopene which is particularly beneficial to prostate health. Include five servings of healthy fruits and vegetables to maintain your prostate's health and prevent prostate cancer.

3. Exercise daily to maintain prostate health as well as your overall health. According to a study that appeared in the Journal of Urology, men who walked one to three hours each week were 86 percent more likely to not get prostate cancer and other prostate conditions. Consider including a walk or light jog part as a part of your daily schedule.

4. Purchase a bottle of zinc supplements. Zinc is a natural mineral that is essential for good prostate health. Although zinc is very beneficial for maintaining and improving prostate health, overloading your body with zinc can be damaging to your prostate and has been linked to prostate cancer. To be safe, don't exceed more than 100mg of zinc daily.

5. Take saw palmetto supplements to increase prostate health and lower your chances of having an enlarged prostate. Saw palmetto works by reducing the amount of hormones within the tissue of the prostate. This supplement can be found at most drug stores. Follow the dosing instructions on the bottle.

Tips & Warnings

• See a doctor if you suspect an issue with your prostate.

• Avoid nonreputable companies that promise a miracle supplement to help maintain the health of the prostate.

References

• Prostate90.com: Keeping a Healthy, Happy Prostate
• ForrestGeneral.com: Prostate Information
• YahooHealth: Prostate Cancer Treatment