Supporting prostate health as you age can be a confusing task. Many men eventually ask their doctors about nutrition, health, and supplement regimens they can follow to maintain their prostate health. Here are some ways that your doctor might recommend to support your prostate health.
Consider Supplements for Support
Various prostate health supplements exist, and many of the ingredients have undergone research. Some have more research support than others, and many seem to be person dependent. Below are three ingredients that have been investigated for their support of prostate health.
Saw Palmetto
According to Healthline.com, palmetto is a variety of palm that is commonly used to support prostate health. Many prostate health supplements use saw palmetto as one of the ingredients in their formulations.
Lycopene
Lycopene is an antioxidant and what gives certain foods their red or pinkish color. It is found in significant quantities in tomatoes and tomato products, guava, watermelon, and papaya. Healthline.com has assessed, based on research findings, that lycopene may support prostate health.
Soy Isoflavones
Soy Isoflavones are a type of phytoestrogen that has been studied in relation to prostate health. According to a Healthline.com review, soy isoflavones may have benefits associated with prostate health.
Exercise Regularly To Support Overall Health
Maintaining your overall health is important in supporting all other areas of health in your body. Harvard Health Publishing upholds that the research into exercise and prostate health supports that men benefited from consistent exercise in terms of prostate health or experienced a benefit to their prostate health by adding physical activity.
For the average adult, the CDC generally recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity exercise, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity or a combination of the two types of aerobic activity. This can equal five days a week of 30 min sessions at a moderate intensity of physical activity or as little as two sessions a week at higher intensities.
In addition to aerobic activity, at least two days of strength training each week is recommended. Lifting weights or any type of external or bodyweight resistance exercise counts as strength training.
Adopt a Healthy Way of Eating
Nutrition is an important part of supporting overall health. According to Harvard Health Publishing, there is no definitive list of foods that will specifically support prostate health, but there are general guidelines that can be followed to live an overall healthier lifestyle. These nutritional guidelines include:
- Controlling and reducing sugar intake, especially from sugary drinks and desserts
- Reducing the intake of saturated fats, eating healthy fats and avoiding trans fats in processed foods
- Avoiding processed meats and limiting consumption of red meats
- Choosing eggs, fish, skinless chicken and beans as a primary protein source
- Committing to eating at least five or more servings of vegetables and fruits each day
- Limiting salt, frozen food, canned food and processed food intake
- Developing an overall healthy nutritional habit as part of your lifestyle
There is still research being accomplished and best practices being developed for supporting prostate health. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an accepted way to support overall health. Considering your supplement choices, nutritional habits and exercise routine are three areas you can use to assess your current health practice.