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The prostate gland and Its Function

The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive organ where its function is to produce a thick, milky-white fluid that becomes part of the semen, the liquid that is being ejaculated during sexual activity. The size of the gland is about the size of a walnut or golf ball. The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the upper part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder.

Thus health issues arise from the prostate can affect both urination and the sexual function in a man.

Common Prostate Diseases

The prostate is prone to three main conditions which are:

1. Prostatitis, an infection or inflammation of the prostate. Prostatitis can cause burning or painful urination, the urgent need to urinate, trouble urinating, difficult or painful ejaculation, and pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum (known as the perineum) or in the lower back.

2. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), aging-related enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH can make the prostate compress the urethra and slow or even stop the flow of urine, in much the same way that bending a garden hose chokes off the flow of water. BPH affects about three-quarters of men over age 60.

3. Prostate cancer, the growth of cancerous cells inside the prostate, which may break out of the gland and affect other parts of the body. In Malaysia, prostate cancer is stated as 18th leading cause of death. It occurs mainly in older men.

Ways to Maintain Healthy Prostate

• Consumption of green tea

Green tea is one of the best things to drink to improve prostate health as it boosts immunity and is loaded with antioxidants. Research shows that green tea can help with prostate cancer and may even help slow the growth of aggressive prostate cancers. It is also helpful when it comes to benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The catechins found in green tea can promote normal prostate size and reduce a man's risk for BPH and improve urinary function. Another good tea to try for improved prostate health is hibiscus tea.

When choosing tea, make sure to choose caffeine-free tea. Caffeine can irritate the prostate and the bladder. If you are suffering from urinary symptoms as a result of a prostatitis, caffeine can make these symptoms worse and more painful. If you have BPH or prostatitis, aim to reduce your caffeine consumption by drinking less caffeinated drinks like coffee and soda. This can significantly improve your urinary health.

In addition to tea, make sure to always drink plenty of water - at least six to eight glasses a day.

• Exercise regularly

When it comes to prostate health, staying physically active is essential. Exercise can improve your overall health as it helps you to lose weight if necessary and improves heart health. Losing weight may be helpful in reducing symptoms of certain prostate conditions or diseases as the added weight can put pressure on the prostate and bladder which can cause urinary problems. Excess weight has also been linked to a higher risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. For improved prostate health, men should aim to get at least thirty minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise on most days of the week. Exercise may also reduce the risk of developing BPH and urinary tract symptoms. If you are overweight or obese, exercising and losing weight is one of the best ways to improve prostate health.

• Healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet that is rich in prostate-friendly foods is essential for improving prostate health. What we consume has everything to do with our overall health. Some of the best diets for a healthy prostate include the Mediterranean diet, which includes eating mostly plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. And instead of using salt, using spices and herbs to flavor foods. Another healthy diet is the diet consumed by Asian countries, which rich in fish and plant-based sources of protein. Both diets are also low in sugar, saturated fats, and processed foods.

Some healthy foods for improved prostate health include vegetables, tomatoes, avocados, walnuts, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, nuts, olives, and pomegranate juice.

• Prostate-healthy supplements

It can sometimes be difficult to get all the vitamins and nutrients the prostate needs from food. In this case, you should talk to your doctor about taking prostate supplements that may help you get the remaining vitamins and nutrients it needs. Supplements that may be helpful for improved prostate health include saw palmetto, vitamin d3, zinc citrate, pygeum, and green tea leaf extract.

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