3 Tips for Lowering the Risk of Prostate Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed of prostate cancer at some point in their lives. While this is seems a bit alarming, the good news is that it’s highly survivable with a 97.5 percent 5-year relative survival rate.
While there may be nothing you can really do to prevent prostate cancer –too many factors can trigger it including genetics, family history, and environmental factors– you can find ways to lower the risk of even getting the cancer in the first place.
Many cases of prostate cancer tend to develop and spread slowly, which may offer a larger window for intervention. Antioxidants are recognized as a major player in protecting cells against cancer. Specifically, the pathophysiology of prostate cancer may be linked to the oxidant and antioxidant balance in the body. As a result of its strong antioxidant and immune-modulating properties, it’s not surprising that glutathione has been studied for its role in cancer prevention and treatment.
Unlike lung cancer prevention studies that have shown that people who smoke have a higher risk of developing it, the studies on prostate cancer aren’t really focused on preventive strategies. So, your best chances lie in just doing your best to minimize risk of developing the cancer. Medical specialists and researchers recommend doing the following:
Eat Healthy
The foods you eat can contribute to your risk of developing this cancer. Studies have shown that low fat foods, with lots of fiber from vegetables and fruits have been linked to a healthier prostate as well as a lower risk of the cancer. Some examples of low-fat foods include meat, cheese, and heart-friendly oils such as olive oil.
Plus, eating healthily helps reduce weight gain and improves heart health. So, the benefits of this kind of lifestyle are huge and should be adopted very quickly. Once you’re above the age of 35, you need to start eating fewer sugars, and carbs. Of course, this is not to say that you should completely eliminate carbs.
Just make sure that you eat them in moderation. Every meal you eat should be according to the following proportions: 20 percent carb, 10 percent healthy oils, 20-30 percent lean protein, and 30-40 percent fruits and veggies.
Start Exercising
The average adult male spends hours sitting at their desk because of work. Not only does this lead to weight gain, and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and related conditions, it weakens the prostate muscle and muscles around your general private area.
So, start working out more rigorously every week. Urology specialists like Dr. Paul Manohar of paulmanoharurology.com.au, and other physicians generally recommend 100-150 minutes of active exercise every week –that’s 20-30 minutes a day 5-7 days a week. Men who exercise more frequently have a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer.
So, take more brisk walks, do some running, weight training, and strength training. All of these not only contribute to a healthier prostate, but they also improve your overall sense of well-being. Men who work out are often more energetic, have more vitality, are generally less obese, likely to have higher testosterone levels, tend to be happier, and are more likely to live longer than their sedentary counterparts.
Eliminate Bad Lifestyle Habits
The occasional alcohol isn’t bad –wines are best because of tannins. But drinking excessively is bound to affect your health. Alcoholics are more likely to have higher liver fats, which inhibits optimal liver function. Also, quit smoking.